Sightseeing · Kalinchowk
Kalinchowk Cable Car Tickets & Tips
How to ride the Kalinchowk cable car from Kuri — tickets, timings, queues, weather and the short walk to the Bhagwati temple.
The Kalinchowk cable car is the easy way up the ridge: it lifts you from Kuri village toward the 3,842-metre summit in just a few minutes, leaving only a short, steep climb to the Bhagwati temple. This guide covers the practical side — tickets, timings, queues and what to expect — so your ride goes smoothly. For the wider trip, start with the Kalinchowk and Dolakha cluster.
The short answer
Buy tickets at the lower station in Kuri, ride early to beat queues and catch clear morning skies, and be ready for a short steep walk up steps at the top. Carry cash, dress for cold and wind, and keep the walking route in mind if weather delays the lift.
Tickets and timings
Tickets are sold at the cable-car lower station in Kuri, set among the lodges and the snow-play area. There is usually one fare to ride up and down; carry Nepali rupees in cash, as card payment up here is unreliable. The lift runs through daytime hours, broadly from morning to late afternoon, with the precise schedule shifting by season, weather and crowd levels. An early start is the single best tip — you get shorter queues, calmer air and clearer skies before cloud builds over the ridge.
Queues and crowds
On peak winter weekends and festival days, Kuri fills with snow-seeking visitors from Kathmandu and queues for the cable car can be long. If you are staying overnight at Kuri, ride up first thing before the day-trippers arrive. Weekdays and the shoulder seasons are far quieter.
What to expect at the top
The ride takes only a few minutes, climbing steeply over rhododendron and juniper slopes. From the upper station a short but steep flight of steps remains to the summit temple — manageable for most, but slick when there is snow or ice, so wear sturdy, grippy shoes. The exposed ridge is cold and windy even when Kuri feels mild, so bring a warm layer, gloves and a hat.
Weather and safety
The cable car can pause or close in high wind, heavy snowfall or storms — this is for your safety, so don't push it. Build flexibility into your plans, and remember the alternative: a roughly one-to-two-hour walking trail climbs from Kuri to the summit through the meadows, a fine option in good weather if the lift is delayed.
Good to know
- Altitude: The top is at 3,842 metres; ascend gently and read altitude sickness in Nepal.
- Footwear: Steps to the temple get icy — grippy shoes matter.
- Plan the journey: See how to get to Kalinchowk and the national guide to getting around Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you buy Kalinchowk cable car tickets?+
Tickets are bought at the cable-car lower station in Kuri village, near the cluster of lodges. Buy on arrival or, if your lodge offers it, arrange tickets through them. Carry cash, as card payment on the ridge is unreliable.
What time does the Kalinchowk cable car run?+
The cable car runs through daytime hours, typically from morning until late afternoon, with the exact schedule depending on the season, weather and demand. Aim for an early ride to beat the crowds and catch clearer morning skies before cloud builds.
How long is the cable car ride?+
The ride from Kuri to the upper station near the summit takes only a few minutes. From the top, a short but steep walk up steps remains to reach the Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple itself, so wear sturdy shoes, especially when there is snow or ice.
Can the cable car close due to weather?+
Yes. High wind, heavy snow or storms can pause or suspend the cable car for safety, and queues lengthen on peak winter weekends. Build in flexibility, start early, and have the walking route in mind as a fallback if the lift is delayed.
