Chandragiri , Nepal

 

Chandragiri has been a traditional spot for pilgrims as the famous Bhaleswar Mahadev temple is situated atop.  Recently, however, the Nepal government has been determined to make it an international tourist destination. Though there are stone stairs right to the top of the hill, a new cable car system has been introduced in 2014 till 2520 meter elevation. This is the steepest cable car I have ever ridden. The journey one way takes around 15 minutes and certainly  a thrilling one. But many people also prefer to take the ” Lord of the rings” movie like stone stairs as day hiking which takes 6-7 hours for an average hiker to reach atop.

There are 11 foundation towers for the 2.5 km cable car journey. Also, paragliding, horse riding  and different mountain sports are being incorporated to increase the charm of the top station. However, greatest charm will always ever be the Himalayas, I believe..

 

The place is a heaven for photographers. The whole panorama of Kathmandu valley is  accessible from here. If you have good camera, can certainly catch the mountains in different lights and shades. The Shiva temple is beautiful with stone and wood carvings.  If you want to breath some fresh air away from the dusty and bustling roads of Kathmandu or meditate for a day, it is the right place you have arrived.

Kanchenjungha

Annapurna

Once you reach to the top, you can stay there till 5pm, so better to start early. The hill has much to offer .Except from the man-made cafe and bar or children’s playground , there is so much natural rich. Along with the lush green forests of Nepal, if the weather is good, you can enjoy three of the highest picks of the world like Kanchan jungha, Annapurna & Mount Everest.

The Bhaleshore temple is famous throughout the Nepal. The temple is small and clean. And eternally peaceful. For unknown reason, not many travellers are seen in this temple, unlike the crowded Pashupatinath Temple. But It has a beautiful ambience and I liked it no less than the other. The rich brick color of the temple in a blue sky creates a nice canvas.

What I felt, that many people backpacking Nepal, are still not aware of the hill. It is in Thankot, little away from the main city. Taxi costs around 15$ to and fro. The cable car fee for both ways is 22$. Now the management is also building resorts up there, so that you can stay and enjoy Himalaya, night and day… I don’t know if all can do that, but while tripping Nepal, put a mark for Chandragiri day trip.

Lord Shiva

 

 

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