Chitlang
In Nepali: चित्लाङ
Before roads, travellers to Kathmandu walked up from Bhimphedi over the Sisagadhi pass, through Chitlang, and over Chandragiri into the valley — the route taken by the first Europeans and even by elephants and cars carried in pieces. Old rest houses and Licchavi-era remains show its long history.
Today Chitlang is a quiet farming valley with Newar and Tamang villages, community homestays, a goat cheese factory and walks to Kulekhani lake and Chandragiri. It makes an easy one- or two-night trip from Kathmandu.
What to see and do
Stay in a village homestay, visit the goat cheese factory and the local organic farms, and walk the historic trail with old rest houses. Walk or cycle to Markhu and Kulekhani lake, or climb to Chandragiri and take the cable car down to Kathmandu.
Good to know
Homestays should be booked ahead at weekends. The roads are rough; 4WD vehicles are best after rain. Evenings are cool, especially in winter.
Quick answers
- Where is Chitlang?
- Chitlang is in Makwanpur district, Bagmati Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Chitlang?
- About 1,700 m (5,578 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Chitlang?
- Chitlang 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 Chitlang?
- 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 Chitlang?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Chitlang?
- October–May
- How do I get to Chitlang?
- About 2 hours by road from Kathmandu via Thankot. It is about 17 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Chitlang called in Nepali?
- चित्लाङ
Photo gallery
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