By Uncover Nepal Team · Checked by our Kathmandu travel team · Last checked 4 Oct 2026
The cabin leaves the Thankot station with a small sway, and the noise of the highway drops away behind you. For about ten minutes you rise over the forested side of the hill, and every time you look back the Kathmandu Valley is wider and flatter than before. Then the cabin slows into the top station, and the air is cooler than the city you left.
The short answer: Chandragiri Hills rise on the south-west rim of the Kathmandu Valley, about 13 km from Kathmandu. A cable car from Thankot lifts you about 1,000 m to the top at 2,551 m (8,369 ft), according to the operator, in about 10 minutes. At the top you find a Shiva temple, a view tower and, on clear days, the Himalaya.
This article is part of our guide to hill stations in Nepal, where Chandragiri sits alongside Nagarkot, Dhulikhel and Kakani as an easy escape from the city. Here we go deeper: how the cable car works, today's tickets and hours, what to do at the top, the walks up, and how to time your visit for the mountains.
Key facts
- Where
- Thankot, Chandragiri Municipality, Kathmandu District, on the valley's south-west rim (Wikipedia (Chandragiri Cable Car; Thankot), checked 4 Oct 2026)
- Distance
- About 13 km from Kathmandu; about 7 km from Kalanki (Chandragiri Hills (operator), map page, checked 4 Oct 2026)
- Altitude
- Base 1,550 m; top 2,551 m (8,369 ft). A 2016 report gave 2,540 m (Operator homepage; Kathmandu Post 2016; checked 4 Oct 2026)
- Line and ride
- 2.5 km; about 10 minutes (operator range 9 to 13 minutes) (Operator cable car and FAQ pages, checked 4 Oct 2026)
- Opened
- August 2016 (Operator history page, checked 4 Oct 2026)
- Hours
- Open daily; Sunday to Friday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (break 12:00 to 1:00 pm); Saturday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; no midday break on Saturdays and public holidays. Operator's hours, check before you go (Operator cable car page, checked 4 Oct 2026)
- Clearest months
- October and November (Nepal Tourism Board, Climate, checked 4 Oct 2026)
- Recent history
- Lower station set on fire on 9 Sep 2025; reopened on 8 Nov 2025 (Himalayan Times; Spotlight Nepal, checked 4 Oct 2026)
What are Chandragiri Hills?
Chandragiri Hills are the high, forested ridge on the south-west corner of the Kathmandu Valley, above the town of Thankot. Since August 2016 a cable car has carried visitors to the summit, where a temple, a view tower, restaurants and a resort now stand. For most people it is a half-day trip.
The name joins two words, chandra (moon) and giri (hill or mountain), so Chandragiri is the "moon hill". The hill mattered long before the cable car. It carries two stories that people in Kathmandu still tell: one about the temple on the summit, and one about the king who made modern Nepal.
According to tradition, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Gorkha king who unified Nepal, first saw the Kathmandu Valley from Chandragiri and resolved there to conquer it. Some versions place the moment on his way back to Gorkha from Makwanpur. A statue of him now stands on the hill. Treat the story as tradition: it is told, not documented.
The cable car and the hilltop belong to one company, Chandragiri Hills Ltd, which began as Kathmandu Fun Park Pvt. Ltd and took its present name on 16 May 2016. So "Chandragiri Hills" on your ticket means the company as much as the place.
In practice: think of Chandragiri as a developed hilltop with real history underneath, not a wild summit. You go for the ride, the view and the temple, and you are back in Kathmandu the same afternoon.
How does the Chandragiri cable car work?
