The Bigu Kalinchowk Trek is a culturally rich and spiritually rewarding journey located in the central part of Nepal. This region remains largely unspoiled and less explored, offering a peaceful experience far from the crowded trekking trails. The lifestyle, traditions, and landscape of the area closely resemble Tibetan culture, with scenic views of snow-covered ridges, flowing rivers, and serene alpine lakes adding to its charm.
Throughout the trek, you will gain deep insight into the local way of life and traditions that have been preserved for generations. One of the unique highlights of this journey is the visit to Bigu Gompa, where you can encounter female monks (nuns) devoted to meditation and spiritual practices. This monastery is well known for its peaceful atmosphere and religious significance.
Another major attraction of the trek is the sacred Kalinchowk Temple, dedicated to a female deity believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali. This temple holds great religious importance and is widely worshipped by Hindus across Nepal. The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual experiences makes the Bigu Kalinchowk Trek a truly unique and memorable adventure.
Highlights of the Bigu Kalinchowk Trek:
After breakfast, take the Araniko Highway to Charikot to start your tour. Savor the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains, as well as the picturesque villages of traditional Nepal. We’ll stop at a suitable location along the way to eat lunch.
The environmentally friendly design and construction of the road leading to Jiri are well-known. When you arrive in Charikot, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the neighboring Himalayan peaks, including Gaurishankar.
Includes: Private Transport, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Charikot.
Start your journey with a leisurely walk through oak and rhododendron forests after an early breakfast, where you may see a variety of plants. After making a lunch stop along the way, proceed on the trail to Yak Kharka, where you will spend the night. There are only little shelters for yaks and shepherds here; there isn’t a real settlement.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Yak Kharka.
After breakfast in Yak Kharka, proceed through rhododendron forests on the trek. You will ascend into a more open, treeless terrain after making a quick halt for lunch along the way. Take in breathtaking vistas of the Langtang range and Gaurishankar as you ascend. Travelers from Nepal and Tibet frequently utilize the trail that leads to Phedi for cross-regional travel.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kalinchowk Phedi.
Today is a rest day at Kalinchowk Phedi, so you may take in the stunning sunrise over the mountains and local sites. Start your day early to see the sunrise, eat breakfast, and then go on a quick climb to the well-known Kalinchowk Temple.
On the opposite side of the valley, you can visit the Tibetan market and take in the area’s varied flora.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kalinchowk Phedi.
After breakfast in Kalinchowk Phedi, begin your descent along the same trail back to Charikot, where you will spend the night.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Charikot.
After breakfast, follow the trail past a number of nearby communities as it descends toward the river. After stopping for lunch along the way, you will travel through a Sal forest till you get at Gum Khola, where you will halt for the day and rest until the following day.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Gum Khola.
Continue your journey after breakfast, going through a number of settlements. As you advance, you can come across communities that still adhere to caste and other traditional social customs. You will arrive in the wealthy community of Chilinkha, where you will spend the night, after gradually ascending the valley.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chilinkha.
The trail now passes through several communities, providing a fantastic chance to learn about the customs, culture, and way of life of the area. Before going on to Bigu Gompa, where you will spend the remainder of the day, you will take a lunch break along the way.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Bigu Gompa.
Your acclimatization day at Bigu Gompa is today. Spend time with the locals and take a leisurely tour of the village. Additionally, you will go to the stunning Buddhist monastery Bigu Gompa, a renowned educational institution, particularly for women.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Bigu Gompa.
You will pass the Tingnasa Pass if you begin the journey early. As you ascend, be ready for lower temperatures and a greater altitude. Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains from the pass. You will descend into the settlement of Dolansa, where you will spend the night, after crossing.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dolansa.
The last day of your journey is today. Start traveling to the village of Barhabise after breakfast in Dolansa, where you will make a lunch stop. Your journey to Bigu Kalinchowk will come to an unforgettable end when you drive back to Kathmandu from Barhabise.
Includes: Private Transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
