Trekking · Kathmandu
Macchegaun to Chandragiri Hike
A forest climb from Macchegaun up to the 2,550 m Chandragiri ridge on the valley's western rim.
The Macchegaun to Chandragiri hike is the most direct way to earn the Chandragiri (2,550 m) summit on foot rather than ride the cable car. From the village of Macchegaun on the south-western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, a forest trail climbs steadily to the ridge, a satisfying 3 to 4 hour ascent that ends on one of the valley's great viewpoints.
The route
From Macchegaun the path rises through pine and broadleaf forest, gaining roughly 800 metres to the Chandragiri ridge. The trail is well defined and steady, with old paths and a few steeper pitches, but no scrambling or exposure. At the top you join the developed Chandragiri Hills area with its viewpoints, café and the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple. From there you can ride the cable car down to Thankot, retrace your steps, or carry on down the far side to Chitlang.
What you'll see
The reward is the Chandragiri panorama: the whole Kathmandu Valley spread below and, on a clear morning, a long line of the Himalaya — Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa and, on the finest days, a distant glimpse of Everest. The climb itself is shaded and quiet, a world away from the busy cable-car crowds you meet at the summit.
Good to know
- Time & climb: 3–4 hours up, around 800 m of ascent.
- Difficulty: Moderate sustained uphill; no exposure.
- Season: October–April for dry trail and clear views; autumn is best.
- Plan the descent: Check cable-car hours if you intend to ride down to Thankot.
Getting there
Macchegaun sits about 45–60 minutes from central Kathmandu by taxi or local bus. Agree a return fare or fix a pickup point, and set off early to beat the haze that builds by midday.
This climb is one of seven western and southern valley rim hikes and a strong pick among day hikes near Kathmandu. For a longer historic approach to the same ridge, see the Kirtipur to Chandragiri route; to keep walking off the far side, continue down to Chitlang.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Macchegaun to Chandragiri hike?+
From Macchegaun it is roughly a 3 to 4 hour climb to the Chandragiri ridge at 2,550 m, gaining around 800 metres through forest. Many walkers go up on foot and ride the cable car back down to Thankot, or continue the descent to Chitlang.
Is the Macchegaun to Chandragiri hike hard?+
It is moderate — a sustained uphill on forest trail and old paths with no exposure, but a real climb of close to 800 metres. Decent fitness and sturdy shoes are needed, and you should carry water as taps are scarce on the way up.
Can you take the cable car down from Chandragiri?+
Yes. A common plan is to hike up from Macchegaun and descend by the Chandragiri cable car to Thankot, or to walk down the far side to Chitlang. Check cable-car operating hours before you set out so you do not miss the last ride.
How do I get to Macchegaun from Kathmandu?+
Macchegaun is a village on the south-western edge of the Kathmandu Valley, about 45 minutes to an hour from the city by taxi or local bus. Agree a return fare or fix a pickup, and start early to beat the afternoon cloud.
