Where Is Kalinchowk ? Location, Altitude & Quick Facts (Nepal)
Quick Summary :
Location : Kalinchowk Trek is in Dolakha District, Bagmati Province, Nepal, about 150 km east of Kathmandu.
Altitude : Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple sits at approximately 3,842 m (12,605 ft) above sea level.Kuri Village : Kuri is the main base village, located at around 3,200 m (10,499 ft).
Distance from Kathmandu : The journey from Kathmandu to Kalinchowk trek generally takes 6–8 hours by road.
Main Attraction : Kalinchowk is famous for the sacred Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple.
Cable Car : Visitors can travel from Kuri to the temple area by cable car in roughly 10–15 minutes.
Snowfall : Kalinchowk is especially popular for winter snowfall, generally from late December through February.
Mountain Views : On clear days, visitors can enjoy views toward Gaurishankar, Jugal, Langtang and Ganesh Himal.
Altitude Consideration : At 3,842 m, visitors should be aware of possible altitude-related symptoms and take the climb slowly.
Visiting Options : Travelers can visit independently or choose an organized Kalinchowk tour package that handles transportation, accommodation and logistics.
Kalinchowk Trek is a Himalayan hilltop and Hindu pilgrimage site in Kalinchok Rural Municipality, Dolakha District, Bagmati Province, Nepal about 150 km (93 mi) east of Kathmandu. Its summit shrine, Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, stands at 3,842 m (12,605 ft) above Kuri Village (3,200 m).
Planning your trip to Nepal ? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Nepal Tour Package to compare itineraries, breakdown real costs, and get expert local advice before you book.
Kalinchowk Nepal in 60 Seconds (Fact Box)
| Fact | Detail |
| Province | Bagmati Province |
| District | Dolakha |
| Rural Municipality | Kalinchok (also spelled Kalinchowk) |
| Nearest village | Kuri (3,200 m / 10,499 ft) |
| Temple altitude | 3,842 m (12,605 ft) |
| Distance from Kathmandu | 150 km (93 mi) 6–8 hours by road |
| Best season | December–February for snow year-round for pilgrimage |
| Key attractions | Bhagwati Temple, cable car, snow, Gaurishankar views |
Where Is Kalinchowk trek Located ?
Kalinchowk is in Dolakha District, Bagmati Province, eastern Nepal, inside Kalinchok Rural Municipality.
Province, District & Municipality
Kalinchowk lies in Bagmati Province, Dolakha District, within Kalinchok Rural Municipality (Ward area around Kuri).The temple and ridge sit on the western rim of Dolakha, overlooking the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
Kalinchowk on the Map (GPS & Nearby Towns)
Approximate GPS for the temple area : 27.747° N, 86.032° E.
Nearby reference points :
- Charikot (Dolakha headquarters ) : main road hub before the Kuri turn-off
- Kuri Village: base village for the temple and cable car
- Major Himalayan views: Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Jugal, Langtang, Ganesh ranges
Kalinchowk Location : Administrative & Geographic Boundaries
| Category | Details |
| Province | Bagmati Province |
| District | Dolakha District |
| Rural Municipality | Kalinchok Rural Municipality (Ward No. 1 & Ward No. 2 regions) |
| Physiographic Zone | High Himalayan Foothills / Middle Hills Transition Zone |
| Protected Status | Located inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCAP). Acts as a natural buffer bridge connecting Langtang National Park to the west and Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park to the east. |
Kalinchowk location GPS & Spatial Coordinates
| Location | Coordinates |
| Exact Ridge GPS Coordinates | 27° 44′ 49″ N, 86° 01′ 55″ E (27.747° N, 86.032° E) |
| Kuri Base Camp Coordinates | 27° 45′ 34″ N, 86° 02′ 51″ E |
Kalinchowk location for Neighboring Towns & Geographical Landmarks
| Landmark / Place | Elevation / Position | Key Context & Significance |
| Charikot | 1,950 m | Headquarters of Dolakha District and main entry highway junction. Kalinchowk sits 18 km north-northwest. |
| Dolakha Town | 1,700 m | Historic Newar settlement located 4 km east of Charikot, famous for the ancient Bhimeshwar Temple. |
| Sun Kosi & Tama Kosi Valleys | Watershed Boundary | The Kalinchowk ridge forms a natural divide between the Sun Kosi basin (west) and glacial Tama Kosi valley (east). |
Kalinchowk Himalayan Mountain View Horizon
| Mountain Range / Peak | Elevation | Viewing Orientation & Details |
| Gaurishankar | 7,134 m | Directly northeast; sacred peak that defines Nepal’s Official Standard Time (UTC+5:45). |
| Rolwaling Range | Varies | Eastern horizon towards Tibet. |
| Jugal & Langtang Range | Varies | Northwest towards Sindhupalchok. |
| Ganesh Himal Range | Varies | Far west, best visible on clear winter mornings. |
| Mount Everest | 8,848.86 m | Distant views visible from specific high viewpoints along the ridge on crisp autumn/winter mornings. |
Is Kalinchowk Inside a Protected Area ?
Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This means the landscape, forests and wildlife around Kalinchowk are managed for conservation and community tourism.
Key Conservation & Practical Context for Kalinchowk Trek
| Aspect | What It Means for Visitors & Local Region |
| Ecological Buffer Corridor | GCAP connects Langtang National Park (west) with Sagarmatha/Everest National Park (east), serving as a crucial eco-corridor for Himalayan wildlife movement. |
| Biodiversity & Flora | The slopes surrounding Kuri Village are rich in sub-alpine vegetation, dense Rhododendron forests (blooming Mar–May), and temperate oak and pine. |
| Protected Wildlife | The surrounding region provides sanctuary for rare mammals including the endangered Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, and over 235 bird species. |
| Community-Managed Tourism | Managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), tourism revenues support sustainable local lodge development, waste management, and community forest protection. |
| Entry Permits (Foreigners) | Non-Nepali Visitors: Require a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit. • SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,000 ($7.50) • Foreigners (Non-SAARC): NPR 3,000 (~$22) • Nepali Citizens: No conservation permit fee required. (Note: Foreigners must obtain permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu prior to departure to avoid double fees at entry checkpoints.) |
Kalinchowk Altitude : How High Is It ?
Kalinchowk Temple stands at 3,842 m (12,605 ft) above sea level.
Altitude Table : Temple, Kuri Village & Charikot (m / ft)
| Place | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) |
| Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple | 3,842 | 12,605 |
| Kuri Village (cable car base) | 3,200 | 10,499 |
| Charikot (district HQ) | 1,900–2,000* | 6,230–6,560 |
*Charikot elevation varies by source; treated here as a road reference, not a trek altitude.
Why Different Websites Show Different Heights
Some sites list 3,810 m (12,500 ft) or “around 3,800 m” for Kalinchowk. The most repeated and specific figure in travel and trekking sources is 3,842 m, which matches GPS-based trekking data and tour operators’ technical sheets
Use 3,842 m (12,605 ft) as the standard temple altitude for planning and content.
Will I Get Altitude Sickness at 3,842 m ?
Altitude sickness is possible above 2,500 m (8,200 ft), and Kalinchowk at 3,842 m (12,605 ft) is high enough for mild symptoms in some people.
Risk is lower than on multi-day high treks because most visitors sleep in Kuri (3,200 m) and only hike or ride up for a few hours. Still, go slow, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol on the first night if you’re sensitive to altitude.
What Is Kalinchowk Famous For ?
Kalinchowk is famous for the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, winter snowfall, a cable car, and wide Himalayan panoramas close to Kathmandu.
Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple
Kalinchowk Bhagwati (also spelled Bhagawati) is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, built in the 19th century according to local accounts. The temple sits on a rocky ridge at 3,842 m (12,605 ft) and draws pilgrims and tourists year-round, especially during festivals and winter holidays. A short 1–2 hour hike from Kuri Village to the temple is common, or visitors use the cable car.
The Nearest Snow to Kathmandu
Kalinchowk is one of the closest reliable snow destinations to Kathmandu, usually snow-covered from late December through February.
The ridge and meadows above Kuri often turn white after snowfall, making Kalinchowk a popular weekend and holiday trip for families and young travelers.
On our winter departures, snow typically starts 2–3 km below Kuri and thickens toward the temple ridge.
Nepal’s Third Cable Car
The Kalinchowk cable car, opened in 2018, is Nepal’s third major cable car system.
It links Kuri Village to the upper station near the temple, cutting the climb from a 1–2 hour hike to a 10–15 minute ride.
Fares differ by nationality; for Nepali citizens, recent published rates are around NPR 650 one-way / NPR 1,300 round-trip.
(Source: operator/tour-operator published fares; verify exact current rates before booking.)
A Wide Himalayan Panorama
From the temple ridge and Kuri viewpoints, you can see multiple high Himalayan ranges on clear days.
Typical views include:
- Gaurishankar (7,134 m)
- Jugal Himal
- Langtang range
- Ganesh Himal
- Pathivara and surrounding
These views, combined with snow in winter and rhododendron forests in spring, make Kalinchowk a strong photo and short-trip destination.
Kuri Village : The Base of Kalinchowk
Kuri Village is the main base for visiting Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple and using the cable car. Kuri sits around 3,200 m (10,499 ft) and now has two dozen lodges, restaurants, and small shops built mainly in the last 15 years to serve visitors. Most tourists sleep in Kuri, then hike or take the cable car up to the 3,842 m (12,605 ft) temple in the morning.
How Far Is Kalinchowk from Kathmandu ?
Kalinchowk is about 150 km (93 mi) east of Kathmandu by road, typically a 6–8 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions.
A common route breakdown:
- Kathmandu → Charikot : 132 km on paved highway
- Charikot → Kuri Village : 18 km on off-road/mountain road
- Kuri → Temple : 1–2 hours on foot or 10–15 minutes by cable
In winter, snow and ice can slow the Charikot–Kuri section, so start early and use a suitable vehicle.
How to Visit Kalinchowk: Trek vs Tour
You can visit Kalinchowk as an independent trek/hike or as part of an organized tour from Kathmandu.
