Chandragiri Hills

The Chandragiri cable car opened in 2016 and climbs some two and a half kilometres from Thankot on the valley's western edge to a ridge at around 2,550 metres in about ten minutes, replacing what had been a long walk. At the top are viewing decks, a resort, restaurants and the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple, a Shiva shrine associated with the story of Sati. On a clear day the view runs along the Himalaya from Annapurna to Everest on one side and down over the whole Kathmandu valley on the other, which is the best combination of the two available anywhere near the city. It has become a busy domestic destination, particularly at weekends and in winter when snow occasionally falls on the ridge.

What you actually see

• The cable car - a ten-minute climb over forest to the ridge.
• The double view - the Himalaya north, the Kathmandu valley below.
• Bhaleshwor Mahadev - the Shiva temple on the summit.
• Winter snow - occasional falls on the ridge that draw crowds.

When to go

October to March for the clearest views; October and November are best. Weekends and holidays bring long cable car queues. Early morning gives the sharpest air before haze builds.

Honest expectations

The summit is developed with restaurants and a resort rather than left natural. Cable car queues at weekends can be an hour or more. Views depend on air clarity and are frequently absent. Prices at the top are high by local standards.

Nearby

Kathmandu lies northeast; Kirtipur is east.