Sightseeing · Kalinchowk
Kuri Village
The high base village below Kalinchowk — cable-car station, snow-play hub and overnight stop before the temple climb.
Kuri is the high base village on the slopes below the Kalinchowk summit in Dolakha district, sitting at roughly 3,000 metres. It is the practical heart of any visit: home to the lower station of the Kalinchowk cable car, a cluster of lodges and resorts, and the main snow-play area that draws families up in winter.
What to expect
Kuri is less a traditional village than a fast-growing mountain base, with lodges, simple eateries and the cable-car terminal spread across the high pasture. The setting is the draw — open alpine meadow, rhododendron and juniper, and the Kalinchowk ridge rising above. In winter the whole area can lie under snow, and the slopes fill with day-trippers building snowmen and throwing snowballs, a rare scene in Nepal.
From Kuri you head for the summit: ride the cable car to the upper station, then climb the final steps to the Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple, or walk the roughly one-to-two-hour trail up through the meadows.
Why stay overnight
Most day-trippers race up from Charikot and back, but staying a night in Kuri transforms the trip. An early start gets you to the temple for a clear Himalayan sunrise, before the cloud builds and the crowds arrive. You also get the snow to yourself in the quiet hours and break the long drive from Kathmandu. See where to stay in Kalinchowk for lodges and resorts here.
Snow and seasons
Kuri's altitude means cold nights year-round and regular winter snowfall, usually from December to February — the reason it has become Nepal's go-to snow getaway. Conditions vary from year to year, so check forecasts if snow is your goal, and read the Kalinchowk snow and winter guide before you set off. Outside winter, the meadows are green and the air clear, ideal for views.
When to visit
Come in winter for snow, or in autumn and spring for clear skies, comfortable days and the sharpest mountain views. The monsoon brings cloud and rain that hide the peaks, though the pasture turns lush and green.
Good to know
- Altitude: At around 3,000 metres, take it easy on arrival; see altitude sickness in Nepal.
- Access: The road from Charikot to Kuri is rough and can be tricky in snow — many use a local jeep; see how to get to Kalinchowk.
- Nearby: Ride the cable car to the temple, and plan a full visit with the top things to do in Kalinchowk.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Kuri village?+
Kuri is the high settlement on the slopes below the Kalinchowk summit in Dolakha district. It serves as the base for visits to the ridge — home to the cable-car lower station, a cluster of lodges and resorts, and the main snow-play area in winter.
How high is Kuri?+
Kuri sits at roughly 3,000 metres on the way up to the 3,842-metre Kalinchowk summit. The altitude means cold nights year-round and regular snow in winter, so warm clothing is essential even when the valleys below are mild.
Why stay overnight in Kuri?+
Staying in Kuri lets you reach the Bhagwati temple for a clear sunrise over the Himalaya, enjoy the snow without the day-tripper rush, and break the long drive from Kathmandu. It is the most rewarding way to experience Kalinchowk.
Is there snow at Kuri?+
Yes — Kuri and the ridge above it receive regular winter snowfall, usually from December to February, making it one of the easiest places in Nepal to see and play in snow. Conditions vary year to year, so check forecasts before travelling for snow.
