Chandragiri Cable Car
Chandragiri hill (2540m), some 7kms from Thankot lies to the South-West of Kathmandu. Chandragiri Bhanjyang, the pass to Kathmandu Valley in the SouthWest used to be a common trade and travel route to and from Kathmandu during the 1700’s connecting Chitlang in Makawanpur. The hill top offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges along with the beautiful Kathmandu Valley. It’s an ideal destination for a day’s escape from the city. Matatirtha-Chandragiri- Chitlang hike is a very popular route which takes you through dense forest rich in wild and exotic flora and offers scenic views of Kathmandu valley and then ends in a beautiful cultural village of Chitlang. As per Hindu Mythology, this is believed to be the place where SatiDevi’s forehead fell off her body when lord Mahadev carried her dead body. Also, it is believed that because of the blessing of Ichhyashwor Mahadev, King Prithvi Narayan Shah was successful in taking over the Kathmandu Valley. It takes over 5-6hours hike on this trail. One can take a rough road drive uphill from Godam Chaur near Thankot for around 3 hours to reach the top of Chandragiri hill.
The trip is now going to be easy and fun-filled with lot more options to explore. The second cable car in Nepal has been installed in this route. People in Kathmandu can now enjoy the panorama view of the valley and travel to the Chandragiri Hill via Cable Cars. It would take around 9 minutes to cover the 2.5km long route. The Cable Car is built by Kathmandu Fun Park Ltd that operates the Kathmandu Fun Park in Sanga. The facility is expected to serve around 10,000 people per day.
How to reach Chandragiri Cable Car Station?
Thankot is 16kms to the South West of Kathmandu and there are local route buses, Safa Tempos and Microbuses from Old Bus Park in Ratnapark. The base station has a wide parking area and is located at Godam Chaur which is 10 minutes walking distance on the way to Chitlang from the Police Checkpost in Thankot. Thankot is almost 8kms from Kalanki on the Tribhuvan Highway.
What all to see/experience at Chandragiri?
The Chandragiri Hills project can be experienced in a day or two. The project once completed is to include the following 1. Cable Car Ride 2. Amusement Park 3. 6D theatre 4. Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple 5. View Tower 6. Boutique Hotel 7. Botanical Garden 8. Shops Cable car ride over the beautiful hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley is the best part of the trip. On a clear day, panoramic views of the beautiful Himalayan Ranges from Annapurna to Everest can be enjoyed from the top. One can stay at the resort and hit the trail to Chitlang. The project has built Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple also known as the Ichheshwor Mahadev, to promote the destination as a religious site.
Chandragiri Cable Car Price Fare:
One Way(Nepalese ) = NPR 420
One Way(SAARC Countries ) = INR 700
One Way(Foreigners ) = USD $ 13.20
Both Ways (Nepalese): NPR 700
Both Ways (SAARC Countries): INR 700
Both Ways (Foreigners): USD $ 22.00
