Chandragiri Cable Car Tour takes you away from the hustle, and bustle of the city life of Kathmandu to rural farm and town areas. Heading towards South West of Kathmandu valley, surrounded by tiers of rolling hills, where a scenic Chandragiri hill is located. Not too far from the main city about 14 km / 9 miles distance from Kathmandu city. Taking less than two hours, reaching the outskirt of Kathmandu valley at Thankot, the gateway to various destinations around Nepal.
The drive leads to the foothill of Chandragiri, from here take a cable car to a small ropeway cabin or gondolas. A spacious seating arrangement that takes you to the top of the famous Chandragiri Hill to enjoy relaxing and leisurely moments.
A grand scenic spot for a panorama of the Himalayan range of peaks, one can relax and marvel at the spectacular mountain views. Overlooking 360° wide panorama of the Himalayan range, from Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal in the west. Includes Langtang and Jugal Himal towards the north, the view extends as far as Everest on the far eastern horizon. Truly an amazing place surrounded by lovely forest and rolling green hills, facing the panorama of Kathmandu valley and the city.
Chandragiri Cable Car Tour is a fun and exciting holiday for a few hours or one can spend overnight; in the comfort of nice hotels and resorts.
A delightful spot for leisure and relaxing holidays for all types of people and age-group. Where one can be in the peaceful harmony of the picturesque scenery of green hills, valleys to white snow mountains.
Besides great moments facing gorgeous views, one can take a short hike to the holy temple of Baleshwar Mahadev. Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva in his various manifestation form, where devotees and pilgrims make homage. As well one sit and marvel at the views for a whole day and observe the activities of local Nepalese cultures. Enjoying marvelous time head back to Kathmandu, after a great refreshing day on Chandragiri Cable Car Tour.
Short Tour Profile:
Tour Grade: Leisure to Moderate with short walks.
Duration of Hike: 2-3 hours includes drives both ways.
Start and End point: Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Highest elevation: 2, 551 m or 8,370 feet high.
Mode of Transport: By Car, coach as per group size and in Cable Car.
Best Season for Chandragiri Cable Car Tour:
Nearly all seasons of the year for Chandragiri Tour, except the monsoon wet months of mid-June to August. The best favorable seasons are in spring and autumn / fall, as well in winter times of Christmas and New Year till February.
From 8:30 a.m. on wards till 12 p.m. or 2 p.m.
Morning our tour guide and staff receives you for a short drive beyond Kathmandu valley rim. Driving towards south-west past the Thankot the main entrance to Kathmandu city and the valley from outside Kathmandu.
Reaching a car park, then enjoy a short ride on a cable car of 2.4 k.m distance with 10 minutes. Then reach on top Chandragiri Hill, having a refreshing break at a nice restaurants. Enjoy the panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest. Chandragiri hill.
The best short and exciting destination for Nepali and foreign visitors, the Chandragiri top viewpoint. Take a short hike a huge lord Shiva temple, which is famous for Hindu pilgrimage. Apart from spectacular views, one can just relax and marvel the beautiful surrounding scenery, with panorama of Kathmandu city.
Enjoy lunch or other refreshments in a nearby restaurants provides comprehensive food menu for your delight. After an exciting time at Chandragiri Hill, return journey on the same route and then back to your hotel.
My Chandragiri Cable Car tour with Treklanders Adventures was an amazing experience from start to finish. I wanted a short, refreshing getaway from the busy city, and this tour turned out to be the perfect choice. The team at Treklanders handled everything so smoothly — from hotel pickup to arranging tickets and guiding me through the entire visit. Their communication was clear, friendly, and very professional. I felt completely taken care of throughout the trip. The cable car ride itself was absolutely breathtaking. As we ascended, the panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley slowly opened up, and the mountains in the distance looked incredibly beautiful. The ride was comfortable, safe, and surprisingly peaceful — I loved every second of it. At the top, the viewpoint was spectacular. I got stunning photos of the Himalayas, the green hills, and the valley below. The atmosphere was calm and refreshing, and Treklanders gave me enough time to explore, relax, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. What truly impressed me was the personal attention and hospitality. The guide shared interesting facts about Chandragiri’s history, local culture, and the surrounding mountains, making the tour both fun and informative. I highly recommend Treklanders Adventures for anyone planning to visit Chandragiri. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family, or a group, they make the experience smooth, memorable, and incredibly enjoyable. I’m already looking forward to my next tour with them!
