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Call or WhatsApp:+977-9813599455Riding the cable car to Chandragiri Hill, it is not just a convenient start, but also offers you stunning panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley, distant peaks, and surrounding ridges
Peaceful ridge-line hiking experience, you will walk with far fewer crowds compared to other popular hikes around the capital valley
Passing through the lush oak, pine, and rhododendron forest, which feels surreal with colorful shades during spring
Gradual and straightforward terrain with a natural rhythm of ascents and descents
Rewarding hike to Champadevi Hill, one of the most scenic hilltops around Kathmandu
Sweeping views of the capital valley and distant Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and even Everest on clear days
A less commercialized hiking trail that offers you a raw and natural feel
Spiritual atmosphere at the summit of Champadevi, there is a small temple dedicated to Goddess Champadevi, which creates a calm and reflective environment
Flexible descent options to either Taudaha Lake for a cultural touch or Hattiban for a quieter forest exit
A perfect full-day hiking experience near Kathmandu that combines accessibility and depth, offering you a trek-like experience
The Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike is one of the most rewarding ridge-line walking around Kathmandu, which offers a perfect blend of adventure and accessibility. Instead of just a simple up and down route, this hike connects to prominent hills on the southern rim of the capital valley. This continuous journey feels closer to a short trek than a typical day hike around Kathmandu. With the Chandragiri and Champadevi Hike, you will be able to experience a full ridge traverse that combines scenic views, forested paths, cultural touches, and spiritual dimension along the way.
Your hiking journey begins with a dramatic ascent via the Chandragiri cable car. This gives instant elevation to the trailhead and the sweeping vistas of the lush valleys and distant Himalayan peaks. From here, the path leads into a quieter world, dense forests, and rolling ridgelines away from the buzz of the capital hub. With the hike progression, your experience will also evolve gradually. You will traverse the shaded woodland that opens up to occasional viewpoints and build a steady climb before reaching Champadevi Hill.
By the time you reach the summit of Champadevi Hill, which is revered for its spiritual essence, the sense of movement across the landscape becomes quiter clear. You are not justin hiking to a viewpoint, but you are traversing an entire section of Kathmandu’s natural boundary. Then, the descent toward Taudaha or Hattiban completes this transition. The trail takes your from the isolated forest ridges back to the farmlands and local life.
This contrast between the isolated wilderness and the everyday rhythm of the valley, gives the Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike its unique character. So, if you are looking for a full-day hiking experience near Kathmandu which feels immersive, varied and genuinely rewarding, this duo highlight route stands out as one of the best options.
Drive: Kathmandu to Chandragiri Hill Cable Car Station– 30 to 45 minutes
Hike Duration: 6 to 7 hours (round trip)
Highest Elevation: 2,551 meters (8,369 feet)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Start: 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM
Your Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike begins at the summit of Chandragiri Hill, which is at an elevation of 2,551 meters (8,369 feet). Taking the cable car option to the hilltop saves nearly 1,000 meters of ascent. It also offers you stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and the green lush ridges. Before stepping on the hiking trail, you can make a stop at the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple.
Early in the morning, the valley is often under a soft haze, and the peaks like Ganesh Himal and Langtang glimmer in the distance. This contrast of urban density below and quiet ridgelines ahead sets the mood for the hike ahead. From here, the trail bends away from the main viewpoint area and into the forested path, which immediately starts to feel more secluded.
The opening stretch of the Chadragiri to Champadevi trail defines the character of the hike. You will walk along the long, undulating ridge, moving in and out of the dense forest of oak, pine, and rhododendron. During the spring season, this stretch bursts into red, pink, and white shades of the rhododendron flower. Walking on this stretch feels rhythmic rather than demanding.
You will lose elevation gradually, but it is not a continuous descent. Short climbs are also woven into the terrain, keeping your legs active. The ridge occasionally narrows down, giving you glimpses of both sides. You will be able to catch the crisp views of the Kathmandu Valley sprawling on the north side and the quieter, less-developed hills rolling on the southward. What really stands out in this part is the sense of isolation.
Unlike the busier hikes around Kathmandu, this trail sees fewer hikers, and the longer stretches pass without encountering villages. Then, the forest starts to gradually thin out as you approach Deurali, a small resting point along the way. It is a natural break stop where you can pause, hydrate, and prepare for the next part of the Chandragiri to Champadevi Hiking trail.
