Chandragiri Cable Car: Travel Guide (2024)
PLANNING A TRIP TO THE CHANDRAGIRI CABLE CAR?
The Chandragiri Hills Cable Car is a popular destination and it is a great day trip or weekend getaway from Kathmandu. I loved my trip to Chandragiri, so here is everything you need to know on things to do and how to plan your trip to Chandragiri.
Chandragiri is 13 km from Kathmandu and can be easily reached by both taxi or public transport. It takes about 1 hour by taxi to get to Chandragiri.
Although, Chandragiri is the most famous for the Chandragiri Cable Car and the views of the Himalayas from the top, there are also some other activities you can do once you get to the top of Chandragiri Hills.
How to Get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri
Chandragiri is only about 13 kms from Kathmandu and takes about 1 hour to reach by car.
Kathmandu to Chandragiri Bus
To get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri, first you will have to go to Kalanki, which is on the Ring Road in Kathmandu. You will find there the public buses going from Kalanki to Chandragiri.
The public bus will drop you about 10-15 minutes walk from the Bottom Station of the Chandragiri Cable Car.
Kathmandu to Chandragiri Taxi
It is easy to take a taxi from Kathmandu to Chandragiri. The taxi takes about 1 hour and costs Rs. 1,000. Check here the best taxi apps in Nepal.
5 Best Things to Do in the Chandragiri Hills
1. Chandragiri Cable Car
Chandragiri Hills Height:
The Chandragiri Hill is 2,551 metres above sea level.
Chandragiri Cable Car Opening Time:
The opening times of the Chandragiri Cable Car is everyday from 9:00 am – 19:00 pm (with a break between 12:00-13:00).
Chandragiri Cable Car Distance:
The Chandragiri Cable Car covers a distance of 2.4 km in about 10 minutes one way.
Chandragiri Cable Car Ticket Price:
- Foreigners: USD 13 one-way, USD 23 two-way. (approximately, Rs. 1,700 one way, Rs. 3,000 both ways). The ticket prices are advertised in USD but they take Nepali Rupees for payment.
- Nepali: Rs. 475 one-way, Rs. 825 two-way
- SAARC: Rs. 790 one-way, Rs. 1,320 two-way
- Chinese: USD 9 one-way, USD 16 two-way (approximately Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 2,100)
Visiting the Chandragiri Hills and going on the Chandragiri Cable Car is a great weekend getaway from Kathmandu. The cable car ride is fun and once you get to the top, you get nice views of the Himalayas (on a clear day), plus there are also some other activities you can at the top.
The Chandragiri Cable Car covers 2.4 km and takes about 10 minutes one way. It usually slows down during the steepest sections of the ride, so it can be scary at times.
If you are scared of heights, this can be a little bit scary but fun ride. The higher and higher you get, the better views you’ll have!
As it gets higher and higher up, the air becomes cleaner, and you start to get better and better views of the Kathmandu Valley and the mountains (if the weather is clear).
Don’t miss your chance and book a private half-day tour to the Chandragiri Hills and Cable Car! (Voted 5/5 ⭐ on 102 reviews)
2. Bhaleshwara Mahadev Temple
After arriving at the top by the Chandragiri Cable Car, it takes only a few minutes to reach the Bhaleshwara Mahadev Temple.
It is a Hindu temple and it is believed that those who come here to worship Bhaleshwara, get their wishes fulfilled.
3. View Tower
- Entry Fee: Rs. 50
There is also a view tower at the top from where you can have some great views. The View Tower itself is not too big but if you visit on a clear day, you will have the best views of the Kathmandu Valley and the mountains.
The best time to see the mountains are between October-November or Mid-February-May. Other times, there is usually clouds or lots of fog.
If you visit on a day when the weather is not clear, it can be a bit disappointing as you will not get views of the Himalayas. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the cable car and a nice getaway in a new place.
4. Adventure Activities
Apart from the View Tower and the Bhaleshwara Mahadev Temple, there is also the possibility to do wall climbing or ziplining.
The zipline in Chandragiri is supposed to be the highest zipline in Kathmandu at the altitude of 2,551 metres.
5. Hike from Chandragiri to Chitlang
If you have time and want to extend your trip, there is a trail from Chandragiri to Chitlang. It is a short hike that takes only about 2 hours.