One of Kathmandu’s most popular single-day trips is the Chandragiri Cable Car Tour, which provides a fast and beautiful journey to Chandragiri Hill's top via a modern cable car. The trip is great for any group of people, like families, couples, seniors, or those who just want to see the Himalayas without hiking. Visitors from the top can enjoy a calm setting, fresh air, a temple area, and a panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley.
Chandragiri Hill is situated to the southwest of Kathmandu and is around 10–12 km from the city center. You can get there by road, so it is a good half-day or full-day trip for people who are staying in Thamel, Patan, or nearby places.
The cable car journey lasts about 9-12 minutes one way. Throughout the trip, the passengers can witness the beauty of the forest with the view of the hills and the valley. The system is always on, so the waiting time is very short even if there is a rush of people.
Among the attractions in the world are the mountain views from Chandragiri, which include Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and sometimes even Mount Everest on a clear day. The top of the mountain also has the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, some places to eat, a viewing tower, and open spaces for kids and families. Mother Earth, the spiritual aspect, and the easy way up make it one of the best places to go.
Indeed, the Chandragiri Cable Car Tour is ideal for visitors of any age. Children find the cable car trip fun; grown-ups love the nature and the temple; and elderly persons can do well with little walking and simple mobility.
Booking ahead is required only on weekends and during holidays; however, you can also get the tickets at the counter. If you have a booking already, you don't have to wait in line, especially during busy times.
The best time to visit Chandragiri Hill is during autumn (September–November) and winter (December–February) when the sky is clearer, and the Himalayan range can be viewed from Annapurna to Everest. These months offer fresh air, clear view, and splendid sunrise and sunset, making it perfect for photography.
Of course, spring (March–May) is also a perfect time to come here. The weather is pleasant, the woods around are turning green, and the temperature is comfortable. However, in some cases, a slight haze can be seen during the afternoon due to the temperature rise, but still, the mountain view will be there.
Yes, you can. The tour remains open during the monsoon (June–August), but visibility may be limited due to clouds and fog. But the hills are lush green, and the experience is very calm with fewer people around. Rainwears are necessary, and always look at the weather before leaving.
Chandragiri Hill (2,551m) is a place where the temperature is much lower than in central Kathmandu. The temperature could be down by a few degrees, especially during the early morning and late afternoon. During the winter, the atmosphere can be very chilly, and the temperature may sometimes be close to zero.
The cable car is available in most weather conditions, but for safety reasons, it may be temporarily closed during heavy storms, strong winds, or when there is lightning. Normal operation will be resumed as soon as the weather improves after such interruptions.
Wearing layered clothes will be good since the temperature will change during the day. It is always good to carry a light jacket, and a heavier one in winter would be better. Make sure you also have sunscreen, sunglasses, and good walking shoes when you go to the hilltop and temple.
Thankot is where the base station can be found, about 10-12km from Kathmandu Central is. You can get there through:
Organized tour pickup by Treklanders
Driving time is usually between 30 and 45 minutes, and it depends on the traffic.
Ticket prices differ by nationality as there are different rates for Nepali citizens, SAARC nationals, and foreign visitors. Kids are charged according to their height. Round-trip tickets are mostly used, but one-way tickets are also available.
You must get the tickets from the counter at the base station in Thankot, where you can also get the cable car tickets. Online booking platforms and tour agencies also sell tickets. These two options will allow you to skip the long queues, which are common on weekends and holidays.
A cable car round-trip ticket is included in many tour packages, which may also include a guided visit, depending on the provider.
No, there is no additional fee for the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple or the main viewing areas. Nevertheless, some areas, such as the children’s play zone or design exhibitions, may charge a small amount as an optional fee.
Certainly, Aside from cash, the Chandragiri ticket counter also accommodates credit/debit cards and mobile payment options. Likewise, online booking platforms allow for secure digital payments to be made; thus, the whole purchasing process is very easy and convenient for both local and international visitors.
Usually, ticket prices are constant throughout the year. During public holidays, weekends, and festival seasons, the number of visitors is high, which results in long queues. To be free from the waiting time, one can book in advance or reach the destination early.
The top of the hill presents stunning views in all directions of both the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas. Tourists can see peaks such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, as well as Mount Everest, in case the sky is extraordinarily clear. The hill also has landscaped viewpoints, cafés, gardens, and the emblematic Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple.
