Grab Your Rope to Chandragiri Hill
A beautiful place with the breath taking view of the valley, its the place that one would enjoy with friends and even have a great time with family. Kathmandu has definitely added a new jewel to its jewelry collection.
Kathmandu is known for its heritage. Its tradition, beliefs, and artistic achievements are all enshrined in its numerous temples, shrines, bihars, and mosques. However, with time Kathmandu valley, particularly Kathmandu district is evolving into a microcosm of the world. It is no longer restricted to its traditions; and is embracing growth in an unprecedented manner. New fun parks, water parks, restaurants, and tourist destinations are being continuously being added.
One such new addition to the list of tourist destinations is Chandragiri hill, which was until now hidden from the public. It is covered lush green vegetation, and lies in the south-west corner of Kathmandu Valley, about seven kilometers from Thankot. At 2551 metres above sea level, it offers breath taking view of Kathmandu Valley, and the Himalayan range, all the way from Annapurna to Everest, and makes you feel as if you are viewing the whole of Nepal from here.
Chandagiri hill has already made a mark on people as a new tourist destination; the popular destination now is #visitchandragiri.
The distance between Kathmandu and Thankot is sixteen kilometers, which is approximately thirty minutes of commute in a car. There are three ways of getting tot eh top of Chandagiri hill. First, you can drive seven kilometers on gravel road. Second, you can hike for three hours. Third, you can take a cable car at the way to the top in about six minutes.
This third option --- availability of cable car --- is a major factor behind the recent popularity of Chandagiri hill. The cable car journey is 2.5 kilometers long. Any person aged 11 or below must be accompanied by a passenger aged 15 or above to travel on cable cars. They operate from 10 am to 6 pm on week days and 9 a.m. to 6:30 pm on weekends and public holidays. The cable cars are wheel chair accessible. Each gondola has a maximum capacity of eight passengers; children aged below three years old can ride for free.
The ticket price for the cable car is the same for the locals and the resident of SAARC countries, but is different for other foreigners.
There are three ways of getting tot eh top of Chandagiri hill. First, you can drive seven kilometers on gravel road. Second, you can hike for three hours. Third, you can take a cable car at the way to the top in about six minutes.
As you reach the top of the hill you will see a two-storey Bhaleswor Mahadev temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is located 2,551 metres above the sea level. It is said that late King Prithivi Narayan Shah worshipped in the temple before attacking the Kathmandu Valley during his unification campaign.
There is a view tower at the height of 2,547 metres above the sea level which provides 360 degrees panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the mountain ranges such as Annapurna and Everest.
Chandragiri has a café, a bar, and a multi-purpose hall can be used as for seminars, and social gathering. There are playgrounds, with swings, slides, and see-saw for kids.
And for kids there are play ground where they can enjoy themselves. Swings, slides, see saw will keep the kids entertained for hours. You can buy souvenirs of your trip to Chandagiri in any one of the numerous branded shops on the hill.
It doesn’t just end there, more facilities will be offered in the days to come. Upcoming attractions on the cards are: a boutique resort; an amusement park; and zip flyer, paragliding and horse riding facilities.