Chandragiri Hills, a quick drive from Kathmandu, welcomes you with stunning Himalayan views, cultural richness, and a peaceful atmosphere.
INTRODUCTION
Chandragiri Hills is a beautiful hill located about seven kilometers from Thankot, towards the southwest of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Sitting at an elevation of 2,551 meters above sea level, this place provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range and the entire Kathmandu Valley.
It is a hospitality company that provides the services of cable cars, restaurants & bars, multipurpose halls, branded shops, playgrounds for kids, with its upcoming attractions as boutique hotels, adventures thrills.
The main attraction here is the thrilling cable car ride that takes you to the top of the hill. During this journey, you get to enjoy mesmerizing views of the mountains and the valley below. Once you reach the summit, there’s the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple not only holds religious significance but also adds to the cultural charm of Chandragiri.
Apart from the temple, the hill is a perfect spot for nature lovers. You can take a leisurely walk or go hiking to explore the lush greenery and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The entire area is rich in Newari culture, offering a chance to experience the local way of life, taste traditional cuisine, and interact with friendly locals.
Chandragiri, standing tall at 2,551 meters, ranks among the five tallest hills in Kathmandu, surpassing renowned spots like Ghandruk and Jomsom. Its elevated position during winter creates optimal conditions for snowfall, with temperatures dropping and a high chance of snow-covered hills around Kathmandu. They offers a unique opportunity to experience this winter magic conveniently and luxuriously.
Chandragiri is not just a destination for a scenic escape but also a place where you can immerse yourself in the culture and history of Nepal. With its simplicity and natural beauty, Also it provides a wonderful retreat for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquility of nature and the richness of local culture.
CHANDRAGIRI HIGHLIGHTS
A short drive from Kathmandu, it offers stunning Himalayan views, adventure, cultural significance, luxurious accommodation, diverse cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple
- Historical Heritage
- The View Tower
- Restaurants and food courts
- Cable Car
- Amusement Park
- Activities such as zipline, Wall climbing, Amphitheater, Swing, Cycly Zipline
- Hiking
- Luxurious Chandragiri Hills Resort
- Snow in Chandragiri Hills during Winter
Location Overview
Chandragiri is a hill situated southwest of Kathmandu Valley in Chandragiri Municipality. It stands as a prominent landmark that provides panoramic views of the entire valley and the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Himalayas. The area is easily accessible, making it a favored spot for day trips and weekend getaways.
How to reach Chandragiri from Kathmandu?
There are several ways to reach Chandragiri from Kathmandu:
1. By Road
– Hire a private vehicle or take a taxi for a convenient and direct journey.
– Public buses and microbuses are available from Ratnapark or Kalanki to Thankot.
– From Checkpost, shared jeeps or cabs can take you to Chandragiri.
2. By Cable Car
– Experience the thrilling Cable Car from Thankot, offering panoramic views during the ascent. The normal cost of Cable car is 800 Rs. till this date for the two way and 475 for 1 way.
3. On Foot
– For the adventurous, there are trekking trails from Thankot to Chandragiri, providing a scenic and active route.
How to reach Chandragiri from Pokhara?
To reach Chandragiri from Pokhara, consider the following options:
1. By Road
– Take a tourist bus or microbus from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
– From Kathmandu, follow the previously mentioned routes to Chandragiri.
2. By Air and Road
– Fly from Pokhara to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
– From the airport, hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Thankot, then proceed to Chandragiri.
Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple
At the top of Chandragiri Hill, the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple is a special place where people go to show respect to Lord Shiva. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, and the temple’s unique design and religious importance make it even more special for visitors.
Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple has a special story. According to ancient texts, it marks the spot where Satidevi’s forehead fell. Hindu believers visit here, as it’s believed that the deity fulfills one wish. History adds that Prithvi Narayan Shah saw Kathmandu from here, dreaming of conquering it with Bhaleshwor Mahadev’s blessing. Locals share tales of farmers seeking rain, and visiting the temple during the dry season.
Historical Heritage
Thankot, a town situated at the base of Chandragiri Hill, has historical importance dating back centuries. The name “Thankot” is believed to be derived from the Nepali words “than” and “kot,” meaning a small fort. In the past, it served as a military outpost, guarding the entrance to the Kathmandu Valley. Today, you can still see old buildings and walls that show how important it was in history.
