- Details
Detailed itinerary
Itinerary- Tour Includes/Excludes
- Useful Info
- FAQ
Trip overview
With a beautiful temple of Bhaleshwor Mahadev on the top, Chandragiri hill is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon away from the crowded capital city of Kathmandu. Within 10 minutes of the cable car journey, you will reach a height of 2520 meters. On bright days, you can gaze at the view of Langtang range, Gaurishankar, and Ganesh peaks.
As it takes only about 3-4 hours to complete this trip, we can arrange the pickup time as per your preference. Our guide will be picking you from your hotel, and you will drive towards the outskirts of Kathmandu. The 45-min drive will take you to Chandragiri Cable Car station. Alternatively, you can hike up to the temple as well. It takes about two hours of walking uphill to reach up to the top.
The cable car line is about two and a half kilometers long. It slides above the green forest, and you can see a hiking trail up to the temple. As the cable car slides upwards, you will see the concrete jungle of Kathmandu at a distance. After getting down from the cable car, you will have to walk about 5 minutes to reach the temple and the viewpoint.
Along with religious importance, Chandragiri Hill holds a historical significance as well. Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal, observed Kathmandu Valley from the Chandragiri Hill, on his way back to Gorkha from Makwanpur. He then had planned the attack on Kathmandu Valley, eventually capturing it.
The Chandragiri Hill is a family-friendly destination, suitable for people of all age groups, and can be visited throughout the year. There is a restaurant opposite to the temple, where you can enjoy your meal with an excellent mountain view. There are a horse-riding station and a park for children to play. Your day at Chandragiri is assured to be an exciting experience.
Itinerary
9:00 am - Start the day by taking a taxi or private car to the cable car station located in Thankot, which is about 30 minutes from central Kathmandu.
9:30 am - Arrive at the cable car station and purchase your ticket for the tour. The ticket price includes the round trip on the cable car and entry to the Chandragiri Hill.
9:45 am - Board the cable car and enjoy the scenic ride up to the top of Chandragiri Hill. The ride takes around 10-12 minutes, and you'll get stunning views of the surrounding hills and the city below.
10:00 am - Once you reach the top, take some time to explore the area. Visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, which is located near the cable car station, and learn about the temple's history and significance.
10:30 am - Take a hike along one of the many trails on Chandragiri Hill. The trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains and are a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. If you're not up for a hike, you can visit the viewpoint tower instead for a panoramic view.
12:00 pm - Enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants on the hill. You can try traditional Nepalese cuisine or choose from a variety of international options.
1:00 pm - Continue your exploration of Chandragiri Hill, and take in the views of the Kathmandu Valley from different vantage points.
3:00 pm - Board the cable car for the return trip down to the station.
3:15 pm - Arrive at the cable car station and take a taxi or private car back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Included
- Round-trip cable car ride: The cost of the cable car ride is included in the ticket price. The cable car takes visitors from the base station in Thankot to the top of Chandragiri Hill and back
- Entry to Chandragiri Hill: The ticket price includes entry to Chandragiri Hill, which is a popular tourist destination in Nepal. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas, visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, and hike on the hill.
Excluded
- Transportation to/from the cable car station: Visitors are responsible for arranging their own transportation to/from the cable car station in Thankot.
- Food and drinks: Visitors must purchase their own food and drinks while on the hill. There are several restaurants and cafes on the hill where visitors can buy food and drinks.
- Guide services: Visitors who wish to hire a guide for the hike may need to pay an additional fee.
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses: Visitors may wish to purchase souvenirs or other items while on the hill, and these costs are not included in the ticket price.
Useful Info
- Getting there: The cable car station is located in Thankot, which is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from central Kathmandu. You can take a taxi or a private car to get there.
- Cable car hours: The cable car operates from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, with the last ticket sold at 4:00 pm. However, it's always best to check the schedule before you go, as timings can be subject to change.
- Ticket price: The ticket price for the Chandragiri Cable Car Tour includes the round trip on the cable car and entry to the Chandragiri Hill. The cost can vary based on age and nationality, but generally, it ranges from around 15 USD to 22 USD per person.
- Dress code: Since you'll be visiting a temple on Chandragiri Hill, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or shorts, and be sure to bring a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and head if necessary.
- Weather: The best time to visit Chandragiri Hill is from September to November and from March to May, as the weather is generally clear and dry during these months. However, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can be unpredictable.
- Altitude sickness: Since the maximum altitude reached during the tour is over 2,500 meters, visitors may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath. It's important to stay hydrated, take breaks as needed, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
- Photography: The views from Chandragiri Hill are spectacular, so be sure to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the scenery. You can also rent a pair of binoculars to get a closer look at the mountains and valleys.
FAQs
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How long does the cable car ride take?
The cable car ride takes about 10-12 minutes each way, for a total round trip of about 20-25 minutes.
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Is the cable car ride safe?
Yes, the cable car ride is safe and the cable car system is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its safety.
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Can I bring food or drinks on the cable car?
Yes, you can bring food and drinks on the cable car. However, it's important to keep the cable car clean and avoid littering.
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Are there restrooms available on the hill?
Yes, there are restrooms available at the cable car station and on the hill. However, visitors should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
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Can I hike on my own or do I need a guide?
You can hike on your own if you wish, as the trails are well-marked and easy to follow. However, if you're not familiar with the area or prefer the guidance of a local, you can hire a guide.
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What should I wear for the Chandragiri Cable Car Tour?
It's recommended to wear comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for hiking. Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts, and bring a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and head if necessary.
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Are there any age restrictions for the cable car ride?
No, there are no age restrictions for the cable car ride. However, children should be accompanied by an adult.
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Can I bring my pet on the cable car or to the hill?
No, pets are not allowed on the cable car or on the hill.
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Is there a souvenir shop or restaurant on the hill?
Yes, there are several souvenir shops and restaurants on the hill, where you can buy souvenirs and snacks.
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Is the Chandragiri Cable Car Tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cable car and the hill are wheelchair accessible, and there are no significant steps or obstacles on the trails. However, visitors should keep in mind that some trails may be steep or uneven, so it's best to check with the staff for more information.
