Chandragiri Hill Day Hike and Cable Car
- 1 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- All Year Round (Spring Mar-May & Autumn Sep-Nov recommended for clear views)
We ascend through forested ridges from Mata Tirtha to Chandragiri Hill at 2,551 m, returning via cable car with views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead this single-day excursion from the edge of the Kathmandu Valley up to the ridge of Chandragiri Hill, standing at an altitude of 2,551 m. This route suits travelers who want to experience the lower forested hills of Nepal without committing to a multi-week expedition, yet still desire a solid day of uphill walking and clear Himalayan vistas.
Our journey begins with a private drive from your hotel to the historic Mata Tirtha temple. From this starting point, our trail climbs steadily through dense, evergreen forests on earthen paths for approximately three hours. We navigate the shaded ridge line while our lead guide sets a sustainable pace through the woodlands.
Upon reaching the summit ridge, we visit the Baleshwar temple and take in the panoramic views of the high peaks, including Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Langtang, and Gaurishankar. After lunch at the top, we conclude our day by descending via the Chandragiri cable car, which provides unobstructed aerial views of the forested slopes and the distant valley floor before our private vehicle returns us to Kathmandu.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Mata Tirtha Start
We begin our ascent from the sacred Mata Tirtha temple, situated at the base of the southern hills.
Evergreen Forest Trails
Our route climbs through dense, shaded woodlands populated by native flora along the valley rim.
Summit Panoramas
From the 2,551 m vantage point, we observe Langtang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Gaurishankar on clear days.
Baleshwar Sanctuary
We visit the hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which draws both Hindu and Buddhist visitors.
Scenic Cable Car Descent
We ride the cable car down from the ridge, looking over the verdant backwoods and Kathmandu Valley.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Kathmandu to Mata Tirtha and Chandragiri Hill
Meals: B
Day 1
Kathmandu to Mata Tirtha and Chandragiri Hill
Meals: B
Our lead guide meets you at your Kathmandu hotel in the morning for a private vehicle transfer of roughly 45 minutes to the Mata Tirtha temple. From this sacred site, we commence our walk along the forested trail that climbs upward through the ridge. We maintain a steady cadence as we gain elevation beneath a canopy of trees, taking short breaks to observe the landscape.
After roughly three hours of hiking, we reach the summit area at 2,551 m. Here we take time to visit the Baleshwar sanctuary, eat our packed lunch, and view the surrounding mountain ranges including Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna if visibility permits. Around mid-afternoon, we board the cable car for the descent back down to the base station, where our driver meets us for the return transfer to Kathmandu.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- English-speaking trekking guide
- Lunch at Chandragiri Hill
- Chandragiri cable car ticket for descent
- Government taxes and office service charges
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Personal hiking gear and daypack
- Tips for our guide and driver
- Bottled drinks and extra snacks
Before you go
Good to know
Fitness expectations
This is a single-day hike involving about three hours of continuous uphill walking on natural dirt paths and stone steps. We recommend a baseline level of cardiovascular fitness and comfort with uneven terrain.
Best time to trek
We operate this hike year-round. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) generally offer the clearest mountain views, while the summer monsoon months bring lush greenery and occasional mist.
Weather and clothing
Conditions at 2,551 m can change rapidly compared to the Kathmandu Valley floor. We advise carrying a windproof layer and rain protection regardless of the season.
Hydration and supplies
We provide lunch at the top of Chandragiri Hill, but we recommend that you carry at least one litre of personal drinking water and light snacks in your daypack for the ascent.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoesEssential
Footwear
Must have good rubber tread for dirt tracks.
Daypack (20-30L)Essential
Camping
To carry your water bottle and extra layers.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Essential for sudden mountain weather changes.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
At least 1 litre capacity.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Clothing
Protection against strong ridge UV exposure.
Personal first aid items
Safety
Basic blister plasters and personal medications.
Light fleece or wool jumperEssential
Clothing
For cooler temperatures at the 2,551 m summit.
Passport copy
Documents
Good practice to carry identification.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this hike?
We reach a maximum elevation of 2,551 m at the summit of Chandragiri Hill.
How long is the actual hiking time?
The uphill walk from Mata Tirtha to the top takes approximately 3 hours, with the entire day trip lasting around 7 hours.
Are permits required for Chandragiri?
No special conservation permits or TIMS cards are required for this day hike near Kathmandu.
Is the cable car ride included in the price?
Yes, our package includes the one-way cable car ticket for the descent from the hill top.
What kind of footwear do we need?
We recommend sturdy trail running shoes or light hiking boots with good tread for the earthen forest paths.
Can solo travelers book this hike?
Yes, we run private trips for solo travelers as well as groups.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 1 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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