Chandragiri Hike

About Chandragiri Hike
Chandragiri Hike is a short, one-day hiking destination located near Kathmandu Valley. Although the trail is steep, the hike is a perfect nature escape for everyone. The hike takes you from the base of the cable car station to the third-highest hill station, offering an unforgettable experience.

Scenic Views
Chandragiri Hill offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks on a clear day, including Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Ganesh Himal, Yangra, Manaslu, Himal Chuli, Langtang Lirung, Sisapangma, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal, Gauri Shankar, and Everest. These majestic mountains can be seen not only from the summit of Chandragiri Peak but also along the way as you ascend. The hike also provides pristine views of Kathmandu Valley.

You’ll also pass by lush green hills, forming layers around the valley. The occasional sighting of barking deer and monkeys adds to the natural charm of the hike. Cable car riders will often wave and cheer you on as you climb the steep trail.

The Trail
The hike to Chandragiri Hill takes about 3 hours from the base through a dense forest of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. Once at the top, you can either ride the cable car back or continue exploring the area. For a longer adventure, you can trek from Chandragiri to Mata Tirtha, passing through Chandragiri Hills Resort, Deurali, and entering the jungle.

Activities at Chandragiri
Upon reaching the top, you’ll find several activities to enjoy, such as:

• Zipline
• Free fall
• Swing ride
• Wall climbing
• Horseback riding
  These activities make the hike even more thrilling and memorable.

Getting There
The hike begins at the base near the cable car station, which is about 45 minutes by car from your hotel in Kathmandu. The best time to start the hike is in the morning, as visibility is better, and the mountains are more likely to be clear. The afternoon fog can obscure the views.

Some sections of the trail have steep stone steps, but they are relatively short, making the hike suitable for families with children as well.

The Legend of Bhaleshwor Mahadev
At the summit of Chandragiri Hill, you’ll find the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, dedicated to a Hindu deity. According to legend, King Prithvi Narayan Shah once gazed upon the Kathmandu Valley from this hill and vowed to conquer it. Bhaleshwor Mahadev is said to have granted his wish. The temple remains a significant cultural and religious site for locals.

Difficulty and Duration
The Chandragiri Hill Hike is accessible to all ages and fitness levels. While there’s no prior hiking experience required, the uphill hike lasts about 2 to 3 hours, so be prepared for some tiredness and shortness of breath along the way.

Conclusion
Chandragiri Day Hiking is one of the most fantastic activities to explore nature and embark on an adventurous walk near Kathmandu. Situated 20 kilometers west of the Kathmandu Valley, the hill station sits at an elevation of 2,551 meters, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 1:
Drive to Chandragiri Cable Car Base Hike to Chandragiri Hills Walk Back to the Bottom Drive Back to Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: (2551m/8369.4 feet)