Kathmandu: Chandragiri Hills Cable Car & Swayambhunath Tour

Experience the perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and breathtaking mountain views with our Chandragiri Hills Cable Car & Swayambhunath Day Tour. This 5-hour journey is designed for travelers looking to make the most of their limited time in Kathmandu Valley, combining a scenic mountain escape with a visit to one of Nepal’s most revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Your day begins with a comfortable drive to the Chandragiri Cable Car station, located approximately 13 kilometers southwest of central Kathmandu. From there, embark on a 10-minute cable car ride, ascending to an altitude of 2,551 meters. As you glide over lush green forests, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range, featuring peaks like Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and even Mount Everest on a clear day.

Upon reaching the top, you’ll explore Chandragiri Hill Station, home to the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, a sacred Hindu site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The hilltop offers unobstructed mountain vistas, making it a perfect spot for photography. You can also visit the view tower, stroll through the children’s park, or relax at a café, enjoying a hot drink while soaking in the serene Himalayan backdrop.

After making the most of your time at Chandragiri, you’ll descend via cable car and continue the journey to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Perched on a hill, this ancient Buddhist stupa is one of Nepal’s oldest and most important religious landmarks, believed to be over 2,000 years old.

The stupa’s white dome and golden spire, crowned with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, create a mesmerizing sight. As you walk around the stupa, you’ll encounter prayer wheels, colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and locals performing their daily rituals. You’ll also spot playful monkeys roaming the site, giving the temple its nickname, Monkey Temple.

Your experienced guide will share the history and spiritual significance of Swayambhunath, explaining its role as a symbol of peace and enlightenment. The site also offers a spectacular view of Kathmandu city, providing the perfect end to your half-day adventure.

This 5-hour tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the cultural richness of Kathmandu in a short amount of time.

9:00 AM – Hotel Pickup

• Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu.
• Begin a scenic 30-minute drive to the Chandragiri Cable Car base station, located approximately 13 km southwest of the city center.

9:30 AM – Cable Car Ride to Chandragiri Hills

• Board the cable car for a 10-minute ride, ascending over lush forests to Chandragiri Hilltop (2,551 meters).
• Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas, including Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Everest (on clear days).

10:00 AM – Explore Chandragiri Hill Station

• Visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, a sacred Hindu site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Take photos from the View Tower, walk around the hilltop, and enjoy refreshments at a café while admiring the mountain scenery.

11:00 AM – Descend via Cable Car & Drive to Swayambhunath

• Take the cable car back down to the base station.
• Drive for approximately 30 minutes to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).

11:45 AM – Visit Swayambhunath Stupa

• Climb the steps to the stupa or take the vehicle-friendly route.
• Explore this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, believed to be over 2,000 years old.
• See the iconic white dome, golden spire, and the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
• Observe Buddhist rituals, spin prayer wheels, and witness playful monkeys.
• Enjoy a panoramic view of Kathmandu city from the top.

12:45 PM – Return to Hotel

• After your exploration, drive back to your hotel, arriving around 1:00 PM.
• Tour Ends with Amazing Memories.