The Kalinchowk Bhagawati Helicopter Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the serene beauty of the Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple and its stunning surroundings. The trip starts at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will get on a helicopter for a 25-30 minute flight toward the east.
After taking off, you will see the pretty Bhaktapur Darbar Square from the air. The helicopter will fly over the busy city of Kathmandu, and go into the Dolakha area of Nepal. This is where the Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple is.
The temple is about 5 minutes away from Kuri village by cable car or a 30-minute walk. Many people come to this temple to pray and make wishes. They believe the temple can make their wishes come true. The temple also has amazing views of big, snowy mountains like Mt. Gaurishankar, Jugal, Annapurna range, and Mt. Everest.
Around the temple is a nice forest with colorful Rhododendron flowers, which is the national flower of Nepal. There are also many different birds and animals in this area. When you arrive, you will have 45 minutes to explore the temple and look at the pretty views. After your time at the temple, you will fly back to Kathmandu Airport. The pilots will keep you safe and tell you about interesting things during the whole trip. This helicopter tour is a fun adventure!
Royal Vacation Tours are followed by high safety rules and regulations. Safety is our utmost priority and we make sure that our guests are well-informed about the rules of the helicopter we use for this tour. Below are some safety measures and tips before the Kathmandu – Kalinchowk – Kathmandu heli tour starts, which should be followed with discipline at all costs.
The Kalinchowk Helicopter Tour is a relatively short flight but it is important to be prepared and pack well. UV rays are intense at this altitude and it is necessary to pack accordingly. Beware not to pack too much since it will make it harder to carry around and increase the weight. Here is what we suggest you pack, follow the packing list for the Kathmandu –Kalinchowk- Kathmandu Helicopter Tour for a smooth tour experience:
This Kalinchowk Bhagawati Helicopter Tour is completed in 3 phases and as follows:
Kalinchowk Bhagawati Helicopter Tour starts after we take off from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. As we gain altitude, we get to experience the birds-eye view of the bustling Kathmandu city. Then we head east, away from the city. On our way, we get to scope out some of the amazing landscapes of Nepal including the tallest Lord Shiva statue at Sanga. After about 25-30 minutes we reach the mesmerizing Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple.
Once we touch down at Kuri village, a refreshing breeze hits you reminding you that you are in the Eastern Himalayan range of mountains now. You will find the Kalinchowk Bhagawati temple surrounded by a large number of pilgrims. The weather at Kalinchowk varies greatly depending on the season we are visiting the place. However, it is more than enough for us to take in the heaven-like environment and even take some pictures before taking a return flight back to Kathmandu.
The thrilling flight back from Kuri village (near Kalinchowk Temple) to Kathmandu gives you one more chance to comprehend the satisfactory trip. After about 25-30 minutes’ journey, we land at the airport in Kathmandu, officially ending the trip. It’s time to bid our goodbyes.
Kalinchowk lies at 3,842 m (12,605 ft) from the sea level. At this kind of altitude, the weather change is frequent. Most of the time, it’s windy and dry in this region. However, it can change quickly. So, it is really important to pick the right time which is favorable for a helicopter flight. While picking our time for the Kalinchowk flight, we are looking to avoid foggy and rainy weather as either will distort the views making the helicopter flight worthless.
The best time for Kalinchowk falls during the Autumn and Spring season. As per our experience, most travelers prefer Autumn. The days are warm and sunny with dry weather which makes it easy to tour around the Bhagawati Temple. The landscapes are at their best during this time accompanied by the crisp views of the Himalayan ranges. Below we take a detailed look into each season, we suggest you go through them before you pick the ideal one for you to visit Kalinchowk.
Let’s take a deeper look at the weather and the best time for the Kalinchowk Helicopter Tour in Nepal.
The Autumn season is the best time for the Kalinchowk Helicopter Tour. However, be informed that this season is not the only ideal season for Pathivara Helicopters. If you have missed Autumn, you can still pick a good time for the tour since it only requires 3 hours at max.
Autumn extends from September to mid-December. During this time, the sky becomes clear and the views of the Himalayas come to life. The weather is stable and the temperature is highly favorable. Since most travelers prefer Autumn, you can expect some traffic while touring Pathivara.
The Kalinchowk Helicopter Tour can also be enjoyed during the spring (March to May). The spring is considered the second-best season for the Pathivara Heli Tour. The temperature is moderate ranging from 20°C to 30°C. During this season, the scenery is exceptional and along the way, you will encounter dense forests blooming with rhododendrons.
There is little to no chance of rain which makes it even more exciting to visit Kalinchowk during the spring. However, there is always a slight chance and you can never be too sure. So it is always better to prepare.
The monsoon season falls from June to August. During the season, the Kalinchowk region experiences a mild summer. The daytime averages 25°C in lower altitudes but it drops as you start gaining altitude. There is frequent rainfall that makes the surroundings wet and slippery. Trekking is not a good idea during monsoon. The weather can get foggy which obstructs the views.
During monsoon, local farmers are highly engaged in the field. Therefore, if you happen to fly during monsoon, you will experience the fascinating terrace farming from the helicopter. To see hundreds of farmers working simultaneously to plant is indeed a wondrous experience.