Yes. The Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple is a major attraction of Chandragiri. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple’s serene environment and location on the mountain make it a place that is both spiritually and visually appealing.
Yes. A number of restaurants and cafés function at the hilltop and serve Nepali, Asian, and Western meals. They allow both indoor and outdoor seating, thus one can have their lunch while enjoying the beautiful views of the valley and mountains.
Chandragiri is really a perfect place for the whole family. Kids will have a great time in open green areas, the fun park zone, photography spots, and a safe environment to wander about. The cable car ride would be a source of delight for children, especially.
Yes. Numerous walking routes encircle the hilltop, so tourists may wander along wooded trails, visit photo points, and even see tranquil viewpoints. Besides, those who like to travel on foot can take longer routes from Chandragiri that lead to the nearby villages and hill stations.
Indeed. Chandragiri is a dream place for shutterbugs. Sunrise and sunset views couldn’t be more stunning, and the mountains in the background create great landscape photos any time of the year. Even though the day is cloudy, the misty-covered forests and temple buildings of the hill still provide great photography subjects.
Indeed. The Chandragiri cable car is designed and constructed in accordance with globally accepted safety standards and undergoes routine maintenance checks. The vehicles are even in operation during windy situations and are overseen by skilled personnel. In addition, the system is equipped with backup power and has emergency drills to assure passenger safety and comfort.
There are many facilities available at the base station, including a range of ticket counters, restrooms, parking spaces, cafés, souvenir shops, and waiting lounges. So, visitors have all the facilities they need to relax and chill before they take the cable car ride. Furthermore, the station area is well-kept, neatly arranged, and designed to be able to handle large crowds on the weekend and holidays.
Yes, there are restaurants, tea counters, and cafeterias in Chandragiri Hill that serve meals such as Nepali, Continental, and Indian. Irrespective of whether you want only snacks, coffee, or a full meal with beautiful views, the hilltop food court can serve you with several options. The majority of restaurants provide indoor seating, and the open terraces are available for a pleasing dining experience.
Yes, there are restrooms available that are both clean and well-equipped at the base station as well as at the top of the hill. Facilities are convenient for the elderly and families with children; thus, the tour is comfortable for people of all age groups.
Yes. The cabin services and the hilltop place both have been planned and designed to be suitable for the usage of wheelchairs and baby carriages. The presence of leveled paths, slopes, and easily approachable areas for sightseeing seniors and visitors with limited mobility will definitely give them the experience in a relaxed manner.
There are a good number of souvenir shops, handicraft stores, and photo stalls being operated. Thus, visitors have the option to purchase local crafts, key chains, wooden carvings, religious items, and small gifts. These shops make taking home a memory from the journey really easy and convenient.
Definitely. Visitors should eagerly give attention to the capturing of visuals both in the cable car and at the top. The breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the temples’ artistic style, and the greenery of the area make Chandragiri the best place for photography near Kathmandu. Cameras for aerial photography may require special permission depending on the rules.
Thankot is where the base station can be found, about 10-12km from Kathmandu Central is. You can get there through:
Organized tour pickup by Treklanders
Driving time is usually between 30 and 45 minutes, and it depends on the traffic.
Definitely, the cable car ride is smooth, and the hilltop area is mostly flat and easy to walk. Seniors, children, families, and visitors with mobility concerns can enjoy the tour without difficulty. Most areas are wheelchair accessible.
Take along a light jacket, as the hilltop tends to be cooler than Kathmandu. Also, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and good walking shoes would be of great help. During the cold season, the need for warm clothing is inevitable, especially if the visit is for sunrise or sunset.
Visitors to the site usually take 2-4 hours to complete the trip. This is the time it takes to go to Thankot by car, take a cable car ride, walk around the lookout point, visit the temple, have a meal or drinks, and then return to your hotel.
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $85 |
| 2 - 3 | $50 |
| 4 - 8 | $40 |
| 9 - 30 | $30 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $85 |
| 2 - 3 | $50 |
| 4 - 8 | $40 |
| 9 - 30 | $30 |
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Private - Heli Charter | $5,200 |
| 1 - 1 | $1,750 |
| 2 - 2 | $1,700 |
| 3 - 3 | $1,650 |
| 4 - 4 | $1,495 |
