Overview of Chandragiri Hill
Chandragiri Hill rises to an elevation of around 2,551 meters (about 8,370 ft) above sea level, offering sweeping panoramic views across the Kathmandu Valley and the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from Ganesh Himal and Langtang to Manaslu, Annapurna, and even Everest on exceptionally clear days
Though the hike is relatively short and accessible to walkers of most levels, its drama lies in the scenery: verdant sub-tropical forests, native medicinal plants, and cultural stops like the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, which holds great historical significance in Nepal’s unification under King Prithvi Narayan Shah.
Key Features of Chandragiri Day Hike
Cultural trailhead at Mata Tirtha Temple – Your journey begins at this peaceful shrine, especially revered by Hindus, marking the official start of the hike
A scenic climb through subtropical pine-oak forest and local villages – The trail winds past small settlements and medicinal herb groves, offering a tranquil escape just hours from Kathmandu
Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple at the summit (2,551 m) – A sacred hill‑top Shiva shrine with historical links to Prithvi Narayan Shah’s unification of Nepal; often the day’s spiritual highlight
360° panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the mighty Himalayas – From Langtang and Ganesh Himal to Manaslu, Gaurishankar, and Everest (visible on exceptionally clear days)
Optional cable car descent (or ascent) from summit to valley – A 2.4 km gondola ride in a 38‑seat cabin glides above verdant hills, providing a dramatic aerial perspective of the valley below
Family‑friendly adventure – Suitable for all fitness levels; trails are well-marked, hikes last 4 hours one-way, followed by a guided descent and hotel transfer in 7–8 hours total.
Discover the Wonderful Hiking Experience at Chandragiri Hill
Visitors on the Chandragiri Day Hike are treated to a graceful half-day journey into Nepal’s Himalayan embrace. Beginning with a scenic 30–45‑minute drive from Kathmandu to the Mata Tirtha (or Thankot) trailhead, the path unfolds through lush subtropical pine‑oak forests and traditional Newar and Tamang villages. After about three hours of steady uphill walking, hikers reach the 2,551 m summit crowned by the sacred Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple believed to mark the spot where Sati Devi’s forehead (‘bhāla’) fell, and famously where King Prithvi Narayan Shah first glimpsed the Kathmandu Valley shortly before unifying Nepal From the temple’s elevated viewing tower, clear skies reward the eye with sweeping panoramas of major Himalayan peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gaurishankar and occasionally Everest while also framing verdant views of the Kathmandu Valley below Rather than retrace the ascent, many descend using the 2.4 km cable car: a 9–12‑minutes gondola ride soaring above the forest canopy, with room for eight and postcard views unfolding beneath the cabin; the return journey is both effortless and exhilarating.
