Chandragiri Hills

Hill & viewpointPahad1 min read

In Nepali: चन्द्रागिरि डाँडा

Chandragiri Hills, Kathmandu
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A cable car up to a 2,551 m ridge on the valley's south-west rim, with a Bhaleshwar temple and a Himalayan panorama.

Chandragiri is the ridge from which, according to tradition, Prithvi Narayan Shah first looked down on the Kathmandu Valley and resolved to conquer it. Since 2016 a cable car has carried visitors from Thankot to the top in about ten minutes.

At the summit are the Bhaleshwar Mahadev temple, viewing decks, restaurants and a resort. On clear days the Himalaya stretches from Annapurna to Everest. The old walking trail up from Thankot or down to Chitlang makes a good hike.

What to see and do

Ride the cable car from Thankot, visit the Bhaleshwar Mahadev temple on the summit, and walk around the viewing areas for the panorama of the Himalaya and the Kathmandu Valley. Hikers can walk down the old trail to Chitlang in the Makwanpur valley on the other side.

Good to know

The cable car has a ticket fee and can have queues at weekends. It is cold and windy at the top in winter. Views are clearest from October to February.

Quick answers

Where is Chandragiri Hills?
Chandragiri Hills is in Kathmandu district, Bagmati Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
What is the altitude of Chandragiri Hills?
About 2,551 m (8,370 ft) above sea level.
How much does it cost to visit Chandragiri Hills?
Chandragiri Hills is in or right next to Kathmandu, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Kathmandu, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
How many days do I need for Chandragiri Hills?
Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Kathmandu.
Do I need a permit or ticket for Chandragiri Hills?
No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
When is the best time to visit Chandragiri Hills?
October–March for mountain views
How do I get to Chandragiri Hills?
Cable car from Thankot, 45 minutes from central Kathmandu. It is about 13 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
What is Chandragiri Hills called in Nepali?
चन्द्रागिरि डाँडा
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