Getting Around Chandragiri Hill

Chandragiri Hill, approximately 7 kms from Thankot, lies on the South-West of Kathmandu Valley. The hill which lies 2551 meters above sea level, offers a spectacular picturesque view of entire Kathmandu covered with lush green blanket of flora. Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley & Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest and a pristine landscape is what Chandragiri has in store for you. Chandragiri Bhanjyang, the pass to Kathmandu Valley in the SouthWest used to be a common trade and travel route to and from Kathmandu during the 1700’s connecting Chitlang in Makawanpur. Chandragiri Hill is an ideal stop if you want a day out in Kathmandu.

Reaching There

1)On Foot (Hiking)

The hiking route is recently opened route. It is one of the best hiking around Kathmandu Valley. The starting point is Hindu Temple at Matatirtha or Hotel Outlook INN. From the famous Matatirtha Temple, the trail lead towards Chhap Bhanjyang at 2275m through the small village and forest. You have to walk 3 hours steep up stone staircase to the Chhap Bhanjyang. Chhap Bhanjyang has quite a few number of local tea and coffee shops. After a quick coffee break in Chap Bhanjyang, you will be walking through the forest. After walking for about 1 hour through the forest, you will reach your final destination Chandragiri Hill at 2729m.

Basic Outline

1. Drive till Matatirtha Temple
2. If needed, tea and coffee break in the outlook Inn Hotel
3. Start hiking to Chhap Bhanjyang at 2275m through small village and forest. It will take around 3 hours to reach Chhap Bhanjyang.
4. Tea Break at Chhap Bhanjyang
5. Walk through the forest for an hour until you reach Chandragiri Hill,your ultimate destination.
6. The trail continues two and half hour descend to the Hattiban Resort. Your day hiking in end . Tea break for 10m.
7. Drive to Kathmandu.

Basic Essentials for hiking:

1. Walking boots
2. Light jackets
3. Extra T-shirts
4. Water bottle
5. First Aid Box

2)Newly Launched Chandragiri Cable Car

From the base station at Godam, near Thankot, the newly installed 2.5 km ropeway will take you to the top of Chandragiri. It takes around 9 min to cover the route of 2.5km. The Cable Car is built by Kathmandu Fun Park Ltd. The newly installed cable car is expected to serve around 10,000 people per day.

How to reach Chandragiri Cable Car Station?

You can take local route buses, Safa Tempos and Microbuses to Thankot. After reaching Thankot, head towards the base station located at Godam Chaur which is around 10 minutes walking distance on the way to Chitlang from the Police Checkpost in Thankot.

Time of Operation:

Cable car would be operating from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays, and 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends and public holidays.

Chandragiri Cable Car Price Fare:

One Way(Nepalese ) = NPR 420

One Way(SAARC Countries ) = INR 700

One Way(Foreigners ) = USD $ 13.20

Both Ways (Nepalese): NPR 700

Both Ways (SAARC Countries): INR 700

Both Ways (Foreigners): USD $ 22.00

Where can you buy tickets?

Bhate-Bhateni Shopping Mart, IME Centers and IME Travels.

How to Make Reservations?

You can book tickets through internet, phone calls, online or walk-in.

Capacity of one Cable Car or Gondola

A maximum of 8 passengers can be accommodated; children aged below 3 years old also counts as one person.

What all to expect at Chandragiri?

1. Cable Car Ride
2. Bhalehswor Mahadev Temple
3. View Tower
4. Boutique Hotel and Restaurants
5. Shops
6. Botanical Garden and Children Playground