Kalinchowk Dholakha

The famous temple Bhimeshwor temple is located in Dolakha Bazar of Dolakha district. The main statue of this temple is god Bhim. Bhimsen or Bhimeshwor or Bhim of Dolakha is noted as one of the most populer throughout the country Nepal. He is the second prince of panch pandav and notably worshiped by the traders or merchandizers as their will god. In Dolakha under the roofless temple, the idol of Bhim Sen is like a triangular in shape and rough stone. People regards this idol as Bhim Sen but it has three reincarnation as Bhim Sen himself, Goddess Bhagawati, who wants always sacrifice of animals as demon/devil and last one: God Shiva who never sacrifice the blood.

The legend relates that long, long years ago there were 12 porters coming from elsewhere stopped at this spot and they tried themselves to make three stone stove to cook rice. After for a few minutes the other part of rice had already cooked but the other one part still the same texture of rice. Not only that but when the porter shifted around the cooked rice became uncooked again when it came in contact with the triangular shape black-stone. One of the porter became so much angry and the stub the stone with "Paneu"(ladle) and then out of the cut stone came about the blood coated with milk. Later they made realized that the stone is God Bhim, and after then worshipers started. There are so many faith incidents about the Bhim sen of Dolakha. The miraculous things of Bhim sen statue of Dolakha is sweating fluid like drops of warm water. People belief that if there are any incident happened either in future or present in the while country or in Ex-Royal family, Bhim sen himself tries to protect his people from the sweat like or signs to work hard all over the country.

From the point of view of shree Bhimeshwor Shivapuran, there was a kingdom of Bhima that was blessed by god Brahma at the side of mountain peak. The people, who lived in the Bhima's kingdom, they had to live with sorrowful life from the Bhima and they pray to god Shiva to save their life, then god Shive was came there from Gaurishanker and killed the king Bhima. According to these history after the Bhima's death statue of god at that spot was named by Bhimeshwor.

Trek to Kalinchowk

The trekking trail to Kalinchowk from Dolakha, at times, might seem rigorous and monotonous but the scenery accompanying you throughout the journey will make up to you. The trail starts at the distance of about an hour from the town of Dolakha and along the trail, the biggest buildings that you seen in the villages on your way is usually a monastery. The premises of these colorful structures that stand out amidst neatly raked fields are often adorned with the prayer flags blowing in the wind. It is an ideal place if you are an avid nature lover and love to watch the beautiful mountains and natural beauty of the earth. These views might even make you a poet if you like to write a line or two often.

Between the last village on the trail and Kalinchowk, there is only one house, however, the pylons along the trail gives you the sense of people’s presence here in the past. From here, the mountains play hide and seek with you between the forests and appear sometimes only to tease you from between the trees and branches. The winds, too, brings along the dry pods of the seeds making the trails quite boring from here. The trek to Kalinchowk takes about three to four hours, depending on your speed as the people who usually start the trek around mid-day reaches there in the evening. But, what could you want more than the setting sun waiting just for you before it hides behind the mountains for the night? The daylight ends leaving behind the glittery stars in the sky and the artificial lights lighting up in the village below.Kalinchowk is also called Kuri and on the northern side of this village lays a dark hill that accommodates the Kalinchowk Bhagwati. The acclaimed goddess is considered as the sister of Kavre’s Palanchowk Bhagwati and Kathmandu’s Naxal Bhagwati and is equally powerful goddess. Although the climb to the shrine might seem tiring, the view from there is wonderful and if you climb from the western side, which is usually the tradition, you will have to climb an iron staircase that cross through a narrow but deep crevice. However, you can also climb through the eastern side which is less frightening. The simple temple has a collection of bells hanging from wooden bars and a heap of rusty tridents. The deity is symbolized by a small pit where you are to place your lamps and pray.

Kalinchowk is a beautiful village adorned with the backdrop of Mt Gauri Shankar and is also culturally and religiously rich because of the presence of powerful Kalinchowk Bhagawati. 

How to get there?

Local buses are available from Buspark in Kathmandu. The buses leave early in the morning, with few shifts starting from 6 am. Many private companies or local travel and tours also provide packages for Kalinchowk temple.
How Far is Kalinchowk?

Charikot, Headquarter of Dolakha, is about 132 kilometers from Kathmandu, and Kalinchowk is about 18 kilometers from Charikot. Local vehicles are not available but can be reserved to reach Kuri from where Kalinchowk temple is about 1 hour hike for regular hikers and can take up to 2 for others. 

 How about hiking from Charikot?

The hike to Kalinchowk from Charikot will take about 7-8 hours depending upon the walking habit. 

 Where to stay? 

If you take a local bus from Kathmandu then you’re going to have to stay at Charikot the first day, or if you can walk fast then walk to Kuri the same day, or else you should take rest at Charikot. Then take all the time you can and travel to Kuri the next day.