Tourists flock to Kalinchowk, business flourished after COVID (with photo)

KATHMANDU: Nestled in the picturesque village of Kalinchowk in Dolakha district, the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple stands as a testament to both religious significance and breathtaking natural beauty.

Particularly enchanting during the snowy months of Poush, Magh, and Fagun, Kalinchowk captivates visitors with its serene charm.

The temple has emerged as a prominent pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees, drawing them with the alluring backdrop of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.

Sitting at an elevation of 3842 meters above sea level, the confluence of the Sunkosi and Tamakosi rivers enhances the area’s allure.

Kalinchowk’s main attraction is the revered Kalinchowk Bhagwati Tirtha, perched atop a steep hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The Shiva-Parvati Kund temple, a natural marvel, further adds to the spiritual ambiance of this sacred site.

As Kalinchowk continues to gain popularity, both devotees and nature enthusiasts find solace in the harmonious blend of religious sanctity and the awe-inspiring beauty of Gaurishankar’s embrace.

“The specialty of Kalinchowk is the temple of Kalinchowk goddess here, it is said that it was discovered by a shepherd much earlier than today”, Kishor Pakhrin, who is running a hotel business in Kuri, told Makalu Khabar, ‘This temple is a place where various types of pure milk, pure ghee, along with Dhami jhankris light the incense of the lake.’

Business flourished after COVID

Tourists have increased in Kalinchok after the corona epidemic. There is always a crowd of people here. But due to the corona epidemic and economic recession, Kalinchowk was deserted. But in recent times, economic and tourism business activity has also increased here.

That’s right, devotees come every twelve months to see Kalinchok Bhagwati. According to Pakhrin, a hotelier, from Poush to Falgun is the month of snowfall. He says that this month is the best month to go to Kalinchowk.

Chait, Baisakh and Jestha have their own importance. At this time, there is greenery, flowers including red roses bloom. Everyone who comes here enjoys seeing the natural beauty up close. Especially on the day of Janai Purnima, a large fair is held in this area and there is a huge crowd to see the Goddess on Dashain.

Pakhrin says, ‘There is a rush of people starting from November to Baisakh. Especially on Janai Purnima, Ashtami and New Year’s Day on 1st Baisakh, many devotees gather in Kalinchok temple. Similarly, season means 6 months of season and 6 months of off-season here. As much as 6 months’ earnings are spent for 6 months.’

Pakhrin say, ‘From the month of Kartik until Baishakh, people experience a surge in earnings, especially during special occasions like Janai Purnima, Asthami, and the New Year on the first day of Baishakh. Particularly, at Kalinchowk Temple, a significant congregation of devotees occurs. This cyclical pattern is referred to as having 6 months of ‘season’ and 6 months of ‘off-season.’ The income generated during the profitable months needs to sustain the expenses throughout the rest of the year.”

Although Kalinchowk is a beautiful place full of natural beauty, tourism professionals complain that foreign tourists are not able to come due to the lack of physical services and facilities in this area.

How to go?

To reach Kalinchowk from Kathmandu, it takes approximately five hours by vehicle. Once there, the temple can be accessed within five minutes via a cable car, making it possible to visit and return on the same day. After traveling 18 km northeast of Charikot Bazar in Dolakha, you reach Kuri Bazar.

The journey is also short and easy as the devotees can easily reach Bhagwati’s temple from Kuri without taking the cable car to visit Kalinchowk Bhagwati from Kathmandu.

Moreover, tourists visiting the area have the opportunity to capture the breathtaking scenery of world-famous mountains like Gourishankar, Dorje-Lakpa, Langtang, Lirung, etc., using their cameras. Kalinchok Bhagwati is believed to grant fulfillment of desires, good health, happiness, prosperity to families, and victory over enemies. Every year, especially during winter, devotees from Nepal and India make the pilgrimage to this sacred site.

Religiously speaking, it is believed that those who do not have children, who do not have wealth, come here and ask for it. That’s why people come here,” Pakhrin told Makalu Khabar.

“According to the devotees who come here, everything they asked for has been fulfilled, and because of that, people come here with different hopes. The wishes of all the devotees come true, that’s why Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple has become famous.’

-Bishnumaya Shrestha/MK