Chandragiri Hill

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Chandragiri Hill

Hill

Chandragiri Hill is a 2551-metre hill on the south-west side of the Kathmandu Valley, popular for its hilltop Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple and broad Himalayan views. Travellers come for the cable car ride, easy walks and panoramic overlooks of the valley and distant peaks.

Chandragiri Hill KathmanduNagarkotJanakpurLalitpurBhaktapurBirgunjShivapuri Nagarjun National ParkJanaki MandirChandragiri Hill

Chandragiri Hill essentials

Address: Chandragiri, near Thankot, Kathmandu district, Nepal

Chandragiri Hill rises to about 2551 metres and stands on the south-west rim of the Kathmandu Valley, offering wide views over the valley and the Himalayan range on clear days. The summit hosts the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple and visitor facilities reached by a modern cable car from the base.

The hill is noted in Nepali history as the place where Prithivi Narayan Shah made decisions that led to the unification of the Kathmandu Valley. Today the site blends this historical association with tourist infrastructure, making it accessible for short visits from the nearby city.

A visit feels like a short escape from the valley: the cable car ride is the usual approach up the slope, and there are viewing platforms and short paths at the top. On clear weather the outlook toward the high Himalaya is the main draw, while cloud and rain during the monsoon can limit visibility.

  • Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple: A hilltop Hindu temple that forms the spiritual focus at the summit and attracts local pilgrims and visitors.
  • Cable car ride: A short cable car connects the base to the summit, giving gradual views over the valley as you ascend.
  • Himalayan panoramas: On clear days you can see ranges of the Himalaya from the summit, which is the main reason many visitors come.
  • Kathmandu Valley outlooks: Multiple viewpoints on the hill give wide vistas over the valley, suburbs and surrounding hills.
  • Historical viewpoint: The hill is historically significant as the site where Prithivi Narayan Shah resolved to bring the valley under his rule.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Chandragiri Hill#

The clearest views are in the dry season when skies are least cloudy; the monsoon brings heavy rain and poor visibility.

Winter (best)
November - February · 1°C - 16°C (34°F - 61°F)
Dry, cool to cold mornings and generally clear skies make these months the most reliable for wide Himalayan views.
Spring
March - May · 6°C - 22°C (43°F - 72°F)
Temperatures warm and the hill is green, though late spring can have some haze before the monsoon; visibility can still be good on clear days.
Monsoon (avoid for views)
June - August · 14°C - 22°C (57°F - 72°F)
Heavy rainfall and persistent cloud during the monsoon greatly reduce visibility and make walking paths slippery.

Weather & Climate near Chandragiri Hill#

Climate

Chandragiri Hill's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in June) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1897 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 99 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
NovemberMarchApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 1° - 12° 5° 8 mm some cloud 46% 1.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.5h
February Very Good 2° - 14° 7° 12 mm some cloud 41% 1.8 m/s 1.2 high 11.1h
March Very Good 6° - 18° 12° 28 mm some cloud 34% 2.0 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 9° - 21° 15° 52 mm some cloud 32% 2.5 m/s 2.0 very high 12.7h
May Good 11° - 22° 17° 110 mm partly cloudy 43% 2.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.4h
June Acceptable 14° - 22° 18° 334 mm overcast 62% 2.1 m/s 1.9 very high 13.7h
July Acceptable 15° - 21° 18° 509 mm overcast 82% 1.8 m/s 1.8 very high 13.6h
August Acceptable 15° - 21° 18° 478 mm overcast 85% 1.8 m/s 1.9 very high 13.0h
September Acceptable 13° - 20° 17° 284 mm overcast 85% 1.5 m/s 1.6 very high 12.2h
October Very Good 9° - 19° 14° 68 mm some cloud 73% 1.2 m/s 1.5 high 11.4h
November Excellent 4° - 16° 10° 6 mm mostly sunny 60% 1.1 m/s 1.0 high 10.7h
December Very Good 2° - 13° 7° 8 mm mostly sunny 51% 1.4 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.3h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Chandragiri Hill#

Chandragiri is about 16 kilometres from central Kathmandu and roughly 7 kilometres from the nearby town of Thankot; the closest major transport hub is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu or Thankot you can reach the Chandragiri base area by taxi or local road transport.

A cable car runs from the base station up to the hilltop temple so the final stretch is usually covered by that service; there is also road access for vehicles to the summit area. Check local information for the cable car operation and for current road conditions.

Tips for Visiting Chandragiri Hill#

  • Bring warm layers - the summit is noticeably cooler than the valley at 2551 m.
  • Try to visit on a clear morning for the best Himalayan visibility; monsoon months often bring low clouds and heavy rain.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for short walks and viewpoints around the summit.
  • Observe temple customs when visiting Bhaleshwor Mahadev: dress modestly and follow local practices.
  • Confirm cable car times and availability locally before planning your return trip.