Chandragiri Hills Day Hike

Chandragiri Hills is a one-day hike from Thankot, on the western edge of Kathmandu, up to a 2,551 m hilltop crowned by the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, a Shiva shrine. On our map the climb is only 4.0 km long but gains about 1,020 m, on a steep path through forest and a stretch of forest road, so it is short and hard. Operators give three hours up, one hiker's group took four to five, and a 2026 guide says about four hours one way. Most people ride the cable car down, a ride of 9 to 14 minutes over 2.5 km, and a taxi from the base takes them home. The base is about an hour's drive from central Kathmandu, and there are cafes at the top. None of our sources lists a park permit for the hike, but the cable car sells its own tickets. Carry water and lunch.

The plan follows two operator itineraries, a hiker's account of the walk and a 2026 Nepal Traveller guide to the cable car. They agree on the steep path from Thankot and the temple at the top. The sources give 2,551 m for the top, and one account says 2,520 m; we use 2,551 m, which OpenStreetMap also gives.

What the hike is like

The path starts on a road, then leaves it for a jungle path that one hiker describes as straight upward with not a single level stretch. Higher up the way is narrow and stony. At the top you find the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, a viewing tower, walking paths, a children's play area and cafes. A road reaches near the hilltop, used mainly by tour vehicles, so you may share the summit with day visitors. The cable car queue can add 45 minutes or more on busy days.

Permits and rules

None of our sources lists a park permit or entrance fee for the hike. The cable car sells its own tickets: a July 2026 guide gives about USD 22 for foreigners return and about USD 13 one way, and calls these ballpark figures, so check with Chandragiri Hills Ltd. Opening hours start around 8 am on weekdays and around 7 am at weekends, with closing times that vary.

Best season

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) give the clearest views, according to an operator; snow is possible in winter.

Getting there and away

Take a taxi or bus to Thankot, about an hour from central Kathmandu. No taxi fare is published in our sources. Come down by cable car to Thankot or retrace the path on foot, and take a taxi or bus back.

Difficulty and fitness

The climb is steep: 1,020 m in 4 km. It is moderate for a day walk if you take it slowly, with two litres of water and lunch. Start by 7 am, and walk down only if you have knees for it.

Budget notes

The cable car is the main cost: about USD 13 one way if you walk up. Add the taxi to Thankot, which the costs section shows as a line to check.