Kathmandu & Chandragiri Day Tour

Trip overview

Kathmandu and Chandragiri 3-day tours

Kathmandu and Chandragiri tours offer a rich cultural and historical sightseeing experience, and combining them with a tour to Chandragiri Hill adds a refreshing natural escape with stunning panoramic views. Kathmandu provides a rich cultural and historical touring experience, and combining it with a visit to Chandragiri Hill adds a refreshing natural escape with breathtaking panoramic views.

Kathmandu and Chandragiri Hills Cable Car Tour are the most popular places in Kathmadu Valley. Destination Kathmandu, is  offering a mix of historical, cultural, and natural experiences. Here is an overview of the Kathmandu valley and Chandragiri hill tour and what the combination is. Here is an explanation of what the Kathmandu valley and Chandragiri tour might include:

How did the name of this valley become to be Kathmandu? Kathmandu valley name was Kantipur before. When King Laxmi Narsingh Malla built this unique temple in the Durbar squire In 1596, then, after changing the name of Kathmandu,. Kasthamandap, which is a Sanskrit word; Kastha means “wood,” and Mandap means is “covered shelter,” which is also called Maru Sthal. The entire structure contains no iron nails or supports and is made entirely from wood. Legend has it that the timber used for this two-story pagoda was obtained from a single tree. Kantipur is the other name for Kathmandu; “Kanti” is an alternate name of the Goddess Laxmi; and “pur” means the place where such a goddess resides. Thus, the name Kantipur demonstrates the ancient belief that it is the place where the Laxmi dwells.

Chandragiri is a stunning hill located on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, approximately 14 kilometers southwest of the city center. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and panoramic Himalayan views, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here’s a detailed guide to a Chandragiri visit:

Kathmandu Tour Highlights

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is rich in history, culture, and religious significance. Key places to visit include

Kathmandu Durbar Square

A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards. Key attractions: Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (home of the living goddess), and Taleju Temple.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

An iconic Buddhist stupa with panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.  Known for its blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultural elements.

Pashupatinath Temple

A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major spiritual center for Hindus.

Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, a UNESCO site. A serene and spiritual destination for meditation and prayer.

Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur)

Located in the neighboring city of Lalitpur, known for its intricate Newari architecture and arts. Attractions: Krishna Mandir, Patan Museum, and numerous pagoda-style temples.

Thamel

Thamel is the vibrant tourist hub of Kathmandu, Nepal, known for its lively atmosphere, narrow alleys, and a mix of traditional and modern attractions. It has been the center of tourism in Nepal for decades, offering a wide range of hotels, restaurants, bars, trekking shops, handmade stores, and cultural sites.

Key Features of Thamel:

Tourist Hotspot: Thamel is the first stop for most travelers arriving in Kathmandu. It is packed with hotels, guesthouses, and lodges catering to all budgets.

Shopping and Handicrafts: The streets of Thamel are lined with shops selling pashmina shawls, Thanka paintings, singing bowls, trekking gear, and souvenirs.

Restaurants and Cafés: You can find a variety of food options, from authentic Nepali cuisine to international dishes like Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Western food. Popular spots include rooftop cafés and live music bars.

Nightlife and Entertainment: Thamel is the center of Kathmandu’s nightlife, with numerous bars, pubs, and live music venues featuring local and international artists.

Trekking and Tour Agencies: Many trekking and expedition companies have offices in Thamel, offering services for treks, climbing expeditions, and adventure activities in Nepal.

Cultural and Religious Sites: While known for its commercial activities, Thamel is also close to significant cultural sites like the Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and various small stupas and temples.

Transportation Hub: Thamel serves as a base for travelers heading to different parts of Nepal. It is well-connected by taxis, tourist buses, and rickshaws.

Why Visit Thamel?

Thamel is the perfect place to experience the fusion of Nepal’s rich culture with modern tourism. Whether you are looking for adventure gear, local handicrafts, or just a place to relax after a trek, Thamel has something for everyone.

Chandragiri Tour Highlights:

Chandragiri Hill, located about 14 kilometers from central Kathmandu, offers natural beauty and panoramic views. Key experiences include:

Chandragiri Cable Car Ride

A scenic 2.5-kilometer cable car ride to the top of Chandragiri Hill. Stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and Himalayan peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Mt. Everest on clear days.

Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple

Bhaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous Hindu temple located atop Chandragiri Hill in Kathmandu, Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds religious, historical, and cultural significance.

Key Highlights of Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple:

The temple is believed to be the place where Sati Devi’s forehead (Bhale) fell after Lord Shiva wandered across the earth with her body. This makes it a sacred site for Hindus. It is a popular pilgrimage site, especially on Mondays, Maha Shivaratri, and Teej.

Historical Significance:

It is said that King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal, had a divine vision at this spot before unifying Nepal. Chandragiri Hill played a key role in Nepal’s history due to its strategic location.

Scenic Views and Accessibility: The temple is situated at an altitude of 2,547 meters, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas. The Chandragiri Cable Car makes it easy for visitors to reach the temple within 10 minutes from the base station.

Tourist Attractions Nearby:

View Tower: A spot offering breathtaking views of Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal ranges. Chandragiri Hills Resort: A luxury accommodation for tourists who want to enjoy the tranquility of the hills. Hiking Trails – Ideal for nature lovers who prefer trekking over the cable car.

How to Get There:

By Cable Car: The base station is in Thankot (around 30 minutes from Kathmandu city) The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes.

Panoramic Views and Photography

The hilltop provides breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding valley. Ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Nature Walks and Picnics: Chandragiri Hill Tours is surrounded by lush forests, making it a great spot for short hikes and nature exploration for the visitors.