sKalinchowk Trek - Orion Trails

Orion Trails

Kalinchowk Trek

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Kalinchowk Trek

Trip Facts

Location

New Trail Treks

Start Time

7 Am

Duration

11 days

Language

English, Hindi, Japanese, Urdu

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Barabise.
Day 03: Trek from Barabise to Ahgeri Kharka.
Day 04: Trek from Ahgeri Kharka to Biku Gompa.
Day 05: Trek from Biku Gompa to Shigate.
Day 06: Rest and acclimatization. Free exploration around Shigate.
Day 07: Trek from Shigate to Junggepati.
Day 08: Trek from Junggepati to Kali Pokhari.
Day 09: Trek from Kali Pokhari to Kalinchok Temple.
Day 10: Trek from Kalinchok than to Charikot Bazaar.
Day 11: Drive from Charikot back to Kathmandu.
Day 12: Spare day. Free for personal activities or additional activities on request.
Day 13: Final departure. Drop to airport as per flight schedule.

Group Type

Any

Highlights
  • Kalinchowk Hill Station – Less-crowded cultural trek with easy access from Kathmandu
  • Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple – Important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Kali
  • Himalayan Viewpoints – Panoramas of Gauri Shankar, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Manaslu, Jugal Himal, and Shisha Pangma
  • Cultural Villages – Tamang, Sherpa, Brahmin, and Chhetri settlements with rich traditions
  • Rhododendron Forests & Alpine Valleys – Scenic trails with chances to spot the Danphe (Himalayan pheasant)
Meeting Place

Pick up from airport

End of the tour

Drop back at the airport

Including
  • Required numbers of time Airport pick up and drop off as per your flight schedule (international and domestic).  All required transfers in Kathmandu too.
  • 2 Night’s accommodation in touristic town of Kathmandu in BB Plan (one can choose budget, standard and deluxe).
  • Kathmandu to Barabesi (Private/Sharing vehicle – choose as per your budget and interest).
  • Charikot – Kathmandu drive by Private /Sharing Vechicle.
  • Standard tea house (lodge) accommodation during the entire trekking as per mentioned in itinerary.
  • Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the entire trek as per mentioned in itinerary.
  • A duffel bag, Trekking Map.
  • Trekking pole, Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Nepali SIM card (Rental basis, if needed).
  • TIMS (Trekker’s Information Manual System) permit.
  • All Required Permit.
  • An experienced government certified local Trekking Guide.
  • Required numbers of highly experienced trekking porters (2:1 ratio).
  • Staff’s foods, salary, insurance, accommodation, meals, transportation etc.
  • General first Aid Kit.
  • A certificate of appreciation (experience certificate) after completing the Trek.
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program.
  • All government taxes and applicable paperwork.
Not included
  • International Airfare.
  • Personal Travel Insurance (essential for high altitude trekking).
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Alcoholic beverage.
  • TIPS for Staff.

Kalinchowk Trek Introduction

The Kalinchowk Trek is an emerging cultural journey in eastern Nepal, offering a less-traveled alternative easily accessible from Kathmandu. This trail is gaining recognition for its profound cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. A major draw is the hill station vantage point, which provides impressive, close-range views of Himalayan giants like Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, Gaurishankar, and Shishapangma.

The route winds through beautiful villages primarily inhabited by Tamang, Sherpa, Brahmin, and Chhetri communities. Trekkers pass through dense rhododendron forests and lush alpine valleys, with the occasional chance to spot the colorful Danphe, Nepal’s national bird.

Trek Highlights:

  • Discover a newly popularized and less-crowded trail in the Kalinchowk region.
  • Enjoy panoramic vistas of numerous snow-capped peaks across the Himalayan horizon.
  • Visit the historically significant Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, a sacred site dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.
  • Experience the religious and cultural harmony of diverse traditional villages along the route.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes drive
Distance: Approx. 7 km

Our company representative will welcome you at Tribhuwan International Airport and drive you by private vehicle to hotel. Preparation and briefing about the trip.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Hotel
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Barabise.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs drive
Distance: Approx. 111 km

Travel northeast along the scenic Arniko Highway, enjoying vistas of rivers, terraced fields, and distant hills.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Barabise (819 m/2,686 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 03: Trek from Barabise to Ahgeri Kharka.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10.8 km

A gradual uphill trek takes you through forests and traditional Tamang villages, offering beautiful landscapes and a deep cultural immersion.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Ahgeri Kharka (1,035m/3,394ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 04: Trek from Ahgeri Kharka to Biku Gompa.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 11 km

The trail passes hillside settlements and fluttering prayer flags, leading to a visit at the remote Biku Monastery.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Biku Gompa (2,310 m/7,576 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 05: Trek from Biku Gompa to Shigate.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10 km

Entering the alpine zone, the trail passes through rhododendron forests and opens to stunning views of the Gaurishankar Himal.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Shigate (2,654 m/8,705 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 06: Rest and acclimatization. Free exploration around Shigate.