Trek / Independent Visit
- Best for: budget travelers, flexible schedules, short hikes
- Typical plan:
- Day 1: Kathmandu → Charikot → Kuri (bus/jeep), sleep in Kuri
- Day 2: Morning hike or cable car to temple, return to Kathmandu or stay another
Independent visitors usually arrange their own transport to Charikot, then a local jeep to Kuri, and book a lodge on arrival.
Organized Tour Package
- Best for: first-timers, groups, people who want transport + lodging handled
- Typical 2N/3D package:
- Private vehicle Kathmandu–Kuri–Kathmandu
- 2 nights in Kuri lodges
- Temple visit, cable car option, guide/driver
Tour packages simplify permits, transport, and lodging, and are common for winter snow trips and family groups.
When choosing how to experience Kalinchowk, an Organized Tour Package is the most hassle-free option for first-time visitors, families, and groups. These standard 3-day itineraries typically handle all logistics, including private transport from Kathmandu, pre-booked lodging in Kuri Village, and guided trips to the sacred shrine.
For a complete look at route options, travel timing, and custom itineraries, explore the full Kalinchowk Trek 3 Days guide.
Trek vs Tour: Quick Choice Table
| Factor | Independent / DIY Visit | Organized Tour Package |
| Estimated Cost | NPR 3,000 – 4,500 per person (Includes local bus, local jeep, basic homestay) | NPR 3,500 – 6,000 per person (Includes direct Kathmandu vehicle, meals, lodge, campfire) |
| Transport | Kathmandu – Charikot (Bus/Micro) – Kuri (Local shared jeep transfer) | Direct Kathmandu – Kuri drive (Scorpio 4WD / Tourist EV Van) |
| Logistical Effort | High. Must arrange local transfers in Charikot and find open lodge rooms upon arrival. | Low. Transport, hotel, and meal arrangements are pre-booked end-to-end. |
| Winter / Snow Risk | High. High risk of getting stranded or overcharged by local jeeps when ice covers the trail. | Managed. Operators coordinate reserve 4WD Jeeps or chains for snow covered sections. |
| Flexibility | High. Stay longer in Charikot/Kuri or alter departure times as desired. | Fixed. Strict 1N/2D or 2N/3D schedule with fixed pickup/drop times. |
| Best Suited For | Solo backpackers, budget travelers, and off-peak visitors (Autumn/Spring). | Families, beginner groups, winter snow travelers, and weekend travelers with tight schedules. |
Frequently Asked Question
1. Where is Kalinchowk Nepal located?
Kalinchowk Nepal is located in Dolakha District of Bagmati Province, Nepal, within Kalinchok Rural Municipality, about 150 km east of Kathmandu.
2. How high is Kalinchowk?
Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is located at approximately 3,842 meters (12,605 feet) above sea level.
3. How far is Kalinchowk from Kathmandu?
Kalinchowk is approximately 150 km (93 miles) from Kathmandu by road, and the journey usually takes around 6–8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
4. What is the altitude of Kuri Village?
Kuri Village, the main accommodation and starting point for Kalinchowk, is approximately 3,200 meters (10,499 feet) above sea level.
5. Does it snow in Kalinchowk Trek ?
Yes. Kalinchowk Trek is one of Nepal’s popular winter snow destinations, with snowfall commonly occurring from late December through February, although conditions vary each year.
6. What is Kalinchowk Trek famous for?
Kalinchowk Trek is famous for Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, snowfall, the cable car, Kuri Village and panoramic Himalayan mountain views.
7. How long does it take to reach Kalinchowk Nepal from Kuri?
Visitors can hike from Kuri Village to the temple area in approximately 1–2 hours, or take the cable car, which takes around 10–15 minutes.
8. Is there a cable car in Kalinchowk Nepal ?
Yes. The Kalinchowk cable car connects Kuri Village with the upper area near Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, providing an alternative to hiking.
9. Can you get altitude sickness in Kalinchowk Nepal ?
Yes. Because the temple is at around 3,842 m, some visitors may experience altitude-related symptoms. It is important to walk slowly, stay hydrated and allow your body time to adjust.
10. What is the best time to visit Kalinchowk Nepal ?
The best time depends on what you want to experience. December to February is popular for snow, while spring and autumn generally offer better conditions for hiking and mountain views.
11. How many days are enough for Kalinchowk Nepal ?
A 2-day trip can cover Kathmandu–Kuri, an overnight stay, the temple visit and the return journey. A 3-day itinerary provides a more relaxed experience.
12. Can I visit Kalinchowk Nepal without a tour?
Yes. Independent travelers can arrange transportation from Kathmandu to Charikot and then continue to Kuri by local jeep. However, organized tours can make transportation, accommodation and winter logistics easier.
13. What mountains can you see from Kalinchowk Nepal ?
On clear days, views may include Gaurishankar, Jugal Himal, Langtang and Ganesh Himal, along with surrounding Himalayan landscapes.
14. What should I pack for a Kalinchowk trip?
For winter visits, bring warm clothing, waterproof shoes, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and essential personal items, especially when snow is expected.
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