The Chandragiri cable car is a gondola built by the Austrian firm Doppelmayr. It runs 2.5 km from Thankot to the top station, climbing about 1,000 m on 11 towers. Enclosed cabins for up to 8 people keep coming round the line, so there is no timetable, and the ride takes about 10 minutes.
| Cable car fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Line length | 2.5 km | Operator FAQ and history pages |
| Vertical rise | About 1,000 m (operator: 1,001 m) | Operator homepage and history page |
| Towers | 11 | Operator history page |
| Passenger cabins | 38, plus 2 freight carriers and 1 maintenance carrier | Operator FAQ |
| Cabin capacity | Up to 8 people; a child under 3 also counts as one passenger | Operator cable car page and FAQ |
| Designed capacity | About 1,000 people an hour, one way (2016 figure) | Kathmandu Post, 2016 |
| Ride time | About 10 minutes; operator range 9 to 13 minutes | Operator cable car page |
| Built by | Doppelmayr, Austria | Operator FAQ; Spotlight Nepal |
| Cost to build | Rs 4 billion, from a seven-bank group led by Citizens Bank (2016 report) | Kathmandu Post, 2016 |
Table checked 4 Oct 2026.
The cabins and safety
The cabins are aluminium and fibreglass with plexiglass windows, so you see out on all sides, and smoking is not allowed in the cabins or terminals. The operator says the system has backup generators and batteries, and that its trained staff can reach the cabins for a rescue if the line stops. A 2016 report said the ride takes 9 to 14 minutes depending on wind speed, so weather can slow it.
Earthquake, fire and reopening
The towers were already standing during the April 2015 earthquakes, and the operator says the construction was not damaged. The cable car opened to the public on 8 August 2016 and was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on 15 December 2016.
On 9 September 2025, during protests in Kathmandu, the lower station was set on fire. The cable car stayed closed for about 60 days and reopened on Saturday 8 November 2025, after Doppelmayr engineers carried out repairs and safety checks. The operator's cable car page now lists its normal daily schedule.
In practice: the cabins are fully closed, so the ride suits people who dislike open chairlifts. If you are nervous of heights, sit facing uphill and watch the hill rather than the drop.
Chandragiri cable car tickets and opening hours
Tickets come in three tiers: Nepali nationals pay in Nepali rupees, SAARC nationals (including Indian visitors) in Indian rupees, and other foreign visitors in US dollars. The operator says the rates include all taxes. Prices change, so treat this as a guide.
| Ticket | Foreign visitors | SAARC nationals | Nepali nationals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-way | USD 23 | INR 950 | NPR 850 |
| One-way | USD 13 | INR 570 | NPR 510 |
| Express (two-way) | USD 25 | INR 1,250 | NPR 1,350 |
Operator's price, checked 4 Oct 2026, confirm before you go.
- Express. The operator lists an Express two-way fare; its cable car page does not explain what it adds. Ask at the counter.
- Discounts. The operator lists discounts for children, older people, students and people with disabilities, and marks them for Nepali nationals. If you hold another passport, check at the counter before you count on one.
- ID. The operator asks for a valid ID card for its discounts, so carry your passport or ID.
- Children. Children aged 11 or under must ride with someone aged 15 or over.
- Buying. Online through the operator's ticket portal, linked from its cable car page, or at the base station.
| Day | Hours | Break |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday to Friday | 8:00 am to 6:00 pm | 12:00 to 1:00 pm |
| Saturday | 8:00 am to 8:00 pm | No break |
Operator's hours, from its cable car page, checked 4 Oct 2026. The operator says there is no midday break on Saturdays and public holidays. Its FAQ page gives different times, so check before you go.
The cable car runs every day of the week.
In practice: check the operator's cable car page on the morning you go, and from Sunday to Friday avoid arriving just before the midday break.
What is at the top of Chandragiri?
The top of Chandragiri holds the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, a view tower and observatory with telescopes, a children's play area, adventure activities, restaurants and the Chandragiri Hills Resort. The temple is on the summit, a short walk uphill from the top station on concrete paths.
Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple
Bhaleshwor Mahadev is a pagoda-style temple to Shiva. The building is new: Chandragiri Hills built it, finishing by July 2016, to a design by the architect Shankar Nath Rimal. The site is old and sacred.