The Kalinchowk region is fairly cold during the winter. The temperature ranges from 3°C to 10°C during the daytime and drops significantly during the night. However, we have to admit that the views look lovely. The weather conditions could get uncomfortable if you are not so used to cold temperatures.
So, if you plan on traveling to Kalinchowk during the winter season, make sure you are well-prepared and well-packed. Our travel experts will tell you exactly what you need to have an amazing helicopter tour to Kalinchowk even in winter. They will not only fill you up on some crucial information but also help you prepare a custom itinerary for the tour.
Duration: 1 Hour ( round trip from Kathmandu)
Altitude: 3,842 m (12,605 ft)
Group Size: 5 People Max
John F.K. International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, one of the Royal Vacation representatives will receive you at the airport and will transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or explore on your own.
Overnight: 5 star Hotel in Kathmandu
After enjoying breakfast at our accommodation, we’ll begin on an exciting full-day exploration of Kathmandu Valley’s main attractions. Our journey will take us to:
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
This historic square, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the coronation and ruling center for the city’s monarchs. Despite the 2015 earthquake’s impact, it remains a remarkable showcase of traditional architecture. Highlights include Basantapur Square, Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, and Makhan Tole.
Swayambhunath:
Known as the Monkey Temple, this Buddhist monument offers breathtaking views of Kathmandu. The white dome symbolizes the earth, while the 13-tiered spire represents the stages of spiritual enlightenment. The site is surrounded by prayer wheels and statues of the Dhyani Buddhas, creating a vibrant atmosphere of worship.
Boudhanath:
Considered one of Nepal’s most significant Buddhist monuments, Boudhanath features a large white dome and a golden spire adorned with Buddha’s all-seeing eyes. The stupa is encircled by 108 small images of Amitabha Buddha and prayer wheels. It serves as a center for Tibetan culture in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath:
Situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, this is Nepal’s most important Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Pashupati form. The complex encompasses numerous temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions, and it’s a major site for Hindu cremations.
After our tour, we’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before venturing out for a welcome dinner. During this cultural evening, we’ll have the opportunity to reflect on our day’s exploration of Kathmandu’s rich heritage.
Overnight: 5-star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
In the morning, we eat at the hotel. Then we go for the whole day to see the old cities of Bhaktapur and Patan, known for their rich history and culture.
Bhaktapur:
Our first stop is Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Called the “City of Devotees,” Bhaktapur is famous for its well-preserved old architecture. The Durbar Square has the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, and the tall Nyatapola Temple, one of the finest pagodas in Nepal. The detailed wooden and stone structures here show the great skill of the Newar artists and sculptors.
Patan:
After a traditional Nepali lunch, we drive to Patan, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also called Lalitpur or the “City of Fine Arts,” Patan has many temples, statues, and palaces. The highlight is the Durbar Square, with the old royal palace where the Malla kings lived. Important places are the Krishna Mandir temple for Lord Krishna with detailed stone carvings, and the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), a special Buddhist monastery.
Our last stop in Patan is the Patan Museum, in a restored Malla palace. It displays a big collection of traditional Nepali art, like bronze statues and religious objects, giving insight into the cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
After the tour, we go back to Kathmandu for dinner. We can think about the great history and architecture we saw in Bhaktapur and Patan that day.
Overnight: 5 star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
One of the representatives from the Royal Vacation team will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Before boarding the helicopter for the Kalinchowk Devi Darshan tour, the captains will run you through some important guidelines and things to avoid during the helicopter flight. You will be introduced to the flight crew and have a chance to clear up any queries regarding the flight. The instructions provided by the pilots are to be followed strictly at all times.
After the safety briefing procedures, the helicopter then takes off from the airport with an interesting aerial view of the Kathmandu valley. Then we head to the east towards the Everest region. Flying over the eastern range of the Himalayas, we get some incredible views of the verdant hills with the backdrop of the Eastern Himalayan range.
Upon landing at Kuri village we will take a 5-minute cable car journey to the top of the Kalinchowk where we perform puja / Hawan etc in the Kalinchowk Bhagawati temple and thereafter fly back to Kathmandu.
Return flight to Kathmandu:
The Kalinchowk Bhagawati Helicopter Tour comes to an end as we fly back to the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport. Swirling above the region for one last time, we bid our goodbyes to the beautiful Dolakha district and Kalinchowk Bhagawati temple. After around 25-30 minutes of return flight, we reach the airport on our regular schedule.
The Kalinchowk Bhagawati Helicopter Tour is a short one. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour in total considering the one-way trip takes only about 25-30 hours. The overall tour duration also includes the 1 hour’s minute ground time at Pathivara.
Overnight: 5 star Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals included: Breakfast.
Approximately 3 hours before departure of your flight, you will be transferred to Kathmandu international airport where we guide you to the check-in hall. From here we hope you had an amazing journey through our country, Nepal. And we hope to see you again.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Note: This itinerary is especially created for you. This itinerary can be adjusted on all aspects in order to meet your specific requirements. Please let us know what suits you best and we will be very pleased to provide you with a complete tailormade holiday package.
Note: Please note: Tipping (guides/driver) is not included in the price. Guest can always decided if they would like to tip for good services to guides, porters and drivers at the end of the trip. However, in Nepal it is a costum of good faith to tip guides/drivers when they have provided the good service.
