Dolakha Bhimsen
In Nepali: दोलखा भीमसेन
Dolakha Bazaar is an old Newar trading town on a hill above the Tamakoshi, once a small kingdom on the trade route to Tibet. Its most famous shrine is the Bhimsen temple, where a rough stone image stands under the open sky, since the god is said to refuse a roof.
Devotees believe the image sweats before a major national event or disaster, and such reports make the news in Nepal. The town's lanes, temples and the nearby district headquarters of Charikot make it a good stop on the way to Kalinchowk or Jiri.
What to see and do
Visit the open-air Bhimsen shrine and other temples of Dolakha Bazaar, including the Tripura Sundari temple, and walk the old Newar lanes. Nearby Charikot has views of Gaurishankar and is the gateway to Kalinchowk, Jiri and the Rolwaling valley.
Good to know
Dolakha's Newars speak a distinctive old dialect of Nepal Bhasa. Festivals such as Bhimsen jatra bring large crowds. Charikot has the most accommodation.
Quick answers
- Where is Dolakha Bhimsen?
- Dolakha Bhimsen is in Dolakha district, Bagmati Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Dolakha Bhimsen?
- About 1,700 m (5,578 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Dolakha Bhimsen?
- For a 3-day trip from Kathmandu, about NPR 10,000 (≈ US$74) per person on a budget, or NPR 23,500 (≈ US$175) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 7,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Dolakha Bhimsen?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Kathmandu and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Dolakha Bhimsen?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- When is the best time to visit Dolakha Bhimsen?
- October–April
- How do I get to Dolakha Bhimsen?
- About 5 hours by road from Kathmandu, near Charikot. It is about 76 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Dolakha Bhimsen called in Nepali?
- दोलखा भीमसेन
Photo gallery
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