According to tradition, the temple stands where the forehead ("bhala") of the goddess Sati fell, which gives it its name; the old text Himvatkhanda is cited for this. Devotees believe the god here grants one wish, and folklore says farmers who climbed to pray in times of drought were rained on before they reached home. These are beliefs, and part of why people still climb the hill.
It is a working temple. Take off your shoes where others do, and ask before you photograph people at prayer.
View tower and activities
The view tower has an observatory with telescopes and a 360-degree view, and a View Tower Restaurant. On a clear day this is where you look for the snow peaks.
| Area | What it has | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Children's play area | Climbing ropes, swings, slides, seesaws, jungle gym | Younger children |
| Adventure activities | Zipline, swing, wall climbing, free fall, horse riding, sky cycling, skywalk, 360-degree cycling | Teenagers and adults |
| Free fall and skywalk | Free fall from 67 ft; a 120 m suspended bridge (operator figures) | A head for heights |
| Food and drink | Restaurants, food courts, bars and Cafe Kathmandu | Everyone |
| Chandragiri Hills Resort | Rooms, infinity pool, heated outdoor jacuzzi, spa, fitness studio | An overnight stay |
Source: operator pages, checked 4 Oct 2026. The operator lists activity prices and age and weight limits on its adventure activities page; check them there or at the activity desk, as they change.
In practice: the operator advises allowing at least 2 to 3 hours at the top. That covers the temple, the view tower and a meal; add time if children want the play area.
Which mountains can you see from Chandragiri?
On a clear day the operator lists Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh and Gaurishankar among the peaks visible from Chandragiri, "and several other" summits. The northern skyline is the reason most people come, and it shows best in the clear weeks after the monsoon, usually October and November.
We name only the peaks the operator lists. Whether you see any of them depends on the day, not the ticket.
- Look north from Kathmandu before you leave. If you cannot see white peaks from the city, the view from the top may be limited too.
- If the morning is clear, go early and head straight for the view tower.
- In the monsoon, expect cloud and rain at the top.
In practice: treat the mountains as a bonus a clear morning can give you. The temple and the valley view are there in any weather.
When is the best time to visit Chandragiri Hills?
The best time to visit Chandragiri Hills for mountain views is October and November, when the Nepal Tourism Board says the clearest skies come. The operator describes the dry months as clear but cold at the top, with snow possible in January. From June to September, expect cloud and rain.
"Spring is the time for rhododendrons to bloom while the clearest skies are found after the monsoon in October and November."
Nepal Tourism Board, Climate page (checked 4 Oct 2026)
The monsoon normally starts around 13 June and withdraws around 2 October, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. In every year from 2020 to 2025 it withdrew later than 2 October, so early October can still be showery. For the season month by month, see our guide to the best time to visit Nepal.
There is no weather station on Chandragiri itself. The table gives the nearest official records: Kathmandu airport on the valley floor, and Daman, the nearest higher station, in another district. Read them as a range, not as the hilltop's own climate.
| Month | Kathmandu airport, 1,337 m (high / low) | Daman, 2,314 m (high / low) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19.2 / 2.8 °C | 12.2 / 0.8 °C |
| October | 27.2 / 13.9 °C | 20.6 / 9.4 °C |
| November | 23.6 / 8.4 °C | 17.2 / 5.1 °C |
| December | 20.2 / 4.2 °C | 13.8 / 2.0 °C |
| Rain, July | 384.1 mm | 503.6 mm |
| Rain, November | 6.4 mm | 7.9 mm |
Sources: Kathmandu (Tribhuvan Airport) 1991 to 2020 normals, WMO/DHM via Wikipedia; Daman, Makwanpur, 1976 to 2005, via Wikipedia from the AESA study; checked 4 Oct 2026.
The top of Chandragiri is about 1,200 m above the airport and about 237 m above Daman, so Daman's column is the closer guide to the hilltop. A warm October day in the city can feel like a cool day at the top.
What to wear: the operator advises a warm layer all year, plus a waterproof and umbrella in the monsoon. Wear flat-soled shoes for the concrete paths and the uphill walk from the top station.
