Chandragiri hiking is a perfect day hike for hiking lovers in Kathmandu. Chandragiri Hill is one of the top hills near Kathmandu. Chandra means moon, and Giri means hill. So Chandragiri is a viewpoint of the moon. The elevation of Chandragiri is 2729m above sea level and offers an outstanding view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Also, offers panoramic vistas of the snowy peaks such as API, Saipal, Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt.Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Gaurishankar, etc. So, a day hike to Chandragiri is one of the best hiking trails in Kathmandu.
Nowadays, Chandragiri is very popular for Cable cars, especially on the weekend and public holidays there will be full of people. On top of Chandragiri Hill, there is a beautiful Bhalesowre Mahadev Temple, and people will go there for religious beliefs too. Not only can the temple offer many activities for adults and kids as well.
Need to hike into the lush forest to reach Chandragiri Hill, so Chandragiri Forest is the best place for bird-watching activities. Inside this jungle, we can observe varieties of birds such as Grey Wagtail, Steppe Eagle, Kingfishers, Common Myna, Indian Pond Heron, Oriental Turtle Dove, Red-vented Bulbul, Great Egret, House Crow, House Sparrow, Little Egret, Spotted Dove, etc.
Chandragiri Hiking Routes
Near Kathmandu, there are many hiking trails such as Shivapuri Hiking, Champadevi Hiking, and Phulchoki Hiking. Among these hiking routes, the Chandragiri Hiking route is a newly discovered but amazing day hiking trail in Kathmandu Valley. Even the hike to Chandragiri Hill can be made longer by adding another hiking trail.
The best day hiking route to Chandragiri Hill is from Machhegaun; Machhegaun is the base of Chandragiri Hill. There is always an opportunity to have amazing mountain vistas in the morning, so starting the hike early will be the best choice to have an amazing view of the mountain range and the Kathmandu Valley.
The zigzag walking trail through the overgrown forest stands the way to refresh you from your hard work in the dusty Kathmandu city. While you are hiking up to the summit of Chandragiri Hill, the mountains and valleys will play hide and seek with you. When you reach the top of the Chandragiri, the open blue sky and glorious surrounding views, mountain views, and the Kathmandu view will be witnessed.
The longer version of the Chandragiri Hike is combined with the Champadevi Hike. To combine both hiking routes, you have to start the hike from the Hattiban resort in Dakshinkali. This hiking route will give the impression of a long day hike experience. And also guarantee more stunning views of the snowy peaks and the Kathmandu valley.
From the top of Chandragiri Hill, you can drop down by cable car as well. This is the easiest option to get back to the transportation or park to take the bus, taxi, etc.
Best time to do Chandragiri Hiking
Nepal has four different seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. To do the Chandragiri Hike, these seasons are the best time, but there are some advantages and disadvantages for each season. That is why choosing the right time is always a better hiking experience.
However, the spring, autumn, and winter seasons are the best times to do Chandragiri Hiking. During the spring and autumn seasons, the weather will be clear, and the temperature will be perfect for hiking. More importantly, the mountain views and enclosing views are spectacular.
And the winter season is the best time to play in the snow on top of Chandragiri Hill. Every year, thousands of people from Kathmandu experience the snow there and some other high hills of Kathmandu. On the other hand, during the summer season, normally rains and is wet, andthe visibility is not so good.
Spring season – March, April, and May
Summer season – June, July, and August
Autumn Season – September, October, and November
Winter season – December, January, and February
[…] thinking of making a hiking trip somewhere like Jamacho Gumba, Phulchoki Hill, Champadevi Hill, and Chandragiri Hiking. When I talked with my daughter, she didn’t want to walk, but she wanted to go out and have […]