Chandragiri Cable Car: Ultimate Travel Guide (2024)

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ARE YOU PLANNING A TRIP TO THE CHANDRAGIRI CABLE CAR?

The Chandragiri Hills Cable Car is a popular destination and I found that the Chandragiri Cable Car is a great option for a day trip from Kathmandu.

Chandragiri is only 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.

Looking for ideas for other day trips? Check out the best day trips from Kathmandu.

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

If you are in Kathmandu, 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.

Things to Do in the Chandragiri Hills

Chandragiri Cable Car

Opening times: 9:00 am – 19:00 pm (break times between 12:00-13:00)

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.
• Nepalese: 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)

The cable car takes about 10 minutes each way and usually slows down during the steepest sections of the ride.

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).

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!

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)

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.

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.

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.

Hike from Chandragiri to Chitlang

If you have time and want to extend your trip, there is a trail to Chitlang from Chandragiri. It is a short hike, 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 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.

Where to Stay in Chandragiri

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!

FAQ: 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.
• Nepalese: 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 2.5 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.

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.