Chandragiri Hill: Cable Car, Hiking, Temple, Resort

Chandragiri Hill is perhaps the most scenic as well as rejuvenating tourist destination close to Kathmandu. It is barely 7 kilometers from Thankot and is the ideal retreat for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and pilgrims as well. With stunning Himalayan scenery, exhilarating outdoor activities, and peaceful spiritual locations, Chandragiri Hill is for everyone.

Whether you are looking for a quick break from a noisy and crowded city, or looking for an enjoyable family day trip, or a spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, the destination will not disappoint. With options ranging from the Chandragiri Cable Car, adventurous hiking options, resort stays in sheer luxury, as well as thrilling adventure options like zipline, sky cycle, and rope swing, you are in for an all-day or even all-weekend fun and relaxation.

Let’s discover all that you need to know about Chandragiri Hill tourist attractions.

About Chandragiri

Chandragiri Hill is 2,551 meters (8,369 ft) high and has lovely panoramic views of the Himalayan range, i.e., Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, and even Everest on a clear day. The mountain climate, serene atmosphere, and nature make for a very strategically located hill station, which is close to Kathmandu.

It is also famous for the pilgrimage center and temple in Nepal known as the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple.

Chandragiri Famous For

• Chandragiri Cable Car – Scenic ride to the top with stunning views.
• Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple – A sacred Hindu temple located at the summit.
• Hiking Trails – Peaceful hikes through nature and forest.
• Chandragiri Resort – A luxurious stay at the top with mountain views.
• Adventure Activities – Zipline, skywalk, swing, wall climbing, and more.
• 360-Degree View – A viewing tower with sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan peaks.

How To Reach Chandragiri Hill

Being near Kathmandu, reaching Chandragiri is easy and convenient. Let’s see the several ways to reach the Chandragiri hill.

By Public transportation:

You can take a local bus from Kathmandu that takes you near the entrance gate of the Chandragiri cable car entrance. You need to walk for a few minutes, like around 5 minutes, if you take a public bus. It won’t be easy to find public transportation in the evening, so if you are taking a public bus to return home, make sure to take a ride before 4–5 pm.

By taking a Taxi or private vehicle:

You can ride a private vehicle or take a taxi to the Chandragiri Cable Car Station at Thankot. It is only about a 30–45-minute drive from central Kathmandu, depending on traffic. To return home from Chandragiri, you can find enough taxis in the parking station. You can also use online ride-sharing apps such as Pathao, Indrive, or Yango to book a taxi.

By Hiking:

If you want to do a short hike in Chandragiri Hill, you first need to reach one of the trail starting points: Matatirtha, Machhegaun, or Thankot. To reach this point, you can either use a private vehicle or the public bus. To reach the top of the Chandragiri hill, you need to walk for around 2-3 hours. Hiking trails take you through the dense forest, which is well-marked. You can find lots of local people hiking, especially on public holidays or weekends. There are no shops inside the hiking trails, so make sure to carry snacks, drinks, and water to carry with you. 

Best Things To Do In Chandragiri

Let’s explore the top attractions that make Chandragiri Hill a must-visit destination.

1. Ride the Chandragiri Cable Car

The Chandragiri Cable Car is one of the main attractions here. This cable car journey is around 2.5 kilometers long and takes about 10–14 minutes to reach the top. The ride gives amazing views of the lush green hills, Kathmandu valley, and snow-covered mountains in clear weather.

• Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (subject to season)
• Tickets: Available at the station or online( Esewa, Khalti)

Chandragiri Cable Car Ticket Price:

• Nepalese Citizens: NPR 825 (round trip)
• SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,320
• Chinese Visitors: USD 16
• Other Foreigners: USD 23

Note: Children below 3 feet in height and senior citizens above 80 years of age can enter for free. For students, you can get a 25% discount with a student card.

2. Hike to Chandragiri Hill

For those who are looking for a short hike near Kathmandu, Chandragiri Hill is one of the best options. Here you will pass through the beautiful hiking trails through the forest and nature. The hiking trail can be moderate to challenging, depending on your fitness level. 

• Popular Route: Matatirtha to Chandragiri Hill
• Duration: Around 3 to 4 hours
• Tip: Wear hiking boots, snacks, and carry water

3. Visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple

At the top of Chandragiri Hill lies the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, this is where King Prithvi Narayan Shah decided to unify Nepal. You can also find a statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah near the temple, honoring his historic contribution.. Many devotees come here to pray and enjoy peace in the temple’s spiritual surroundings. Inside the temple premises, there are other statues. For those who wish to do puja or some rituals, they can buy the puja items from shops. There is also a designated spot where visitors can place a symbolic lock, which is believed to bring good luck, blessings, and fulfilled wishes.