Chandragiri Cable Car
One of the main attractions in the Chandragiri-Thankot region is the Cable Car. This modern marvel provides a convenient and thrilling way to ascend the hill, offering passengers breathtaking views of the valley and the Himalayan range during the journey.
As you go up the hill, the cable car takes you over the green pine forests, showing amazing views of the valley, hills, and the Himalayas.
The cherry red cabin carries 8 passengers, revealing a beautiful view of the valley, green hills, and snowy Himalayas during the journey from Bottom to Top Station.
The ride is about 10 minutes, making it the fastest way to reach the top. It’s an exciting and affordable ride, providing a luxurious experience.
The ride is safe with generators in case the power goes out, and if you need help, there are emergency rescue drives to take you back to the Bottom Station. It’s a safe, quick, and unforgettable experience.
The Cable Car offers two-way and one-way ticket options with varying prices for adults, SAARC nationals, and foreigners, including specific rates for children, students, seniors, and Chinese visitors.
Discounts are provided for children based on height, differently-abled individuals, the elderly, students, locals, and expats.
Notably, children under 3 feet enjoy free entry, and those aged 11 or below need to be accompanied by an adult.
The facility is wheelchair-friendly, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
Chandragiri Cable Car Price Details
Chandragiri Cable Car PRICE: One-way | Two-way:-
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Nepalese Citizens NPR 475 one-way NPR 799 two-way SAARC Nationals NPR 760 one-way NPR 1280 two-way Chinese Nationals 9 USD one-way 15 USD two-way Other Nationals 13 USD one-way 26 USD two-way
Schedule
Sunday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Break Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Note: On Saturdays and Public Holidays there will be no break.
The View Tower
The View Tower is on top of Chandragiri Hill, and it gives you amazing views of the Kathmandu Valley, green hills, and the big Himalayan mountains, especially on clear days.
The Observatory takes it up a notch, offering an elevated vantage point for an unobstructed and panoramic view of the majestic peaks, including Mount Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh, and Gaurishankar. You can take great pictures from different spots on the tower and enjoy the beautiful nature of Nepal.
Equipped with telescopes, it lets you observe the intricate details of these magnificent mountains. The observatory’s design allows a 360° view of rolling hills, deep valleys, Kathmandu city, and nearby villages.
Whether you love nature, enjoy photography, or simply seek a peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere, the observatory deck is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Himalayas. It’s a must-visit place to see stunning views and connect with the incredible beauty of the area.
Amusement Park
Chandragiri Hills’ Amusement Park offers thrilling adventures for both adults and kids. Try the zipline for an exhilarating ride through the air or experience the excitement of a free fall. Challenge yourself with wall climbing and enjoy a range of heart-pounding activities. It’s the perfect place for an unforgettable adventure set against the stunning backdrop of the hills. Get ready for some excitement.
The play area provides non-stop fun with exciting equipment like climbing ropes, swings, slides, seesaws, and a jungle gym. No need to worry about keeping your little ones busy – just relax, enjoy, and create lasting family memories.
Chandragiri Hills Amphitheatre
The Chandragiri Hills Amphitheatre is a lovely open-air space tucked into the hills, perfect for exciting performances and artistic shows. With its natural surroundings, this amphitheater becomes a charming venue for cultural events, concerts, and plays. It’s a place where creativity comes alive, providing a memorable experience for both performers and the audience. Whether it’s music, dance, theater, or other live performances, the Amphitheatre is the spot to enjoy them in a beautiful setting.
Chandragiri Hills Resort
Chandragiri Hills Resort is a luxurious 5-star retreat in Nepal, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Kathmandu’s natural landscapes. Located atop of Hills. It offers a peaceful getaway that feels like a serene hideaway in the foothills of the Himalayas. This resort stands out with its perfect blend of opulence and tranquility among Kathmandu’s hillside getaways. Whether you’re enchanted by snowfall or enjoy the refreshing summer breeze, The Resort promises an ideal staycation for every season.
CONCLUSION
Chandragiri and Thankot, with their blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, stand as hidden gems within the Kathmandu Valley. Whether it’s the thrilling cable car ride, the spiritual serenity of ancient temples, or the opportunity to connect with the local community, this region has something to offer every kind of traveler. A visit to Chandragiri and Thankot promises not only a refreshing retreat but also a journey into the heart of Nepal’s cultural and historical tapestry.