In practice: for mountains, go on a clear morning in October or November. For a cool escape from summer heat, any dry day works, but expect cloud.
How do you get to the Chandragiri cable car from Kathmandu?
The base station is at Thankot, on the western edge of the valley, about 13 km from Kathmandu and about 7 km from Kalanki, according to the operator. From central Kathmandu you head to Kalanki, the busy junction on the Ring Road, then west along the highway out of the valley to Thankot.
- Private car or taxi. The simplest option. Agree the fare, and how long the driver will wait, before you set off. The operator's FAQ mentions four car parks at the base, with room for about 300 motorbikes and 200 cars.
- Local bus or microbus. Vehicles heading west from Kalanki pass Thankot. Ask the conductor for the cable car stop, and expect a crowded ride at busy times.
- Ask us. If you would like help with the day, ask us about a day plan.
A dirt road also winds to the top, which the operator says takes about 2 hours by car or bike. Most visitors take the cable car instead.
Kalanki is often jammed, and traffic there decides your travel time more than the distance does. We do not give a fixed time from Thamel, because it changes so much with the hour and the day.
In practice: set off early, before the traffic builds, and you reach the station while the morning light is still good for views.
Can you hike up Chandragiri?
Yes. You can hike up Chandragiri along the ridge from Champadevi or directly from Thankot, then ride the cable car down on a one-way ticket. The ridge walk takes 5 to 6 hours, according to the operator, and a 2018 group report says the direct climb from Thankot took 4 to 5 hours.
| Way up | Time | Effort | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable car from Thankot | About 10 minutes | None | Operator |
| Champadevi to Chandragiri ridge | 5 to 6 hours in total | Moderate (operator's grading) | Operator hike guide, 2024 |
| Thankot to Chandragiri on foot | 4 to 5 hours up | Steep, stony forest path | A 2018 group report |
| Dirt road | About 2 hours by car or bike | Rough road | Operator map page |
Checked 4 Oct 2026.
The Champadevi ridge. The operator's route starts at Dudjom Namdrom Choling Monastery near Hattiban, climbs to the Champadevi temple, follows the ridge up to Bhasmasur at 2,460 m, drops to a tea shop, then runs on a rolling trail to Chandragiri. To reach the start, the operator suggests a local bus toward Dakshinkali as far as Bhanjyang, roughly 30 minutes from central Kathmandu, then about 15 minutes off-road. Treat those times as approximate.
The direct climb from Thankot. This starts near Tribhuvan Park in Thankot and climbs straight up through forest on a steep, stony path. The 4 to 5 hours comes from one 2018 report, not a measured route, so allow extra time.
Before you go:
- Start early, so you finish well before the last cable car down.
- Carry plenty of water and snacks, a warm layer and a rain jacket.
- Wear walking shoes with grip; forest paths get slippery after rain.
- Go with a licensed guide or someone who knows the trail, because ridge paths branch and are easy to lose in cloud.
- Buy your one-way ticket down online before you start, or ask at the top station.
For another valley-rim hike, on the north and east side through Chisapani and Nagarkot, see our Kathmandu Valley rim hike.
In practice: walk up and ride down. You get the climb, and your knees are spared the descent.
Paragliding from Chandragiri
Paragliding at Chandragiri launches at about 2,300 m on the hill, to the west of the temple, and lands in Chitlang at about 1,700 m, according to a 2023 report in The Annapurna Express. That report put flights at 15 to 25 minutes. You fly away from the Kathmandu Valley, down towards Chitlang.
We run a tandem paragliding day here; see the trip page, paragliding in Chandragiri, for how the day works and what is included.
In practice: plan paragliding as its own morning. Flights depend on wind and weather, so keep the rest of the day flexible.
How to plan your visit
A visit to Chandragiri Hills fits easily into half a day. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours at the top, as the operator advises, plus your travel to and from Thankot. A morning start gives you the best chance of clear views and an easier drive.