4. Stay in a Luxury Resort

Chandragiri Hills Resort is one of the premium resorts located on the Chandragiri hill. This 5-star luxury resort in Nepal offers the perfect place to stay amidst nature, surrounded by lush green hills with stunning views of the city and the Himalayan mountain range. You can choose this resort for marriage celebrations, parties, honeymoons, or simply a peaceful stay in nature.

• Ideal for: Honeymooners, families, couples, business meetings, parties
• Facilities: Spa, restaurant, conference hall, children’s playground

5. Cycling 

The area offers fresh mountain air, scenic views, and peaceful surroundings, making it perfect for a refreshing ride through nature.

• Safe and well-managed
• Suitable for teens and adults

Adventure Activities To Do In Chandragiri Hill

Chandragiri Hill is not only about riding cable cars and visiting temples. Here at the top of the hill, there are lots of things that you can enjoy with your family or loved ones. This place is suitable for all ages. Here is the list of exciting things that you can do in this palace:

1. Kids Playground

Chandragiri Hill is the best place to spend holidays with children. At the top of the hill, you can find the kids’ park with swings, slides, and games where kids can enjoy safely while parents relax.

2. Horse Riding

If you want to enjoy horse riding, then you can find these facilities also at the hilltop near the temple area. You need to pay certain fees for this, like around NPR 250.

3. Rope Swing & Swing in Kathmandu

One of the popular Instagram-worthy activities in Chandragiri is the rope swing with a view. Swing above the clouds with safety ropes and enjoy the thrill.

4. Zipline Kathmandu

Zipline Options & Prices:

• 100 meters: NPR 400
• 200 meters: NPR 800

With Video:

• 100 meters: NPR 600
• 200 meters: NPR 1,100

Eligibility:

• Minimum Age: 4 years and above
• Weight Limit: 60 kg – 120 kg

5. Free Fall in Kathmandu

Experience the sensation of a controlled free fall from a height in a safe setup. 

Free price: NPR 300( Age: 15 – 70, Weight: Max 90kgs)

6. Wall Climbing

You can also experience a wall climbing adventure on Chandrigi hilltop. It is a physically challenging, fun game to show your skills.

Wall climbing cost: NPR 150(Age: 10+, Weight: Max 90kgs)

7. Skywalk in Kathmandu

Walking on the small bridge built in the middle of nature, with thrill and exciting views, is definitely adventurous to do here.

Skywalk cost: NPR 150( Age: 10 – 80, Weight: 90 Kg (Maximum), Height: Min 4.5ft )

8. Sky Cycle and Cycling 360-Degree in Kathmandu

You can also find the Sky Cycle and Cycling 360 at Chandragiri Hill. It’s definitely one of the most adventurous things to do here. These thrilling rides will test your limits and push your courage to new heights.

• Sky Cycling Cost: NPR 600. With video NPR 850.
• 360 Cycling Cost: NPR 200

9. The View Tower

Above the restaurant near the temple, you can find the view tower, which is equipped with a telescope. On a clear day with a telescope, you can enjoy a close view of the majestic peaks, including the world-famous Mount Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh, Gaurishankar, and several other towering summits. Also, the 360 view from the top of the tower is worth watching.

10. Restaurants & Food Courts

Inside the Chandragiri hill, you can find restaurants, food courts, shops, bars, and eateries. You can enjoy the food from traditional Nepali Dal Bhat dishes to international cuisines like pizza, burgers, and noodles. This palace has a wide range of food items suitable for all ages.

Best Time to Visit Chandragiri Hill

You can visit Chandragiri Hill all year round, but the experience varies with the seasons. Here’s what you can expect during each time of year:

• Spring (March to May) – Flowers bloom, clear skies
• Autumn (September to November) – Ideal for mountain views and outdoor activities
• Winter (December to February) – Snowfall sometimes happens; cold but magical views
• Monsoon (June to August) – Lush greenery, but views may be blocked by clouds

Tips for Visiting Chandragiri Hill

• If you are a foreign citizen, you can hire a guide for hiking. 
• In winter, the temperature is freezing at the top of the hill, and sometimes you can even expect snowfall, so pack warm clothes with you.
• Wear comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket
• Bring your camera for photos – sunrise and sunset views are amazing.
• Visit early morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Check weather conditions before visiting if you wish to see the mountain views.
• Book cable car tickets online during holidays to avoid queues
• There are ATM facilities in the entrance gate, so you can withdraw an amount before heading for the hilltop.
• If you are a budget traveller and wish to stay here, then there are lots of hotels available outside the main entrance.

Final Thoughts

The Chandragiri Hill is nature, adventure, spirituality, and comfort wrapped in an attractive package. Observe the landscape on the cable car journey, stroll on the jungle trails, worship at the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Mandir, or thrumming yourself on a zipline and sky cycle tour – Chandragiri is for all. Chandragiri Hill is a place you must visit whenever you are in or near Kathmandu and require a day trip or a weekend excursion. 

If you are looking for a guide tour or in Chandragiri hills, then don’t forget to contact Namaste Nepal Trekking.