Chandragiri Hill is located about 14 kilometres southwest of Kathmandu, and it is the most popular day tour destination in Kathmandu Valley. Standing at an altitude of 2,551 meters (8,369 feet) above sea level, the hill is part of Chandragiri Municipality. From the hilltop, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley along with a breathtaking Himalayan skyline that stretches across the horizon. Notable peaks visible from this vantage point include Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Gaurishankar, and Everest.
This 1 day, short and scenic tour is suitable for all ages. It is a great place to visit if you have a free day in Kathmandu. You’ll get to experience the stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Nepal. This Chandragiri Hill tour promises you will have a wonderful experience.
This breathtaking destination welcomes average, 1500- 2000 visitors and on weekends it attracts up to 5,000 or even more. This place is not just a viewpoint; it holds deep historical and religious importance.
King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal, first saw the Kathmandu Valley from this very hill. The Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple has been a place of worship for centuries. The entire trip lasts for 5-6 hours. However, visitors can also reach the destination either by cable car or trekking trail.
Book Your Chandragiri Hill Cable Car Tour Today. Experience nature, history, spirituality, and adventure — all in one day near Kathmandu.
Candragiri Cable Car was opened to the public on August 8, 2016, by Chairman Chandra Prasad Dhakal. It is the second Cable Car company in Nepal after the Manakamana Cable Car. The cable car route is 2.5 km long, connecting the base station at around 1,430 meters to the hilltop station at 2,551 meters. The scenic aerial ride lasts for approximately 12–14 minutes.
From the base station, after entering the gate, you will enter the enclosed cabins (gondolas). There are a total of 38 cabins, and each cabin can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The Chandragiri Cable Car is highly secure and undergoes regular maintenance. They also have a backup generator to provide uninterrupted service during power outages. Before, the Cable people used to visit the hill by hiking; now, people can avoid the Chandragiri hike, which takes 3 to 4 hours of strenuous ascent to the summit.
The cost of the Chandragiri Cable Car ticket depends on the nationality.
| Category | Ticket Price | Notes |
| Nepali Citizens | NPR 850( two way) | – |
| SAARC Nationals | INR 850( two way) | Passport/ID required |
| Chinese Nationals | USD 16( two way) | Passport/ID required |
| Foreign Tourists | USD 23( two way) | Passport/ID required |
Discounts: Children, older people, and disabled people can get special discounts while purchasing the ticket. Chandragiri hill online ticket booking is available from the official Chandragiri Cable Car website and authorized online travel platforms( Esewa, Khalti, Banking app).
Note: Ticket prices change from time to time, so please check the latest official rates before your visit.
Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple is a sacred Hindu temple on top of Chandragiri Hill. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple sits at an altitude of 2,551 meters above sea level.
The name Bhaleshwor comes from the Sanskrit word Bhala, meaning forehead. According to Hindu scriptures, the Himvatakhanda, this is the sacred spot where Sati Devi’s forehead fell to the earth. Sati Devi was the first wife of Lord Shiva.
The story goes that Sati Devi gave up her life at her father Daksha’s fire ritual. Lord Shiva was insulted at that ceremony. In grief, Lord Shiva carried Sati Devi’s body across the world. Parts of her body fell in different places. The forehead fell on Chandragiri Hill. A divine Shiva Linga appeared at that sacred spot. The temple was built at this very location.
Chandragiri Hill holds a very important place in Nepal’s history. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the great unifier of Nepal, first saw the Kathmandu Valley from this hill. He dreamed of unifying Nepal into one nation from this very spot. It is believed he received blessings from Bhaleshwor Mahadev before he achieved his dream.
Archaeological evidence suggests the temple may date back to the Lichhavi period, around 400 to 750 CE. This makes it one of the oldest sacred sites near Kathmandu Valley.
Another legend associated with Baleshwar Mahadev relates to Sati Devi’s forehead falling at this site. There is also a story connected to a Gandharva named Sumukha. After completing his pleasures, Sumukha tried to forcibly kiss Rambha, who became angry and cursed him to be born in the mortal world. Wandering in misery, Sumukha met Sage Galava, who advised him to bathe in holy rivers and visit sacred Shiva shrines daily. Following this advice, Sumukha eventually reached Baleshwar Mahadev, where Lord Shiva appeared and granted him a boon. Sumukha requested to remain as a follower (gan) of Shiva. Shiva granted his wish, allowing him to serve as his attendant after spending time with Rambha.
