Nature · Kirtipur
Cable car up Chandragiri for Himalayan views
From Kirtipur, drive 30 minutes to Thankot and ride the cable car to the top of Chandragiri, about 2,500 m, on the valley's western rim. On clear days the Himalaya stretches from Annapurna to Everest, and the whole valley lies below where Prithvi Narayan Shah is said to have first seen it.
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Chandragiri is the high hill on the valley's south-western rim, above Thankot on the road west out of Kathmandu. A cable car from the base climbs about 2.4 km to the summit in roughly 15 minutes, over terraced fields and forest. At the top is a viewing area, the Bhaleshwar Mahadev temple and a hotel.
On clear mornings, from October to February, the view runs along the Himalaya: Annapurna and Manaslu to the north-west, Ganesh Himal and Langtang to the north, and on the best days Everest far to the east. Below, the whole Kathmandu Valley lies in its bowl, with Kirtipur's ridge in the foreground.
Tradition says Prithvi Narayan Shah first looked down on the valley from these hills and decided to conquer it, which makes this a fitting end to a Kirtipur day. Go early, as clouds usually build by late morning. Cable car tickets are paid at the base station; the service can close in bad weather.
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Questions
How high is Chandragiri hill?
The top of Chandragiri is about 2,500 m, around 1,100 m above the valley floor. The cable car from Thankot covers the climb in roughly 15 minutes. It is noticeably cooler at the top, so bring a warm layer, especially in winter mornings.
Can you see Everest from Chandragiri?
On exceptionally clear days, Everest can be seen far to the east, small on the horizon. More often you see Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang. October to February mornings give the best chance; haze and cloud often hide the peaks from March to September.
How much is the Chandragiri cable car?
Tickets are sold at the base station in Thankot, with a higher return fare for foreign visitors than for Nepalis and lower rates for children. The service may close in high winds or storms. Fares change, so check current status before you travel.
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