Chitwan & Teraiमौलाकालिका मन्दिर

Maula Kalika Temple

A hilltop Kalika temple above Gaindakot with a long stairway and wide views over the Narayani and Chitwan.

This is the hilltop Kalika temple above Gaindakot in Nawalpur, across the Narayani from Narayangarh.

Altitude: -*
Best months: Oct-Mar
Type: Temple, monastery or heritage site
District: Nawalpur, Gandaki
Permit: None needed

Why go

Maula Kalika is a Hindu temple on a forested hilltop above Gaindakot in Nawalpur district, on the west side of the Narayani river opposite Narayangarh and Bharatpur. It is dedicated to the goddess Kalika and has become one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in central Nepal. The hill rises steeply from the plain, and the temple at the top looks out over the broad braided channels of the Narayani, the towns of Gaindakot and Narayangarh, and the forests and fields of Chitwan.

Most visitors climb a long stone stairway from the base of the hill, passing small shrines and rest points on the way; the climb takes most people an hour or so and is shaded by forest in places. A road and other access options also reach the upper hill for those who cannot manage the steps. At the top, the temple compound includes the main shrine, subsidiary temples and viewing terraces.

On clear days after the monsoon, the view extends north to the snow peaks of the central Himalaya, while sunrise and sunset over the river valley draw photographers. The temple is an easy half-day trip from Narayangarh, Bharatpur or Sauraha, and it fits well with a visit to Devghat upstream.

History and culture

Kalika worship on the hill is said to be old, but the present temple complex and stairway are largely the result of construction and expansion in recent decades, funded by devotees and managed by a local committee. The site has grown rapidly in popularity with pilgrims from across Nepal and from India.

Dashain and especially the Navaratri nights, as well as Saturdays and other auspicious days, bring large crowds. The surrounding area is home to Brahmin-Chhetri, Magar, Tharu and other communities, and the temple serves as a gathering place for festivals and family rituals in the Gaindakot and Narayangarh area.

Things to do in Maula Kalika Temple

Climb the stairway
Walk up the stone steps from the base of the hill, starting early to avoid the heat.
Viewpoint
Spend time on the terraces at the top looking over the Narayani valley and, on clear days, towards the Himalaya.
Combine with Devghat
Visit the holy confluence at Devghat, a short drive upstream, on the same day.

Weather and the best time to visit Maula Kalika Temple

Weather in Maula Kalika Temple

Conditions change fast in the mountains.

Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.

Best time to visit

Oct-Mar

Good month: Jan
Good month: Feb
Good month: Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Good month: Oct
Good month: Nov
Good month: Dec

Autumn (Sep-Nov): October and November are clear after the monsoon, with the best chance of mountain views and the Dashain festival.
Winter (Dec-Feb): December to February is cool and pleasant for the climb, though morning fog often fills the valley.
Spring (Mar-May): March is warm and comfortable; by April and May the climb is very hot.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug): June to September is humid and wet; steps can be slippery and views are usually hidden.

Where to stay

HotelsGuesthouses

Most visitors stay in Narayangarh, Bharatpur or Sauraha; Gaindakot also has simple hotels.

No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.

Getting there

Cross the Narayani bridge from Narayangarh to Gaindakot and continue a short distance to the foot of the hill.

Nearest hub: Bharatpur

roadNarayangarh or Bharatpur to Gaindakot by local bus, taxi or car across the Narayani bridge, a short trip.
walkClimb the long stairway from the base of the hill to the temple, usually around an hour.
flightKathmandu to Bharatpur by scheduled flight, then by road to Gaindakot.

Boundary: Government of Nepal, Survey Department (2020). Peak data: Wikidata.

Permits and fees

None needed

No permit is required. Any optional transport to the hilltop is charged separately.

Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Gaindakot, Wikipedia.

Risks and conditions

Seasonal risks around Maula Kalika Temple

What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.

Heatmoderate in a typical yearApr-Jun
From April to June the lowland heat makes the stair climb tiring; go early in the morning and carry water.
Climate of Nepal, Wikipedia
Landslideslow in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon rain makes the stairway and hill roads slippery, and small landslides can affect the hillside.
Climate of Nepal, Wikipedia

Check current conditions before you travel

Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.

Practical tips

Start the climb early in the day, especially from March onwards.
Carry water; refreshments are available but limited on the stairs.
Remove shoes at the shrine and expect queues on festival days and Saturdays.

Questions about Maula Kalika Temple

Where is Maula Kalika Temple?

On a hilltop above Gaindakot in Nawalpur district, across the Narayani river from Narayangarh.

How long does the climb take?

Most people take about an hour on the stairway, depending on fitness and stops.

When is the temple busiest?

During Dashain, especially Navaratri, and on Saturdays.

Can I see the Himalaya from Maula Kalika?

On clear days, mostly after the monsoon and in winter, distant peaks are visible to the north.

Nearby

Temple, monastery or heritage site