Fidgety Fuchu - Kalinchowk

With the peak of winter among us, the window for trekking in the high mountains has been closed. However, if you are one to get fidgety staying at home for too long; Kalinchowk is your best option. Or just to experience the glorious snowfall, if you haven’t yet!

Kalinchowk has become a very popular destination for Nepali travelers recently and tourists alike. I have been lucky enough to visit Kalinchowk twice and I came across many improvements during my two visits. The numbers of lodges are increasing exponentially, the roads are being widened and the crowd is on the rise!

Kalinchowk can be traveled any time of the year but lately, it has been more popular for hikers and travelers during the winter season due to the beautiful snowfall. Kalinchowk’s temperature can fall down to -10 degree Celsius during the months of the January to March and the water tank above your hotel room is just a giant block of ice!

Hiking up to the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, where you will be able to witness the panoramic views of snow-covered hills and Himalayan ranges like Gaurishankar, Ganesh, Langtang. Oh and while taking in the serene view of the Himalayas, let's not forget about the Churpi! Kalinchowk and Kuri are famous for the “Churpi” also known as “Durkha” which is prepared from buttermilk. It is a solid mass which is soft, white and cheesy in taste.

Getting There

Local transportation is available everywhere and now even to the Kuri Village if you don’t want to hire a private vehicle for yourself. One thing to keep in mind are the roads, from the Khadichaur Bridge up to the Charikot and directly to the Kuri Village, is an adventure of its own. Bumpy, dirt road with potholes plus narrow roads will make your trip painful and will make you think twice for a second trip but is definitely worth it!

Driving into Kuri, you won’t believe you are still in Nepal, I personally, felt like I was entering a small Swiss village, we see in the movies or read about them in books. If you are travelling from Kathmandu and want to take your time, 3 days is about your extend if you are also planning to visit the Dolkha Bhimsen Temple or longer depending on your budget. It does get a little expensive the higher and longer you go.

The prices for the buses from Koteshwor to the Charikot are 300 to 500 rupees and the jeep costs around 700 to 1200 rupees. You can choose to go to Dolkha Bhimsen first or you can divert towards Kuri before you reach Charikot or go via Charikot. The jeep up to Kuri may cost you from 1500 to 2000 rupees.

The rope-way from Kuri to Kalinchowk has been tested and is now working! This can be good news for many people who are not able to walk. However, if you can, don’t miss the adventure of meeting new people and learning along the way in the short hike up. For most people, it could take up to 2 hours uphill and about half an hour downhill. So, you should be back by midday to have lunch in Kuri.

However, due to the altitude, one must always be cautious of their limits. There are plenty of benches along the hike to rest and even find young lads trying to make a living by selling you water and snacks. There are also railing installed on most part of the hike up, which is mostly stairs.

Accommodation?

Lodges provide you with choices between rooms with attached bathroom and shared bathroom and hot water in a flask anytime you request. Electricity is still an issue from time to time which is pretty understandable. Lodges are built from wood and stones and the design is similar between the houses/lodges. With the hills around Kuri, we can feel the possibility of Skiing in Nepal which has started by the Nepal Skiing Foundation two years ago.

Itinerary for the Kalinchowk from Kathmandu

There are two ways that you can take to Charikot, Dolakha from Kathmandu
Kathmandu-Dhulikhel-Dolalghat-Khadichaur-Mude-Charikot (6-7 hours)
Kathmandu- Dhulikhel-Dolalghat-Khadichaur-Mude-Kuri (7-8 hours)
If you are taking your own vehicle, you can always take the B.P. Koirala Highway from Sindhuli to Jiri and to Charikot Bazaar. It’s definitely a longer route.
Kathmandu to Charikot = 133kms
Charikot to Kuri = 18km uphill (off road)
Kuri to Kalinchowk = 2 hours hike or 10 to 15 minutes ropeway