Trekking · Kathmandu
Kirtipur to Chandragiri Hike
A longer forest climb from the old Newari town of Kirtipur up to the Chandragiri ridge on the valley rim.
The Kirtipur to Chandragiri hike is the longest and most rewarding of the western-rim climbs, linking the living heritage of the old Newari town of Kirtipur with the forested Chandragiri (2,550 m) ridge above it. It is a full day's outing — around 4 to 5 hours and close to 1,000 metres of ascent — that pairs ancient streets and temples with a Himalayan viewpoint.
The route
From hilltop Kirtipur, trails climb south-west through farmland and villages before entering the forest belt that wraps the valley rim. The grade is sustained, gaining roughly 1,000 metres to the Chandragiri ridge. Because it is a long climb, most walkers descend by the Chandragiri cable car to Thankot rather than retracing the route, or continue down the far side to Chitlang. A shorter alternative to the same ridge starts at Macchegaun.
What you'll see
Kirtipur is reason enough to start here: a fortified Newari town of brick lanes, the Bagh Bhairab temple, the hilltop Chilancho Stupa and views back over the valley. As you climb, the town drops away and the forest takes over, opening at the Chandragiri Hills summit to the full valley panorama and, on a clear morning, the Himalaya from Langtang to Ganesh Himal.
Good to know
- Time & climb: 4–5 hours up, around 1,000 m of ascent — a full day.
- Difficulty: Strenuous; for fit walkers with time to spare.
- Season: October–April for dry trail and clear views.
- Plan the descent: Check cable-car hours so you do not miss the last ride down.
Getting there
Kirtipur is just 30–45 minutes south-west of central Kathmandu by taxi or local bus, near Tribhuvan University — one of the easiest valley towns to reach. Start early to give yourself the full day.
This is one of seven western and southern valley rim hikes and among the more ambitious day hikes near Kathmandu. For a shorter route to the same summit, see the Macchegaun to Chandragiri climb; for the descent and return logistics, see getting around Nepal. The town itself is covered in the Kathmandu destination guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Kirtipur to Chandragiri hike?+
Allow roughly 4 to 5 hours one way from Kirtipur up to the Chandragiri ridge, gaining around 1,000 metres through farmland and forest. It is one of the longer rim climbs, so most walkers ride the cable car down to Thankot to finish.
Is the Kirtipur to Chandragiri hike strenuous?+
Yes, it is the most demanding of the western-rim climbs — a long, sustained ascent of close to 1,000 metres. It suits fit walkers with a full day to spare. Start early, carry plenty of water and food, and check cable-car hours for the descent.
Why start a Chandragiri hike from Kirtipur?+
Kirtipur is a hilltop Newari town with old temples, the Bagh Bhairab and Chilancho Stupa, and traditional streets, making it a rewarding start and finish. The walk links the living heritage of the old town with the forest ridge and Himalayan views above it.
How do I get to Kirtipur from Kathmandu?+
Kirtipur is only about 30 to 45 minutes south-west of central Kathmandu by taxi or local bus, near Tribhuvan University. It is one of the easiest valley towns to reach, which makes it a convenient launch point for the longer Chandragiri climb.
