Kalikot is one of Nepal's most distant districts. It is a hilly district in Nepal's Mid-Western Development Region's Karnali Province. According to legend, the community is named after the Kali Devi temple, located in the district's Kalika hamlet.
Kalikot's district headquarters is Manma. Jumla district is to the east of Kalikot, while Achham district is to the west. It is bordered on the north by Bajura and Mugu and on the south by Dailekh and Jajarkot districts. The longest river in Nepal, the Karnali, starts in Tibet and runs through Kalikot.
Kalikot: An Introduction
Kalikot has 1,741 square kilometres, with the lowest point at 738 meters and the highest point at 4,790 meters. In the summer, the temperature in Kalikot reaches 18 degrees Celsius, while in the winter, it drops to 5 degrees Celsius. It also receives an average of 730 mm of rain each year.
Forests comprise more than half of the Kalikot district, with just 10.16 per cent being arable. Wheat, rice, maize, millet, ginger, chilli, potato, and other vital crops are grown by 90 per cent of the country's people.
Fruits such as orange, apple, lemon, and walnut grow well in Kalikot. Certain inhabitants also practice animal husbandry. Domesticated animals such as the cow, ox, buffalo, sheep, mule, and others are used for milk, wool, dung, and transportation of commodities.
Major Attractions of Kalikot
We have enlisted a list of significant attractions that every traveller must visit while in Kalikot. They are:
- Badimalika Temple
- Pachal Waterfall
- Pili Bazaar
Badimalika Temple
Badimalika Temple, located on the boundary of the Kalikot and Bajur districts, is a Sudurpashchim Pradesh gem. This temple is devoted to Goddess Bhagwati and attracts many worshippers, especially during the annual festivals of Malika Chaturdashi and Janai Purnima.
Badimalika is located in the Bajura district's Triveni Municipality at an elevation of 4,219 meters. Devotees are convinced that making a trip to this temple will bring their dreams to fruition. Two priests are in charge of Badimalika Temple. One is from Bajura, while the other is from Kalikot.
Badimalika is a piece of heaven apart from its religious significance. Badimalika is known for its numerous grassy slopes and beautiful views of Mt. Saipal. Badimalika has not been able to attract as many visitors and pilgrims as possible due to the lack of a good path. Badimalika is a must-see on your way to Kalikot and Bajura because of its natural beauty and religious significance.
Pachal Waterfall
The Pachal Waterfall in Kalikot is Nepal's highest waterfall. Furthermore, it is one of the top 30 highest waterfalls globally and the tallest waterfall in South Asia. This falls, which has a height of 381 meters, is located in a small Pachaljharana municipality. Its colossal size, along with the tranquil surroundings, creates a breathtaking scene.
Pili Bazaar
Pili Bazar is a location near Kalikot where numerous horrific executions occurred during Nepal's ten-year insurgency. During the conflict, Kalikot was one of the worst-hit districts. It's being developed as a conflict tourist destination.
A war museum, planned paths, sculptures, and guest homes have been built to encourage tourism in this region. Weapons used by both sides throughout the 10-year conflict are on display in the war museum. Similarly, a memorial building is now being built to house sculptures of individuals who died during the battle.
Aside from these, Kalikot offers a variety of tourist and religious attractions to discover. It would be best if you visited Kalikot at least once in your life to see the natural beauty, poverty, rusticity, and impact of the brutal conflict.