From Deurali, the trail starts to ascend noticeably toward Champadevi Hill (2,285m/ 7,496 ft). This is the most physically demanding part of today’s hike. The path is still well-defined; however, the gradient becomes more consistent with sections of natural stone steps and exposed roots. The forest in the lower part is dense and offers shade and a cool microclimate.
As you climb higher, you will start to notice the transitions in the landscape. The trail moves from enclosed woodland to a more open ridgeline path. You will take occasional breaks along the way, and the opening between the trees reveals the layered hills stretching outward. The sense of elevation also becomes prominent here.
You will finally arrive at the Champadevi Summit, which is at an elevation of 2,285 meters (7,496 feet). Arriving at the top feels surprisingly open compared to the forested trail that you just followed. There is a small shrine dedicated to Goddess Champadevi, which marks the top of the hill. The views from here are broader and more expansive than Chandragiri, in a different way.
While Chandragiri gives you a higher vantage point, from Champadevi you can enjoy a cleaner and less obstructed perspective of the valley surrounding the hills. From the top oc Champadevi Hill, you can also catch the distant views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and even Everest on clear days.
Champadevi Hill is also a natural place to pause for longer on this day’s hike. You will have your lunch here, rehydrate, and enjoy the stunning panoramas. After hiking several hours across the forested trail, the openness of the summit creates a strong sense of arrival, that you have finally reached your destination.
From the summit, you will begin your steady descent either toward Taudaha Lake or the Hattiban area, depending on the route you choose. During the initial part, you will walk down the dense woodland with loose soil and exposed roots. As you lose elevation, the forest gradually begins to thin, and the landscape starts to open. You will notice this subtle transition, first small clearings, then scattered farmland, and eventually more defined rural surroundings.
If you descend toward Taudaha, the trail will eventually lead you closer to the calm waters of Taudaha Lake. According to the local mythology, there is a mythical underwater palace for the Naga King Karkotak inside the lake. The area around the lake feels peaceful, making it a pleasant endpoint after the long Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike.
Another option for you is to hike down to Hattiban across the forested slopes and resort areas, located on the southern edge of the capital valley. This alternative feels slightly more secluded until the very end, where the hiking trail reconnects with the road and small settlements. So, although both of these descending routes offer a gradual re-entry into the valley, each has its own character.
The Taudaha route is more open and cultural, whereas the Hattiban route feels quieter and more forested until the final segment. From either endpoint, it will be easy to travel back to Kathmandu.
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Route Map and bottle of water.
Nepali Typical Lunch
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All kind of soft and hard drinks.
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You can take part in the Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike pretty much throughout the year. However, your overall experience will change noticeably depending on the season of your choice. This hiking route in the outskirts of the valley takes you through the long forested ridges. So, factors like trail conditions and temperature play a bigger role than the altitude factors.
Spring is one of the most popular seasons for the Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike. This season brings a different kind of charm to the trail. The forest between Chandragiri and Champadevi comes alive with the surreal bloom of the colorful rhododendrons, especially along the quieter ridge sections of the trail. The temperatures are also comfortable, and the mornings are exceptionally clear. Although the mountain views are not always as sharp as in autumn, the colorful atmosphere of the forest makes the hike feel more vibrant and immersive.
Autumn season is considered the most balanced and rewarding season for this hike. After the monsoon clears dust and pollution, only crisp air and excellent visibility are left behind. From both Chandrgiri and Champadevi Hills, you are more likely to catch the long Himalayan stretches along with the sharply defined views of Kathmandu Valley. The hiking trails are generally dry, the temperatures are ideal, and the forest feels fresh without being overly dense. Your hike will feel most complete at this point, supported by clear skies, stable footing, and consistent conditions from start to finish.
Winter is another surprisingly good period for the Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike if you don’t mind a little bit of cold. The skies are often very clear, and you will still be able to enjoy some of the best long-distance views of the Himalayas. However, the temperatures in the early morning, especially at Chandragiri Hill, can be quite low. Similarly, the forested section remains cool and shaded throughout the day. So, proper layering is essential even if you don’t have to deal with snow conditions. The trails are usually dry, which makes the walking conditions stable despite the chill.
During the monsoon season, the forest along the way transforms into a deep green corridor. The forested ridge feels dense and alive, you will have the opportunity to traverse the secluded and almost jungle-like atmosphere. That said, the monsoon is the least favorable period for the Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike. During this rainy period, the trail can become slippery and muddy. Likewise, the visibility is limited due to clouds and mist, so the view from the summit can be obstructed. Still, if you do not mind wet conditions and are looking for solitude, the monsoon season offers a quieter and more raw experience of the trail.
