Take a taxi to Thankot and start up the road towards the cable car base, then take the walking path that climbs through the forest. On our map it is about 4.0 km with 1,020 m of ascent, and it is steep from start to finish, so go slowly. Operators allow three hours, a hiker's group took four to five, and a 2026 guide says about four hours. The path is narrow and stony near the top. At the hilltop you reach the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple and the viewing tower, with the valley spread out below and, on clear days, the Himalaya behind. Eat lunch at one of the cafes, then ride the cable car down to Thankot in about ten minutes, or walk down.
Chandragiri Hills Day Hike
A one-day hike up Chandragiri Hills (2,551 m) from Thankot to the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, 4.0 km with 1,020 m of climbing, then down by cable car or on foot.
- Days1
- Max altitude2,551 m
- Distance4 km
- Ascent1,021 m
- DifficultyModerate
- Best monthsMar–May, Oct–Nov
Photo: GB Ryan771 · CC BY-SA 4.0
This itinerary is a draft and hasn't been verified yet. Always confirm stages with your guide.
Written by FindTrekkingPartner teamReviewed by FindTrekkingPartner teamHow we reviewFindTrekkingPartner
Chandragiri Hills Day Hike is a 1-day trek in the Kathmandu Valley region of Nepal that climbs to 2,551 m. Foreign trekkers can find a partner for it on FindTrekkingPartner by posting a trip with their dates, budget and pace. Matches stay private until both trekkers agree, and the service is free. At mid-range rates a licensed guide costs about USD 9 per person over 1 days when four trekkers share, against USD 37 for one trekker alone. The best seasons are Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr. The Nepal Tourism Board April 2023 rule requires a licensed guide in national parks and conservation areas. Local practice differs (checked 19 October 2026): the Khumbu municipality opted out and issues its own trek card, and day hikes are rarely checked, but follow the rule and hire a guide; confirm with your agency. Last verified: October 19, 2026. Sources: Nepal Tourism Board, DNPWC, Department of Immigration.
Sources:Department of Immigration, NepalNepal Tourism BoardDepartment of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation
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Overview
Starts from Thankot1 day · max 2,551 m
Best seasons: Mar–May, Oct–Nov
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.
Highlights
- Chandragiri Hill at 2,551 m, with the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple on top
- A steep, direct climb through jungle from the Thankot road
- Choice of cable car down (about 10 minutes) or a walk
- Views over the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan ranges on clear days
- A hilltop park with a viewing tower and cafes
Route map
Route data from OpenStreetMap, not yet checked by our team. Use it for planning, not navigation.
Day by day
What it costs
Estimated all-in cost per person: lodge and food by altitude, transport, permits, and the guide and porters. The more trekkers share a guide and porters, the less each person pays. As of October 2026.
| Style | 1 trekker | 2 trekkers sharing | 4 trekkers sharing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | — | — | — |
| Mid-range | $40–$80* | $20–$40* | $10–$30* |
| Comfort | $40–$80* | $30–$50* | $20–$40* |
Share a guide, save money
At mid-range, a solo trekker pays about $40–$80; four trekkers sharing one guide and two porters pay about $10–$30 each (66% less at the top of the range).
Breakdown for 2 trekkers sharing
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guide | — | $10–$30 | $10–$30 |
| Porters | — | $0–$20 | $10–$30 |
Budget uses public transport and no porter; mid-range shares one porter between two trekkers and a private vehicle; comfort gives each trekker a porter. A guide is included where one is required or the style is mid-range or comfort.
Not included
No published price found for: Kathmandu to Thankot and back by taxi. Totals marked * leave these out; ask your agency. A day hike: no lodging and no permit. The cable car down costs about USD 13 for foreigners one way (Nepal Traveller, July 2026), not counted here. A guide is optional.
Cost sources
- PriceNepal: Nepal Travel Cost Guide 2026 (2026-05-14)
- Third Rock Adventures: Nepal trek budget planner (2026-05-09)
- Himalayan Partner: Guide and porter price in Nepal 2026 (2026-02-10)
- Shikhar Adventure: Annapurna Circuit trek cost (2026-02-03)
- Nepal Tourism Board: Trekking Permit (2026-10-18)
Estimates from operator guides, not quotes. Tips, insurance, gear and Kathmandu hotels are not included; USD at the platform exchange rate.
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Operators give about three hours up from Thankot, one hiker's group took four to five hours, and a 2026 guide says about four hours one way. Our map shows 4.0 km with 1,020 m of climbing.
2,551 m according to an operator page and OpenStreetMap. One hiker's account gives 2,520 m.
Yes. The cable car runs about 2.5 km between the hilltop and a base near Thankot in 9 to 14 minutes. A July 2026 guide gives about USD 22 return and about USD 13 one way for foreigners, which may be out of date.
None of our sources lists a permit or park fee for the hike. The cable car has its own ticket price.
The Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, a viewing tower, walking paths, a children's play area and cafes, with views over the Kathmandu Valley.
Sources
Along the trail
Stays, medical help, water and sights on each day of the route.
1. Thankot → Chandragiri Hill
- Vintuna resort · Stays · 1,531 m