Trekking · Kathmandu
Chandragiri to Chitlang Hike
A half-day descent off Chandragiri into the green Newari valley of Chitlang, tracing the old salt-trade road.
The Chandragiri to Chitlang hike is the best point-to-point walk on the western rim of the Kathmandu Valley: a half-day descent from the Chandragiri (2,550 m) ridge down the far side into the green Newari village of Chitlang, following part of the historic salt-trade road that once linked Kathmandu with Tibet. Ride the cable car up to skip the climb, then walk down into another valley for lunch or an overnight.
The route
From the Chandragiri Hills ridge — reached by cable car from Thankot or on foot from Macchegaun — the trail drops south and west off the rim. It threads pine forest and old stone-paved sections of the trade road before easing into the farmland and houses of Chitlang, about 3 to 4 hours of mostly downhill walking. Done in reverse, the same route is a stiff uphill, so most walkers go ridge-to-village.
What you'll see
The walk is a journey through history as much as scenery. This was the old caravan road that carried salt and goods between the Kathmandu Valley and the south, over the rim and down through Chitlang toward the Kulekhani valley. Chitlang itself rewards the descent: a quiet Newari village known for its goat-cheese farm, old temples, terraced fields and a string of community homestays. The forest along the way is shady and birdy, with valley views opening on the descent.
Good to know
- Time: 3–4 hours, mostly downhill from the Chandragiri ridge.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate downhill; harder if walked uphill from Chitlang.
- Season: October–April for dry trail and clear views; autumn is best.
- Stay: Chitlang's homestays make this an easy overnight rather than a there-and-back day.
Getting there
Take the Chandragiri cable car from Thankot (about an hour from central Kathmandu) up to the ridge, then walk down. To return, arrange a taxi or jeep from Chitlang over the Thankot–Chandragiri pass or via the Kulekhani road, roughly 1.5–2 hours to the city.
This is one of seven western and southern valley rim hikes and a standout among day hikes near Kathmandu. To earn the summit on foot first, climb up from Macchegaun or Kirtipur. For logistics back to the city, see getting around Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Chandragiri to Chitlang hike?+
From the Chandragiri ridge it is roughly a 3 to 4 hour walk, mostly downhill, descending the far side of the valley rim into Chitlang. Many people ride the Chandragiri cable car up to save the climb, then walk down to Chitlang for the night.
Is the Chandragiri to Chitlang hike difficult?+
No — taken downhill from the ridge it is an easy-to-moderate walk on an old stone-paved trade road and forest paths. The reverse, climbing from Chitlang up to Chandragiri, is harder. Sturdy shoes help on the loose, paved sections.
What is special about the Chandragiri–Chitlang trail?+
It follows part of the historic salt-trade road that once linked Kathmandu with Tibet via Chitlang and the Kulekhani valley. The route passes through pine forest and farmland into Chitlang, a quiet Newari village known for its goat-cheese farm, temples and homestays.
How do I get back from Chitlang to Kathmandu?+
Chitlang is reached by road over the Thankot–Chandragiri pass or via the Kulekhani road, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Kathmandu by taxi or jeep. Arrange transport in advance or stay overnight in a Chitlang homestay and return the next day.