A day to explore the local surroundings, enjoy panoramic views, and properly acclimatize to the altitude.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Shigate (2,654 m/8,705 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 07: Trek from Shigate to Junggepati.
Duration: Approx. 5 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 9 km

An easier day follows ridgeline trails that provide incredible vistas of the Himalayas.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Junggepati (2,980 m/9,774 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 08: Trek from Junggepati to Kali Pokhari.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10.3 km

The walk leads through thick forest and yak pastures to reach the sacred Kali Pokhari Lake.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Kali Pokhari (3,210 m/10,528 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 09: Trek from Kali Pokhari to Kalinchok Temple.
Duration: Approx. 4 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 7 km

A steep final ascent brings you to the Kalinchok Bhagwati Temple, where you can enjoy 360-degree mountain views spanning the Langtang and Gaurishankar ranges.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Kalinchok Temple (3,790 m/12,431 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 10: Trek from Kalinchok than to Charikot Bazaar.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 12 km

Descend past alpine meadows and village trails to reach the bustling town of Charikot.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Charikot Bazaar (1,554 m/5,097 ft).
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges

Day 11: Drive from Charikot back to Kathmandu.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs drive
Distance: Approx. 150 km

The return journey continues by road, offering time to relax and reflect on the adventure.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,592 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12: Spare day. Free for personal activities or additional activities on request.

The final day offers optional sightseeing to sites such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square, with shopping opportunities in Thamel.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,592 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 13: Final departure. Drop to airport as per flight schedule.
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes drive
Distance: Approx. 7 km

Our representative will drop you at International Airport as per your flight schedule.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Tribhuvan Internation Airport (1,338 m/4390 ft)

Recommendation

Embarking on the Annapurna Seven Pass trek is a thrilling adventure that requires meticulous preparation. Ensuring you have the right gear can make the difference between a comfortable journey and a challenging one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential equipment needed for the trek, from clothing layers to personal items. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, our comprehensive packing list will help you get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

1. Clothing
Base Layers: Thermal tops and bottoms for warmth.
Mid Layers: Fleece jacket for insulation.
Outer Layer: Insulated down jacket (recommended for high altitudes).
Rainproof/Windproof Jacket and Pants: Essential for unpredictable weather.
Trekking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants for daytime trekking.
Warm Hat and Sun Hat: A warm beanie for cold weather, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection.
Gloves: Waterproof insulated gloves and lightweight inner gloves.
Socks: Wool socks for cold weather and moisture-wicking socks for trekking.
Gaiters: To keep mud, snow, and debris out of your boots.

2. Footwear
Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support.
Camp Shoes/Sandals: For comfort when relaxing in the tea houses or lodges.

3. Sleeping Gear
Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C to -20°C to withstand cold nights in higher altitudes.
Sleeping Bag Liner: Adds warmth and keeps your sleeping bag clean.

4. Backpack and Accessories
Daypack (25-30 liters): For carrying essentials like water, snacks, and layers.
Duffel Bag: Large, durable bag for porters to carry; waterproof covers are recommended.
Rain Cover: For protecting your daypack from rain.
Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability and reducing stress on knees.

5. Hydration and Nutrition
Water Bottles and/or Hydration Bladder: With at least 2-3 liters capacity.
Water Purification Tablets or Filter: To treat water on the trail.
Snacks: High-energy snacks like energy bars, nuts, and chocolates.

6. Personal and Miscellaneous Items
Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Essential for early morning treks or dark trails.
Sunglasses: UV-protective, high-quality sunglasses to protect against the intense high-altitude sun.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF for sun protection.
Basic First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, blister treatment, antiseptics, painkillers, altitude sickness medication, and any personal medications.
Toiletries: Eco-friendly soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
Camera and Extra Batteries: Since charging can be costly and unreliable at high altitudes.

7. Documents and Money
Passport and Permits: Passport, visa,TIMS card, and entry permit.
Cash: ATMs are not reliable in the mountains, so bring enough Nepali cash for personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best season for Kalinchowk Trekking is during Spring (March, April and May) and Autumn (October and November). During these seasons the weather will be clear, you will get long sunlight hours, fewer bugs, flowers will bloom on the way, the charm of the atmosphere can be felt by the heart, magnificent views of the Himalayas can be seen and you can escape the crowd and enjoy the pleasure of trekking.

Kalinchowk Trekking is considered as a moderate trek. There are numerous challenges like the rugged terrain, steep slopes, trekking route through stone stairs and continuous walk of 5 to 6 hours per day. That being said, Kalinchowk Trekking can be done by travelers who are physically fit.

Yes!! The Internet is accessible during Kalinchowk Trekking. You can access the 3G network on mobile phones. The mobile internet is fast enough to browse and even make video calls. You will get continuous signal during the whole trek but there will be certain dark spots along the trek where connection may drop. There are limited WiFi hotspots during the trek which will charge for usage only some will let you use it for free. So, for internet access we recommend you to buy a SIM and use 3G.

The permits required for Kalinchowk Trekking is:

  • Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS)

All the equipment/accessories required for trekking will be arranged for you. You will have to pay the amount for equipment. If you personally want to manage any equipment by yourself it’s fine. We have created The Ultimate Trekking Checklist page for your help as It is always better to carry the essential gears and accessories.

Yes!! You can charge mobile phones and camera batteries during the trek. At most of the places you will get to charge for free but at some places you have to pay some amount to charge. Remember that It is always better to bring power bank with you which will be helpful.

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Cancellations

Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior; 50% refund if cancelled 8–14 days prior; no refund if cancelled within 7 days due to finalized arrangements. Cancellations to be made in writing (email/message); in cases of severe weather, natural events, or government restrictions, tours may be rescheduled/credited for future use; travel insurance is recommended.

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