Arayja Paradise

In the conservation area

Kuri and Kalinchowk are inside the Gaurishankar Conservation Area, a protected area of forest, high pasture and wildlife.

• Take your rubbish back down with you, or leave it in our bins. Bring a refillable bottle instead of buying plastic ones.
• Don't pick flowers, cut rhododendron branches or dig up herbs. Collecting plants needs a permit.
• Don't chase, feed or disturb animals and birds. Hunting is not allowed.
• Only light fires where they're allowed, such as our campfire. Never on the hillside or in the forest.
• Stay on the paths, so the grass and the slopes don't wash away.
• Foreign visitors may need a conservation area permit. The fee is different for Nepali, SAARC and other visitors and changes now and then, so ask us before you come and we'll tell you the current rule.

At the temple

Kalinchowk Bhagwati is a working temple, and for many visitors this is a pilgrimage. Follow the signs and the priests on the day.

• Take off your shoes where you're asked to. At most Hindu temples, leather such as belts and bags is left outside too.
• Walk around the shrine clockwise, with the shrine on your right.
• Dress modestly and keep your voice down near the shrine.
• Ask before taking photos of people praying, of priests or of a puja.
• Tie your bell or trishul where others have, and don't move or take offerings left by other pilgrims.
• On festival days and Saturdays the queue can be long. Go early.

On snow and ice

• The stone stairway to the temple freezes in winter. Wear boots with good grip. Cheap clip-on spikes for your shoes help a lot.
• Go up in the morning. Cloud and fog often roll in after midday, and you can lose the path quickly.
• Keep to the path and the railings. Snow can hide drops and loose rock at the edge of the ridge.
• Keep children close in the snow, near the road and on the stairs.
• Snow glare burns. Wear sunglasses and sunscreen, even when it feels cold.
• Heavy snow can close the road from Charikot. If it's snowing hard, call us before you set off.

Altitude

Kuri is at about 3,450 m and the temple at 3,842 m. Driving up from Kathmandu at about 1,400 m in one day is a big climb.

• Take it slowly on the first day. Walk at an easy pace and rest when you need to.
• Drink plenty of water, and go easy on alcohol the first night.
• Headache, feeling sick, dizziness or being very short of breath can be altitude sickness. Tell us straight away.
• If you feel worse, not better, go down. Coming down even a few hundred metres usually helps quickly.
• If you have heart or breathing problems, or are pregnant, check with your doctor before you come.

Cable car and the road

• The cable car stops in strong wind and bad weather. Ask us in the morning whether it's running.
• Keep some time spare. On busy days the wait for the cable car can be long.
• The road above Charikot is rough. A jeep or a high car is best, and in snow you may need chains.
• Try not to drive the mountain road after dark. Leave Kathmandu early so you arrive in daylight.
• Rather not drive at all? Ask us about pick-up and drop.

What to bring

• A warm jacket, a fleece or sweater, a hat and gloves, even outside winter
• Boots with grip, and dry socks to change into
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A torch or phone light, and a power bank
• Cash for the trail and small shops, as well as eSewa or Fonepay
• Photo ID for every adult, which hotels in Nepal must ask for (a passport for foreign guests)
• Your own medicines, and something for headaches
• A refillable water bottle