If you’re experiencing the beauty of Chitlang and want to explore some amazing places nearby, do not forget Chandragiri Hills. Starting your Chandragiri hill tour from Chitlang brings a refreshing trip full of natural beauty, fresh air, cultural insight, and adventure. In recent years, this hill has become a popular destination for its panoramic views of the Himalayas and the stretching Kathmandu valley.
Chitlang, a delightful Newari village just a short distance away, is a great base for this excursion, where you experience rural tranquility and easy access to the hill via villages like Chaap Bhanjyang. Pack your bags with all the necessities and make sure you step out on a sunny day, as the skies are clearer and the atmosphere is breezy.
How to reach Chandragiri from Chitlang?
To reach Chandragiri from Chitlang, there are two primary options, which you must choose according to your convenience:
1. Hiking via jungle trails
This is for anyone who wants to experience the real fun of the Chitlang-Chandragiri route. Starting from Chitlang village, the route ascends steep jungle trails towards the Chandragiri Pass. Depending on your pace, the walk takes about 2-3 hours on average, taking you through lush rhododendron, oak, and pine forests and serene landscapes.
You pass through a small village called Chhap Bhanjyang, where you can stop for some refreshments. The final stretch of the hike requires you to walk through some stone steps leading to the Chandragiri Vhaleshwor Temple (2,551 m). Imagine getting the stunning views of the whole of Kathmandu and world-famous Himalayan peaks after a tiring hike.
2. Transport
If you’re not a hiking person, there is another option to reach Chandragiri without exhausting yourself. You may take a motorcycle, jeep, or pickup vehicle from Chitlang via the Chandragiri Pass road. The journey will be about 18 km and may take 40-60 minutes.
- Public transport: You can catch buses or shared pickups to travel from Chitlang to Taukhel or Kulekhani. That connects to Chandragiri via the old Tribhuwan Highway.
- Private transport: If a bunch of people is your pet peeve while travelling, hire a jeep or a bike to reach Chandragiri directly.
- Cable car: The cable car connects Thankot (near Kathmandu) to Chandragiri, meaning it is not directly accessible from Chitlang. For that, you must hike or ride to Thankot via road first.
Note: If you’re on your own, use offline maps or ask locals for trail guidance.
Key attractions of the Chandragiri trip
After a hike or ride, there are plenty of attractions on top of the hill that will maximize your fun experience. Some of them are:
1. Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple
This sacred Hindu temple has a historical and cultural significance that dates back centuries. Mythologies signify that the temple is the exact spot where Sati’s forehead (Bhala) fell after her death.
History suggests that before consolidating Nepal, King Prithvi Narayan Shah first observed the Kathmandu Valley from Chandragiri. He offered prayers at the temple for his conquest. You can find a statue of the king behind the temple.
During the Magh month, thousands of devotees visit here to offer rituals in honor of Swasthani Brata to the goddess Swasthani and Lord Shiva.
2. View Tower (Observatory)
Adjacent to the temple, you will find a view tower that offers you panoramic views of famous mountains like Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu, and even Everest on clear days. It offers you an elevated platform with a telescope so that you can get closer to the mountain and valley details.
A small fee of Rs. 50 is required to enter the tower. During cloudy days, the views are not clear, so we suggest you make the trip on a bright, sunny day.
3. Cable car ride
The Chandragiri Cable Car is a gondola ride traveling a distance of 2.4 km to connect the mountain of Chandragiri through Thankot. The ride offers you aerial vistas of Kathmandu Valley, subtropical forests, and mountain views.
Key details
| Feature | Details |
| Route | Thankot to Chandragiri Hilltop (2.4 km, 9-12 minutes) |
| Capacity | 8 passengers per cabin |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays: 8:00-17:00, Weekends: 7:00-18:00 |
| Fares | NPR 700 for locals and SARRC, $22 for foreigners |
| Safety | Backup generators, emergency rescue systems, strict boarding protocols |
4. Adventure activities
Chandragiri Hills offers adventure sports and peaceful pleasures. The adrenaline junkies will zip across the mulch of Chandragiri, down the highest zipline in the Kathmandu Valley, sky cycle on suspended pathways, climb walls, or have their courage tested with controlled free-fall experiences. Horse riding through scenic trails is what families love.