The difficulty level of the Chandragiri and Champadevi hike can be described as a moderate-level day hike. This popular hike around Kathmandu Valley is not technically difficult. However, the combination of distance, terrain, and sustained walking along the ridge makes this adventure slightly more demanding than other short hikes around Kathmandu. The main challenges of the Chandragiri to Champadevi Hike are the overall duration and the terrain consistency. You will need to walk for around 6 to 7 hours, traversing across the continuous ridge.
The hiking trail itself is generally well-defined, but it is not flat. You will have to move along continuous ascents and descents, which can drain energy over time. It is a kind of terrain that feels easy at first, but it gradually builds fatigue in your legs. Yes, there is nothing technical about the trail. However, the lack of flat recovery sections along the way can make some stretches feel longer and more challenging. In summary, this hike is ideal for anyone with a basic to moderate fitness level and people who are looking for a full-day hiking experience without pushing for extreme altitudes.
Even a beginner can complete this hike, but the trail will feel physically demanding, especially if you are not used to walking for an extended period of time. Taking regular breaks and maintaining a steady pace makes a big difference in this hike. Thus, in overall, Chandragiri and Champadevi Hike is a rewarding adventure. It is accessible but substantial enough to feel like a proper trekking experience rather than just a casual walk in the hills.
The Champadevi Hike via Chandsragiri is a full-day ridge walk. It means your packing should be light but practical. You will not need heavy trekking gear, however, because of the duration, changing elevation, and forest terrain, bringing the right essentials can make a noticeable difference in comfort. Here are some non-negotiable items for a smooth and safe hiking experience:
Daypack (20 to 30L)
Water (2 to 3 liters)
Snacks and a packed lunch
Comfortable hiking shoes with a good grip
Moisture-wicking t-shirt or base layers
Light fleece for warmth
Lightweight jacket
Comfortable trekking pants or flexible sportswear
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap)
Trekking poles (optional)
Power bank
Basic first aid kit
Remember, the key to packing for this hike is balance. Carry enough to stay comfortable but avoid unnecessary weight, which can slow you down while traversing the ridge. A well-packed backpack won’t just make you hike easier, but it will also let you enjoy the transition from Chandragiri Hill to Champadevi seamlessly.
The Chandragiri to Champadevi hiking is generally a safe and manageable adventure, especially since it stays close to Kathmandu. Still, as the hike has a long duration, takes you across forested terrain, and there are limited facilities along the way, basic preparation and awareness go a long way.
One of the advantages of the Chandragiri and Champadevi Hike is that this trail remains below 2,500 meters after starting from Chandragiri Hill (2,551m/ 8,369ft). You will gradually descend from the hilltop and then ascend toward Champadevi. For most people, altitude sickness is not a concern on this route. The altitude gain is not drastic, and your body usually adapts comfortably within this range.
Even though the hiking trail is pretty much straightforward, it is not completely risk-free. The main safety consideration here comes from the terrain and conditions rather than remoteness factors. The forest trail is uneven with roots, loose stones, and narrow stretches. During the rainy seasons, the trail can be slippery and muddy. Likewise, fatigue after long hours of walking can also increase the chance of missteps, especially toward the end. So, you need to be careful with your footing, especially on descents.
The Chandragiri to Champadevi trail follows a clear ridge. But there are a few junctions and side paths that can cause confusion if you are not paying attention. It is best to download an offline map (maps.me or Google Maps) before starting the hike. And, stick to the main ridge trail rather than exploring side routes. If you are unsure, it is always better to pause and confirm the direction rather than making a guess. Don’t worry, on this guided experience with Nepal Recreation, we have got you covered in safety, navigation, and valuable experience part.
Start your hike early in the morning to avoid rushing during the descent
Carry enough food and water; there are no reliable stops on this ridge walk
Hike with companions or through a trusted agency like Nepal Recreation for better safety, navigation, and a valuable experience
Wear proper footwear with good grip; slipping is one of the most common issues, especially on the descent
Pace yourself during the early part, don’t burn all your energy in the first 2 hours
Stay updated with the weather conditions before starting the hike
Keep your phone charged for navigation and emergencies
Finally, respect the local environment and wildlife, leave no trash behind