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Chandragiri Hills Day Trip from Kathmandu: Cable car & temple views

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.44 (25 reviews) 68% rated it 5 stars
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  • Chandragiri Hills Day Trip from Kathmandu: Cable car & temple views
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1/6
Duration4h–6h
GroupPrivate
LanguagesEN
PickupAt your hotel

Skip the trek, ride the cable car to Himalayan views instead

You're driven from your Kathmandu hotel to the cable car station, ride up to Bhaleshore Mahadev Temple at 2,351m, and spend 3–4 hours on the hilltop with views of the Himalayan range. The guide is optional, the bar is real, and you can add Swayambhunath temple afterward if the day allows. Hotel drop-off closes the loop.

4h–6h

Step-by-step itinerary

  • Drive to cable car station
  • Take cable car up Chandragiri Hills
  • Explore Bhaleshore Mahadev Temple
  • Visit hilltop bar
  • Spend 3 to 4 hours at Chandragiri Hills
  • Optionally visit Monkey Temple and Swayambhunath Stupa

The Experience

The sun hits the valley floor as your driver pulls up to the cable car station at Chandragiri. You step out into the morning air—cooler already, even though you've only left Kathmandu's edge. The cable car climbs in a slow arc, and the city shrinks below. Fifteen minutes later, you're at Bhaleshore Mahadev Temple, 2,351 meters up, and the view opens: the Himalayas run across the horizon like a wall of white. This is what people come to Nepal for, except you got here in a car and a cable ride instead of hiking for days.

You've got 3 to 4 hours to move around the hilltop. The temple sits at the center—a small, working shrine where locals come to pray. Walk the ridge if you want, or sit at the bar that overlooks everything and order a drink while the mountains don't move. The guide (if you choose one) can talk about the local history and the environment, but you're not locked into a schedule. If you want to add Swayambhunath, the monkey temple, afterward, you can—it's about 2 hours more in the valley, and you'll pay the entrance fee there (around USD 10 extra). Your driver handles all the transport; you just decide how long to stay and what comes next.

The cable car fee you pay on arrival, not in advance. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive back down. Bottled water comes with you. If you're traveling with small children, they can sit on your lap or ride in a stroller; the site is wheelchair accessible, and specialized infant seats are available if you need them. This works for almost any fitness level because the climbing is optional—you can see the Himalayas from the temple grounds and the bar without hiking a single kilometer.

What’s included

  • Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and access to the Chandragiri Hills hilltop where the cable car delivers you to Bhaleshore Mahadev Temple.
  • You spend 3 to 4 hours exploring the temple, the ridge, and the bar at the top.
  • The cable car fee is paid on arrival.
  • If you want to extend the tour to Swayambhunath temple afterward, your driver can take you; entrance fees and the USD 10 additional charge are paid separately.
Good to know
Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adventure Vision Treks and Travels

Is this one for you?Right for travelers in Kathmandu who want Himalayan views without committing to a multi-day trek. Plan for 3–4 hours on the hill itself, which is what gives you time to sit with the view, visit the temple, and decide whether to add another stop.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Do I have to hike to see the Himalayas?
No. The cable car takes you to 2,351m, and the views are visible from the temple and the hilltop bar without trekking.
Is a guide included?
A guide is optional. You can explore with or without one; if you choose a guide, they'll explain the local environment and history.
What's included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and the tour itself. You pay the cable car fee separately at the station.
Can I add another stop after Chandragiri?
Yes. Swayambhunath (the monkey temple) is about 2 hours away in the valley. You'll pay the entrance fee there and an additional USD 10; the driver will take you if you want to extend the day.
Is this suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes. The site is wheelchair accessible, and small children can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult's lap. No strenuous hiking is required.
Can I bring my own guide?
The tour is private, and a guide is optional. If you prefer your own guide, contact the operator to discuss customization.

Chandragiri Hills Day Trip from Kathmandu: Cable car & temple views

4h–6h · EN · at your hotel

from US$ 46 per person

★★★★★★★★★★4.4425 reviews
from
US$ 46per person
Group discount available
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