Chandragiri is a small hill station located about 30 minutes away from the bustling Kathmandu. People looking for a respite from the heat and chaos usually visit this place as its very approachable.

Less than an hour’s drive away from Kathmandu city, Chandragiri hilltop is a mesmerising tourist location, enriched with natural beauty and cultural significance. The view of the entire Kathmandu valley can be seen from up there.

At 2500 km on the top of Chandragiri Nepal, the entire stretch of all the great Himalayan mountain massifs can be seen. For an even better glimpse, there is a view tower with binoculars. From west to east runs the great Annapurna, Nepal’s favourite trekking destination Mount Manaslu, the mighty Ganesh Himal and then the magnificent Langtang Himal. With a clear sky, one might even catch a glimpse of Mount Everest.

How to reach Chandragiri –  A cable car trip is the shortest means to reach Chandragiri Hills’ top station. The 2.5 km long cable car ensures a smooth and safe journey, all the while giving you an up-close view of the untainted wilderness.

Duration – The 2.5 km cable car ride takes approximately 9 minutes to reach.

Capacity – A cabin accommodates 8 passengers. A child above 3 feet of height requires a ticket.

Trekking – A 3 hr hike along a designated trail is for those who like to take their time to soak in the vistas of the wilderness.

Timing – 8 AM to 9 PM.

Where to stay – There is a beautiful resort called Chandragiri hill resort managed and operated by a royal family.  Reaching there by cable car makes this get away more interesting. This luxury resort offers a jaw dropping views of Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Mt. Everest. You can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and Kathmandu valley.

There are well executed 30 rooms that are bright and airy giving enough space for ultimate relaxation. Most of the rooms are located on the top floors of the building and decorated with custom designed handmade furniture’s.  Each room open towards a large balcony which gives you spectacular views.

Guests of Chandragiri Hills Resort have access to an outdoor pool, a children’s pool, and free WiFi in public areas. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with luggage storage, concierge services, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and free newspapers.

During our recent trip to Nepal, we visited a small village called Bandipur – Central Nepal’s hidden gems. The village is approximately 4.5 hours away from Chitwan and has a beautiful architecture complete with epic Himalayan views, countryside walks, local adventure sports, and comfortable accommodation.

If you plan to drive towards Pokhara, then this place is ideal place to break up the drive between Pokhara and Kathmandu while getting a relaxing taste of rural Nepal in the process.

Here are 7 interesting things to know about Bandipur –

1. Bandipur is all about miniscule villages perched on a hillock. The single flagstone street is lined on both sides with traditional wooden architecture.

2.You can find most of the houses converted into guesthouses and cafes depicting their 18th-century charm.  The architecture of Bandipur remains utterly charming. You will fall in love with the blooming flowers peeking from balconies of houses, inns and cafes.

3.There are temples in every nook and corner as people here are staunch believers in God. The best thing about Bandipur is there are no noisy vehicles with blaring horns. You will enjoy the silence and soft murmurs of locals talking in their native language.

4.You can enjoy a leisurely pace of life that harkens back to an earlier age. Do not expect luxury in this village as everything is basic yet comfortable.

5.The main street is lined with coffee shops where you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee and some local snacks.  

6.For people who love morning walks, a trek of 30 minutes up to the hilltop viewpoint at the Tani Mai Temple is recommended. Once you reach the hilltop, you will be welcomed by a sweeping panorama of the Himalayan peaks.

7.For people who like an easier hike, they can, stroll to the Martyrs Memorial Park, or to nearby Tundikhel, a former parade ground that now serves as the town’s main football field. Head to the far end of the Tundikhel ridge, grab a cold Gorkha beer and savor it as the sun sets over the blushing Himalayan range in front of you.

Recommended place to stay

We stayed at the Bandipur Inn, a small home converted into a rest house. The entrance of the inn is really tiny so you need to take care of your head while walking. The inn has several artifacts in the living room. There is less light and the space is minimal, but the space is clean and hygienic. The staircase towards the room was minimal so we had to be extra careful while walking.

As we reached our room on the second floor, our excitement knew no limit as we opened the door. It was a cute dollhouse with two small rooms, queen size beds with bed side tables, a small wardrobe and a tiny washroom. The balcony was the best as it had a fabulous view of the mountains and the grasslands. I could sit there for hours and gaze into the scenic views. There are mostly groups of European tourists who come for long stays. Food at the inn was fairly decent with traditional platters and continental dishes to choose from.

This beautiful hamlet in Nepal deserves a visit at least once as it boasts of traditional style of living, craftsmanship, exquisited handicraffts, breathtaking views, friendly locals and the delicious cuisine.