There is also a story of Virupaksha, born in a Brahmin family, who committed sins in his past life and suffered from leprosy. Wandering in sorrow, he met Sage Nemuni on the banks of the Sunkoshi River. Following his guidance, Virupaksha began a pilgrimage to visit sixty-four Shiva lingas. After traveling and performing rituals, he worshipped Baleshwar Mahadev, as described in the Himvat Khand. It is believed that worshipping Baleshwar Mahadev fulfills devotees’ wishes and ultimately leads them to liberation and residence in Shiva’s abode.
Hindu devotees believe that Lord Shiva fulfills the wishes of everyone who visits Bhaleshwor Mahadev. Many pilgrims come here to pray for good health, happiness, and blessings. It is also believed that worshipping here earns a place in Shivaloka in the afterlife.
Daily worship is performed at Baleshwar Mahadev Temple in three sessions: at 6 AM, 12 noon, and at sunset using Panchopachar rituals.
Chandragiri Hill offers a wide range of adventure activities for all ages.
Note: Adventure activities require separate fees, so please carry sufficient cash with you (approximately NPR 5,000–10,000).
Discover the exciting day activities and hikes offered by High Route Adventure! For more information, click here: Day Tours and Hikes. Don’t miss out on your next adventure!
7:30 AM: Hotel Pickup in Kathmandu
The High Route Adventure tour guide will come to pick you up from your hotel. We recommend that you start the tour early to avoid the traffic and enjoy clear mountain views.
8:30 AM: Arrive at Cable Car Base Station (Thankot)
Start your drive in our private vehicle. Ride through the Swayambunath temple, Kalanki Chowk, and arrive at the Chandragiri Cable Car base station at Thankot. The drive from central Kathmandu to the cable car base station lasts for 45 to 60 minutes. Then our guide will provide you with cable car tickets, and you will head for the boarding.
8:45 AM: Cable Car Ride to the Hilltop
Enter the red cabin. Enjoy the 12-15 minutes ride gliding above the green pine forest while enjoying views of Kathmandu Valley. When you start to gain altitude, the views of snow-capped peaks start to reveal themselves on clear weather days.
9:00 AM: Visit Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple
Arrive at the hilltop and then start your walk toward the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple. You can worship the lord Shiva and get a tika and blessings from Guru(Pandit) Bidur Neupane. Our guide will share the stories about the historical and religious importance of this temple and the hills.
10:00 AM: Explore the Hilltop and Himalayan Views
Near the temple, there is a View Tower Restaurant, and above the restaurant, there is an Observatory Deck for telescope views of the Himalayas. From here, you can enjoy the 360-degree view of Kathmandu Valley and the beautiful mountain range. Take a lot of photos and videos.
11:00 AM: Adventure Activities (Optional)
For adventure lovers, here you can find numerous activities to do, such as zipline and sky cycling. These activities are optional and have separate fees.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Chandragiri Hills Resort or Cafe
You can find several restaurants and shops around the hill. Then you will have your lunch. Here you can find a wide range of Nepali and International dishes. For those who want to stay in Chandragiri hill there is an option to stay in the 5-star Chandragiri Hills Resort.
1:30 PM: Cable Car Descent to Base Station
Then you will descend to the Cable car boarding station and then ride again toward the base station. Once again, you will enjoy the aerial downhill views and mountain views. While getting out of the station, there are several souvenir shops from where you can buy gifts and local products. After exit you will take a ride and drive back to your hotel.
2:30 PM: Return to Your Hotel in Kathmandu
HRA driver drops you back at your hotel in Kathmandu. The tour ends here.
Chandragiri Hill is open all the time. However, cable car operation is within fixed hours and can be closed on certain national holidays. For the best mountain views and to enjoy the surrounding view from the viewpoint, it is best to visit the Chandragiri Hill during Spring and Autumn. During this time, the sky remains clear, and the temperature remains moderate.
During winter, the temperature at the hilltop remains cold. In the afternoons, cloud formation often obstructs the views, making mountain visibility poor. However, when it snows, a large number of visitors flock to the area to enjoy the snow.
In summer, Nepal experiences the rainy season, but it doesn't rain every day. Therefore, check the weather forecast before your visit to avoid rain.
Chandragiri Hills base station is located at Thankot, about 14 km southwest of Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu takes 40 to 60 minutes by car. Traffic in Kathmandu can add extra time. Our package includes private transport from your hotel.
