Kathmandu: Chandragiri Hill Cable Car Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Chandragiri cable car ride, hilltop temple visit and local stories

You’ll ride up Chandragiri Hill by cable car from Kathmandu with hotel pickup included, breathe in mountain air at Bhaleshore Mahadev Temple, taste local sweets offered by families, and relax with tea at the hilltop bar. Expect moments of quiet awe and unexpected warmth from strangers—this day trip lingers long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the air changed as we climbed out of Kathmandu — it got sharper, almost peppery, like someone had opened a window after a long monsoon. Our driver didn’t say much at first but grinned when I tried to pronounce “Chandragiri” (I think I got it wrong every time). The drive to the cable car station isn’t far, maybe 30–40 minutes, but you see the city slip away fast. There’s this moment when you look back and realize how green everything gets. That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just another day in the city.

The cable car itself is smoother than I expected — no rattling or creaking, just a slow float above dense trees and little clusters of houses. Someone in our cabin pointed out a monkey scrambling along a power line below (I almost missed it). When we reached the top, Bhaleshore Mahadev Temple sat quietly in the mist. There was incense burning somewhere; it mixed with cold stone and that earthy smell you only get after rain. A local family offered us prasad — sweet, sticky, and honestly I still don’t know what was in it but it tasted like cardamom.

We wandered around for hours without really keeping track of time. Our guide told stories about Shiva and pointed out peaks on the horizon — Everest was hiding behind clouds that day, but Langtang looked close enough to touch if you squinted right. At one point we ducked into the bar up there (yes, there’s a bar on top of Chandragiri Hill) for tea. It was too early for beer but not too early for laughter; everyone seemed lighter somehow. On the way down I realized my shoes were muddy from wandering off path near some prayer flags — worth it.

You can add Swayambhunath Stupa after if you want (we didn’t have energy left), but honestly? That view from Chandragiri sticks with me more than any photo ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chandragiri Hill cable car and temple visit

• 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

Top questions

How long does the Chandragiri Hill day trip from Kathmandu take?

The main visit lasts 3 to 4 hours at Chandragiri Hill plus driving time from Kathmandu.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Are entrance fees or cable car tickets included?

Cable car tickets are not included; you pay for them yourself at the station.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller or specialized infant seat.

Is Chandragiri Hill wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all transportation options and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can I add Swayambhunath Stupa to this tour?

You can extend your day to include Swayambhunath Stupa for an extra fee.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Chandragiri Hill.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu. Bottled water is provided along the way. You’ll have a private guide if selected and plenty of time to explore Chandragiri Hill before returning to your hotel—just remember to bring cash for your own cable car ticket at the station.