- Pick your day. Check the forecast and the operator's current hours. October and November are the best bet for mountains.
- Set off early. Beat the Kalanki traffic and reach Thankot soon after opening.
- Buy your ticket online or at the station, and carry ID.
- Ride up, about 10 minutes.
- Walk up to the temple and the Prithvi Narayan Shah statue.
- Climb the view tower while the morning is clear.
- Eat at the top in one of the restaurants or the cafe.
- Ride down with a margin before the weekday break or closing time.
What to bring: a warm layer, even in summer; a rain jacket or umbrella from June to September; flat-soled shoes; sunglasses and sun cream; your passport or ID; and cash in small notes for snacks and temple offerings.
Read next: places to visit in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, day hikes on the Kathmandu Valley rim and day trips from Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Chandragiri cable car ticket?
A two-way ticket costs USD 23 for foreign visitors, INR 950 for SAARC nationals and NPR 850 for Nepali nationals, according to the operator's cable car page on 4 Oct 2026. One-way tickets are USD 13, INR 570 and NPR 510. The rates include taxes, and prices change, so check before you go.
How long is the Chandragiri cable car ride?
The Chandragiri cable car ride takes about 10 minutes each way, with an operator range of 9 to 13 minutes. The line is 2.5 km long and climbs about 1,000 m from Thankot to the top. Wind can slow it a little, so allow a few extra minutes.
How high is Chandragiri Hill?
The top of Chandragiri Hill is 2,551 m (8,369 ft), according to the operator. A 2016 Kathmandu Post report gave 2,540 m for the top, so you may see both figures. The base station at Thankot is at 1,550 m, about 1,000 m lower.
How far is Chandragiri from Kathmandu?
The cable car base at Thankot is about 13 km from Kathmandu and about 7 km from Kalanki, according to the operator. Traffic at Kalanki decides your travel time more than the distance does, so we do not give a fixed drive time. Set off early, and allow extra time at busy hours.
Is the Chandragiri cable car open now?
Yes. It closed after the lower station was set on fire on 9 September 2025, and reopened on 8 November 2025 after repairs and safety checks by Doppelmayr engineers. The operator now lists daily opening hours. Check its website on the day you plan to go.
Is Chandragiri suitable for children and older visitors?
Mostly yes. The cable car does the climbing, though there is an uphill walk from the top station on concrete paths. Children aged 11 or under must ride with someone aged 15 or over. Staff help wheelchair users into and out of the cabins; ask about access around the hilltop before you go.
Plan your Chandragiri day with us
Chandragiri Hills give you a wide view of the valley, an old sacred summit and, on a clear morning, the Himalaya, all within easy reach of Kathmandu. Ride up, or walk up and ride down.
If you want a sunrise instead, Nagarkot on the eastern rim is the classic choice. For more ideas close to the city, browse our day tours and day hikes. To compare Chandragiri with Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Daman and the other hill towns, go back to our guide to hill stations in Nepal.
Would you like us to plan a Chandragiri day around paragliding or a valley walk? Send us a message on WhatsApp or through our enquiry form, and our Kathmandu team will reply.
Sources
- Chandragiri Hills Ltd (operator): homepage, cable car page, FAQ, history, temple, activities, dining, map and blog pages; chandragirihills.com, checked 4 Oct 2026.
- Nepal Tourism Board, Climate page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
- Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, monsoon onset and withdrawal, checked 30 Sep 2026.
- The Kathmandu Post, 26 Aug 2016; The Himalayan Times, Sep 2025; Spotlight Nepal, 8 Nov 2025; The Annapurna Express, 26 Oct 2023.
- Wikipedia: Chandragiri Cable Car (location only), Thankot, Bhaleshwor Mahadev, Prithvi Narayan Shah, Kathmandu and Daman (climate data).
- Everest Uncensored, Thankot to Chandragiri hike report, 13 Jan 2018.
- Wiktionary: चन्द्र (chandra) and गिरि (giri), for the meaning of the name.
