Kalinchowk Kuri village, which holds not only religious, historical, and natural importance but also touristic importance, is an important place of pride for the people of Dolakha.
It is said that devotees go to see the goddess with the belief that if they are faithful to their religion and worship her, their wishes will be fulfilled.
There are some legends about Kalinchowk Bhagwati, which is located at an altitude of Kalinchowk 3,842 meters above sea level.
In ancient times, when sheep were brought from Kuti to Khasa, they had to be brought from Kalinchowk. When they reached here, seven sheep had disappeared. After that, it is believed that the sheep stopped disappearing after the shepherds offered abir, keshari, and offerings. Local Makardhwaj Tamang says that after that, the worship of Kalinchowk Bhagwati began.
Experts say that Kalinchowk is the place mentioned in the Kamachal Giri Himavat section of the Skanda Purana as the Himalayas and Kalinjar in the Kali Purana. According to them, Kalinchowk is the place where Parvati killed the demon after performing penance for three thousand years.
A special fair is held here on Janaipurna and Krishnashtami. Locals say that a large crowd of Dhamijhakris gather at the fair, while other devotees also come to ask for boons for children, wealth, and education.
No idol of Bhagwati can be seen here. There is a tank that remains water for twelve months, which devotees worship as Kalinchowk Bhagwati.
An 18-kilometer unpaved road has been constructed between Charikot and Kuri. Hundreds of hotels and lodges have been built in Kuri. A cable car has also been arranged to reach the temple from Kuri.
The local government is working hard to develop it as an important and safe, religious and tourist destination. With the construction of the cable car in Kalinchowk, the number of visitors to this area has increased.
With the increase in the pressure of domestic and foreign tourists, investment is increasing in hotels here. Road networks have also started connecting from the surrounding Indrawati, Lapilang, and Kalinchowk rural municipalities. A master plan has also been made to plant trees for greenery.
There is movement from Kathmandu, and now arrangements are being made to move from Jhapa to the south as a package, informed the rural municipality chairman Arjun Siwakoti.
Even without taking the cable car, one can easily reach the Kalinchowk Bhagwati place by walking uphill for about an hour from Kuri Bazaar. Kalinchowk Bhagwati is known as a beautiful and religiously important place in the Dolakha district. Standing in the courtyard of Kalinchowk Mata and seeing the line of mountains from east to west, everyone who reaches here feels like they have reached heaven.
Jeeps, cars, and motorcycles can be driven on the unpaved road. Minibuses can also be used occasionally during the dry season. However, there is no regular public transport available on this route.
After about an hour’s walk from Charikot, you reach Deurali Bhanjyang. There are only 3-4 shops in Deurali. After climbing up from there, you will not find any shops on the way until you reach Kuri. From there, you have to walk through a dense forest.
After about five hours of climbing, you finally reach Kuri. Kuri is a place to stay. Many hotels have opened here. After staying in Kuri, you can climb Kalinchowk Hill at 5/6 in the morning. After the sun sets, it becomes difficult to climb the steep hill.
In winter, you can also go here by reserving a motorcycle or car. But the road is very risky. The stone-paved road is very steep. Since it takes about three hours even by car, it is a different pleasure to walk to this place.
The dispute over who owns the land around Kuri, including the community forest and the Guthi, has not been resolved. Amid the dispute, the Land Revenue Office related to the Guthi has arranged for a priest to secure the donations.
How to reach Kalinchowk
The distance from Kathmandu to Dolakha is 182 kilometers. An additional 17 kilometers must be covered to reach Kalinchowk from Charikot, the headquarters of Dolakha.
Kalinchowk is at an altitude of 3,842 meters above sea level. The Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is located there.
Legend has it that Kalinchowk Bhagwati is one of the seven Bhagwati sisters, including Palanchowk Bhagwati of Kavre, Shobha Bhagwati of Kathmandu, and other Bhagwati. You can reach Dolakha by taking public transport from Kathmandu to Charikot for Rs 450.
From Charikot, you have to take another local jeep to reach Kalinchowk. There is a dirt road from Charikot to Kuri Bazaar in Kalinchowk, on which Boleros and motorcycles can be driven. Regular public transport is not available on this route.