Outdoors & day trips · South-west of the city
Ride the cable car up Chandragiri
A cable car to the ridge above the valley, with the Himalaya on one side and all of Kathmandu on the other.
The ride up
A cable car runs from Thankot, on the south-western edge of the valley, up to the top of Chandragiri, a hill more than 2,500 metres high. The ride itself is part of the fun: you rise over forest, and the whole valley spreads out behind you.
At the top
On a clear day the view runs from the Annapurnas in the west to the Langtang and Everest ranges in the east, with all of Kathmandu laid out below on the other side. There is a temple to Bhaleshwor Mahadev at the summit, and paths along the ridge.
The summit has restaurants, viewing decks and space for children to run around, which makes it popular with families on weekends and holidays.
Planning the trip
Allow time for the drive. Thankot is on the main road out of the valley to the west, and traffic on the way can be slow, especially on weekend mornings.
Look at the sky before you leave. If the valley is hazy, the view from the top will be too, and the trip is better saved for a clear day after rain.
Tips
- Go early on a clear day, before the clouds build.
- Weekends and public holidays bring long queues, so a weekday is calmer.
- It is much colder at the top than in the city, so bring a jacket.
- Hikers can walk up through the forest instead and ride the cable car down.
More things to do
Questions
Is the Chandragiri cable car worth it?
Yes, on a clear day. The ride is short, and the view takes in the Himalaya on one side and the whole valley on the other.
Where does the Chandragiri cable car start?
At Thankot, on the south-western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, about an hour's drive from Thamel depending on traffic.
What's on for Ride the cable car up Chandragiri?
Nothing listed right now — new dates appear the day they are announced.
Where in Kathmandu is this?
South-west of the city.