The trail starts from near the place where the cable car drops you at the top. Although, the sign for the trail is only in Nepali, you can ask one of the shop keepers nearby to show you the start of the trail.
Where to Eat in Chandragiri
There are not that many options for restaurants when you get to the top. There are only two restaurants and they serve mainly Nepali dishes.
One of the restaurants is outdoor, while the other one is indoors on the first floor of the View Tower.
The options are limited but you can find Nepali snacks and dishes such as momo, chowmein, sandwiches or french fries.
Hotels in Chandragiri Hills
Most of the people go to Chandragiri as a day trip and return to Kathmandu the same day. Some people, hike to Chitlang and spend the night there.
There is only one resort, the Chandragiri Hills Resort in Chandragiri. It is about 20 minutes walk from the main amenities in Chandragiri Hills. If you stay here, they can probably arrange a transfer to the resort:
📍Chandragiri Hills Resort: check prices and book here!
Cable Cars in Nepal
In total, Nepal has 6 operational cable cars. The Chandragiri Cable Car is one of the most popular cable cars in Nepal.
Apart from the Chandragiri Cable Car, there are three more cable cars that are popular in Nepal, they are:
- Annapurna Cable Car
- Manakamana Cable Car
- Kalinchowk Cable Car
The Annapurna Cable Car is located in Pokhara and it connects Pokhara to Sarangkot. Sarangkot is a small village near Pokhara and it is famous for its sunrise views of the Himalayas. If you are visiting Pokhara, do not miss out the sunrise in Sarangkot!
The Manakamana Cable Car was built in 1998 and it was the first cable car in Nepal. It was primarily built to transport people to the Manakamana Temple. The Manakamana Temple is a sacred Hindu Temple and is visited by many devotees. Before the construction of the cable car, it was only possible to reach the temple by a 3-4 hour hike.
The Kalinchowk Cable Car is in Kuri village, Dolakha District in Nepal and can be reached in about 8 hours from Kathmandu. Kuri village is popular in the winter months in Nepal as a when it starts to snow, people go there to play in the snow.
The Kalinchowk Cable Car goes up to the Bhagawati Temple which is a famous Hindu temple. From the top cable car station, there is a really nice views of the Himalayas.
Day Trips from Kathmandu
Not sure about Chandragiri and looking for ideas for day trips to other destinations?
Chandragiri is one of the best day trips from Kathmandu but here some other top recommendations for day trips from Kathmandu:
FAQs: Chandragiri Cable Car
What is the price of the Chandragiri Cable Car?
The price of a ticket for the Chandragiri Cable Car varies based on the nationalities:
- Foreigners: USD 13 one-way, USD 23 two-way (approximately, Rs. 1,700 one-way, Rs. 3,000 two-way). The ticket prices are advertised in USD but they take Nepali Rupees for payment.
- Nepali: Rs. 475 one-way, Rs. 825 two-way
- SAARC: Rs. 790 one-way, Rs. 1,320 two-way
- Chinese: USD 9 one-way, USD 16 two-way (approximately Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 2,100)
How long is the Chandragiri Cable Car ride?
The Chandragiri Cable Car is 2.4 km long and takes 10 minutes one-way.
How do I go from Kathmandu to Chandragiri by bus?
There are public buses going from Kalanki to Chandragiri. The public bus will drop you about 10-15 minutes walk from the Bottom Station of the Chandragiri Cable Car.
What is the height of the Chandragiri Hills?
The Chandragiri Hill is 2,551 metres above sea level.
What is the opening time of the Chandragiri Cable?
The opening times of the Chandragiri Cable Car is everyday from 9:00 am – 19:00 pm (with a break between 12:00-13:00).
What is the price of the Chandragiri Hills Resort?
The Chandragiri Hills Resort price is around Rs. 21,000/night (approximately USD 160/night).
The Chandragiri Hills Resort is a beautifully designed 4-star hotel, overlooking the Himalayas. They also have a pool so it’s a perfect weekend getaway from Kathmandu.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chandragiri Cable Car is a great day trip from Kathmandu. It is very popular especially when the weather is clear and you can see the mountain ranges from the Chandragiri Hills.
It is also a popular place during winter. On some rare occasions, it snows in the hills near Kathmandu and when it snows in Chandragiri, a lot of people go there to play with the snow.