Paragliding offers an aerial view of the Himalayas and the valley for a total view of the wonders. In a supremely secure environment, in the safety of gear and staff supervision, these activities can be enjoyed to the fullest during spring or fall for the best visibility. Thus, whether one wants action or peace of mind, Chandragiri Hills intertwines the two.
5. Dining with views
Dining with views in Chandragiri Hills brings together the impressive Himalayan landscapes with multiple culinary experiences. From its terraces further up the hill, some restaurants provide wide vistas of the whole Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas while serving a mix of local and international cuisines. There are also bars to enjoy one’s favorite drink on cool, breezy evenings.
What is the right time to visit Chandragiri Hills?
The best time to visit Chandragiri Hill is between October and March when the weather is at its best for enjoying the scenic beauty and outdoor activities. In Nepal, autumn (October-November) and winter (December-March) bring clear skies, favorable temperatures, and great visibility.
The forests that perch above both hiking trails are luxuriant, interspersed amid late-blooming rhododendrons that color the scene. From December to March, winter is crisp, and cool air provides even sharper views of the mountains due to lower humidity.
Hilltop daytime temperatures call for a light jacket, especially if one is at the summit. Snowfall here is unusual, but the higher peaks visible from Chandragiri are often famously shrouded in fine snow, adding to the visual spectacle. This time of year is also comparatively less crowded than any major tourist season, presenting an opportune time for quiet visits.
Why avoid the trip during the monsoon and summer seasons?
Do avoid the monsoon season, which spans from June to September, since the heavy rainfall makes the hiking trails slippery and treacherous, while thick cloud cover often obscures the views of the Himalayas.
April and May are considered pre-monsoon months that can be hot and hazy, with temperatures rising above 25°C (77°F) and pre-monsoon showers sometimes occurring; though, for some travelers, the flowering rhododendrons during this period may be attractive.
What to do after a day out in Chandragiri Hills?
1. Savor the traditional cuisine of the Newars
Make your way to one of the local eateries or a homestay facility where traditional Newari food may be found. Juju Dhau is a sweet, creamy curd popularly known as “king yogurt.” Alternatively, Yomari, a dumpling made of rice flour and filled with either molasses or meat, can be sampled.
You can couple this with Chyang, wine made from rice from the area. For unique flavors, you cannot afford to miss Chitlang’s famous goat cheese from a local factory, enjoyed either as-is or overbread.
2. Explore the village
Take a leisurely walk in the evening along the narrow lanes of Chitlang. You will love the typical Newari architecture in the carved wooden windows and brick houses, and the mellow rural atmosphere envelops you. You might stumble upon the tiny temples or shrines, such as the Krishna Temple or the Narayan Temple, which reflect the spiritual heritage of the village.
3. Take a rest at a homestay
If staying overnight, settle in one of Chitlang’s delightful homestays. Most have bare-bones, rugged accommodations with very local, warm hospitality. Sharing a fire pit (if there is one), sipping herbal tea made from local ingredients, or chatting about village life with your hosts is perfect for unwinding after a long day of hiking or sightseeing.
4. Visit the goat cheese factory
If you get back early enough, open it and store it at Chitlang’s small goat cheese factory. You can see how this delicacy is collected at home taste the fresh cheese, or buy some to take home for memory storage. That will make a bit of a unique, low-key activity falling well in the spirit of the agricultural village.
5. Stargazing or enjoying the silence
At night, Chitlang, thanks to its remoteness, has little light pollution, ideal for stargazing. Step out of your accommodation, find a secluded spot, and let the night sky speak for itself. Otherwise, just find a porch or an open area to sit while listening to nature’s music, such as crickets or loosened leaves.
6. Try local snacks around a bonfire
Attend the bonfire gathering if your homestay or group organizes this activity. Roast local snacks such as corn or potatoes over a cozy grill fire while sharing stories about your experience at Chandragiri Hill to cozy up at the end of the day, especially in cooler months.
FAQs
1. Where is Chandragiri Hill?
Ans: Chandragiri Hill is located southwest of Kathmandu Valley, in Nepal, with an average elevation of 2,551 meters (i.e., 8,369 feet) above sea level. It is under the administration of the Chandragiri Municipality, with easy accessibility from Chitlang or Kathmandu.
2. What to pack for the trip?
- Comfortable shoes or hiking boots;
- Water and a light snack;
- A light jacket (it can be windy up there);
- Sunscreen and a cap for daytime;
- A camera/phone for clicking pictures.
