At a Glance
  • Duration1 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max. Altitude2,551 meters
  • Group Size1-20
  • Trip StyleTour
  • StartsKathmandu
  • EndsKathmandu
Highlights
  • Scenic cable car ride to Chandragiri Hill (2,551m) with panoramic views
  • 360° vistas of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan ranges, including Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang on clear days
  • Visit to Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, a sacred Hindu site
  • Easy and comfortable tour suitable for all ages
  • Lush green forest surroundings and fresh mountain air
  • Opportunity for photography of landscapes, snowcapped peaks, and valley views
  • Short hiking trails and nature walks are available near the top
  • Family-friendly amenities with restaurants, souvenir shops, and children’s play areas
  • Historical and cultural insights about the hill and temple
  • Convenient day trip from Kathmandu with minimal travel time

Chandragiri Hill offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and breathtaking views. The highlight of this trip is the scenic cable car ride that takes you up to 2,551 meters in just a few minutes. The ride will give you a bird’s-eye view of the valley and the surrounding hills. As you glide over lush green forests, the horizon opens up to reveal snowcapped Himalayan giants on clear days. This will be an experience that feels magical yet effortless.

Once at the top, the charm of Chandragiri continues. You will find yourself surrounded by crisp mountain air, peaceful surroundings, and a panoramic landscape. The mountain stretches from Mount Everest to the Annapurna range. At the heart of the hill lies the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple. This is a sacred site that draws both locals and visitors, adding a touch of spirituality to the journey. It is a place where nature and culture come together beautifully, making the hilltop more than just a viewpoint.

What makes the Chandragiri Cable Car Tour even more special is its accessibility. Without needing to trek or spend hours on the road, you can enjoy a complete day out with family or friends. From photography spots and cozy restaurants to short walking trails and play areas for children, there’s something for everyone here. It is a simple yet rewarding escape from the city, perfect for those who want a taste of the Himalayas with comfort and ease.

What is the history behind the Chandragiri temple

The Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple on Chandragiri Hill carries both spiritual and historical importance. This temple is also one of the key highlights of the region. Rooted in Hindu mythology, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is linked to the story of Sati Devi, the first consort of Shiva. Legends say that when Sati immolated herself in grief, Shiva wandered across the world carrying her body.

As the pieces of her body fell at different places, those sites became sacred shrines. It is believed that her forehead fell on Chandragiri Hill, giving the temple its name “Bhaleshwor Mahadev.” Because of this mythological connection, the temple is regarded as a Shakti Peeth. It is a powerful center of divine energy where devotees come to worship and seek blessings.

The temple is also tied to Nepal’s modern history. Chandragiri Hill is believed to be the very spot where King Prithvi Narayan Shah first set his eyes on the fertile and prosperous Kathmandu Valley. He prayed at Bhaleshwor Mahadev before his campaign to unify the small kingdoms of Nepal into a single nation in the 18th century. For this reason, the site is not only religiously significant but also historically symbolic as the starting point of Nepal’s unification.

Today, the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple attracts both pilgrims and travelers. The serene setting, with sweeping views of the Himalayas and the valley below, adds to the spiritual atmosphere. Visitors often describe the hilltop as a place where history, mythology, and natural beauty converge. Whether you come to pay homage to Lord Shiva, learn about Nepal’s unification, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the temple stands as a meaningful reminder of Nepal’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

What is the best time to visit Chandragiri?

The best time to visit Chandragiri Hill is during the clear weather months of autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). These seasons offer the most favorable conditions for sightseeing, as the skies are typically bright and visibility is excellent, allowing panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Everest, Manaslu, Langtang, and Annapurna.

The weather during these months is pleasantly mild, making the cable car ride and time spent at the hilltop enjoyable without the discomfort of extreme cold or summer heat. Spring also brings blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery, adding extra charm to the landscape. Autumn offers crisp air and post-monsoon clarity that makes the mountains look especially sharp.Winter (December to February) is also a good option if you enjoy colder weather and the chance to see occasional snowfall on the hill, which adds a magical touch to the visit. However, the monsoon season (June to August) is less ideal, as heavy rains and cloud cover often obscure the views and may affect travel comfort. Therefore, for the best overall experience, autumn and spring remain the most recommended times to plan a trip to Chandragiri.

Your day begins with reaching the Chandragiri Cable Car base station, located approximately 16 kilometers southwest of central Kathmandu. The base station is easily accessible by car or taxi, and the drive offers scenic views of the valley along the way. Upon arrival, you can purchase your cable car tickets or confirm your pre-booked tickets. The base station also has small shops and waiting areas for visitors.

Cable Car Ride to the Top:
From the base station, you board the cable car for a smooth and scenic ascent to the top of Chandragiri Hill, which sits at 2,551 meters. The ride takes about 10–15 minutes and offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding hills. On clear days, you can glimpse the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even distant Mount Everest. The cable car itself is modern and comfortable, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.

Visit to Bhaleshwar Mahadev Temple and Hilltop Exploration:
The stop will be in Bhaleshwar Mahadev Temple. It is a sacred Hindu site with deep historical and cultural significance. Devotees often stop here to offer prayers and experience the spiritual ambiance. After the temple visit, you can explore the hilltop area, which features scenic viewpoints, walking paths, and a viewing tower. The panoramic vistas from the top allow for photography and peaceful moments surrounded by nature.

Lunch at the Hilltop Restaurant:
To complete the experience, enjoy a meal at one of the hilltop restaurants or cafes. These eateries serve local and continental dishes while offering unobstructed views of the valley and distant mountains. It is an ideal spot to relax, take photos, and soak in the serene environment before descending. After lunch, you can either take the cable car back down or spend additional time walking along the short trails and enjoying the fresh mountain air.

  • Max. Altitude:2,551 meters
  • Meals:Lunch

Service Details

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Essential Information

What time does the Chandragiri cable car start?

The Chandragiri cable car service generally starts at 8:00 AM every day and runs continuously until late afternoon, usually closing around 5:00 PM. The operating hours are designed to give you enough time to enjoy the ride. You can explore the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, take in the Himalayan views, and experience the restaurants and facilities at the top before returning. Since the service depends on weather and seasonal daylight, timings may sometimes vary slightly, especially during the monsoon or winter months. It is recommended to plan your visit earlier in the day for clearer mountain views and to avoid long queues during weekends and public holidays.

How much is the entry fee for Chandragiri?

The Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple on Chandragiri Hill has no separate entry fee. Access is included with your cable car ticket.

Ticket prices differ by nationality and type:

Discounts (for Nepali nationals only) apply as follows when valid ID is presented:

No separate temple entry charge exists; any donations are voluntary.

Can you see Everest from the Chandragiri Cable Car?

Yes, it is possible to see Mount Everest from Chandragiri Hill, but only on exceptionally clear days. The hilltop stands at 2,551 meters and provides a 180-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan range, stretching from Annapurna in the west to Everest in the east. While peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar are more prominently visible. Everest is much farther away and can be seen as a tiny peak on the horizon if weather conditions are perfect. The monsoon season often brings heavy cloud cover, making mountain views rare, while autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) are the best seasons for clear skies. Early mornings also offer the highest chance of spotting the distant Himalayas, including Everest.

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