How to Get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills (By Bus, Taxi)
Are you looking for information on how to get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills?
You’ve come to the right place! I live in Kathmandu and loved my visit to Chandragiri. Here is all the information on how to get there.
Chandragiri is 14 km from Kathmandu and can be easily reached by public bus or taxi.
The public buses go from Kalanki towards Thankot/Chandragiri. It takes 30-40 minutes to Chandraigiri by bus, however, the bus does not take you all the way to the Chandragiri Cable Car. You have to walk about 20 minutes from the main road where the bus drops you.
Taking a taxi to Chandragiri is more comfortable and faster. The taxi costs around Rs. 1,000 from central Kathmandu and takes around 30 minutes.
Looking for things to do in Chandragiri? Check out my guide to the Chandragiri Hills and Cable Car here!
How to Get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills
How to Get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills by Bus
Chandragiri is close to Kathmandu, only 14 km away. The best way to get there by bus is to take a bus from Kalanki (see map below) to Chandragiri/Thankot.
The public buses do not go all the way to the Cable Car station, so actually, once the bus drops you, you still have to walk for about 20 minutes to reach the Chandragiri Cable Car.
If you are on a budget, taking the bus from Kalanki to Chandragiri is a good option as the bus ticket is very cheap. The bus fare costs Rs. 25 from Kalanki to Chandragiri/Thankot.
The bus from Kalanki to Chandragiri takes maximum 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
The buses to Chandragiri leave near the A-One Institute in Kalanki
How to Get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills by Taxi
Taking a taxi from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills is much more comfortable and faster. The taxi costs about Rs. 1,000 and reaches Chandragiri in 30 minutes.
Taking a taxi is also a great option if you go in a group as then you can split the costs for the taxi.
For the best taxi prices, make sure to book a taxi through one of the Nepali taxi apps (such as Pathao or InDrive). They have the cheapest prices and the prices are fixed so you do not have to bargain for the price.
➡️ 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)
FAQ: How to Get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills
How do I go from Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hills by bus?
To get from Kathmandu to Chandragiri by bus, first you will have to get to Kalanki in Kathmandu. Kalanki is on the Ring Road and there are frequent buses that go from Kalanki to Chandragiri/Thankot.
Once you get off the bus in Chandragiri/Thankot, you will still have to walk for about 20 minutes to reach the Chandragiri Cable Car.
Is Chandragiri worth visiting?
Yes, Chandragiri is worth visiting, especially when the weather is clear. The cable car ride is fun and once you get to the top, you will get beautiful views of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley.
How much is the ticket for the Chandragiri Cable Car?
The price of a ticket for the Chandragiri Cable Car varies based on the nationalities. As of 2024, the following prices are applied:
- 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 covers the distance of 2.5 km and takes about 10 minutes. Some parts of the ride is pretty steep, so if you are scared of heights, it’s better not to look down!
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting from Kathmandu to Chandragiri is fairly fast and easy. You can either go by public bus or taxi.
The taxi is a more comfortable way to go and if you go in a group, you can even split the costs of the taxi. The taxi costs around Rs. 1,000 from central Kathmandu to Chandragiri.
If you take the bus, first you will have to get to Kalanki and then change to another bus to Chandragiri/Thankot. Once you get dropped in Chandragiri, it still takes about 20 minutes walk to reach the Chandragiri Cable Car.
All in all, a day trip to Chandragiri is very popular and you can get there easily, whether you go by taxi or bus.
