Chandragiri Hills
Chandragiri Hills is a great destination, offering the most exotic site for a day trip. If you are seeking an escape from the busy city life, then Chandragiri Hills is the perfect place to be. The place offers a pleasant experience with a pinch of thrill as seasoning. Natural beauty, cultural significance and electrifying experiences sum up the beauty of Chandragiri Hills. This is the place where endless cover of grassland curls over the hills, and the spectacular view of the Kathmandu valley take your breath away.
History
Holding a significant meaning of Kathmandu, according to the legends, the great King Prithvi Narayan Shah was allured by the Chandragiri Hill while returning to his Kingdom Gorkha from his maternal home in Makwanpur. Because of the location and its beauty, Kingdom Gorkha united all smaller states to what today is known as the greater Nepal.
Attractions
Offering magnificent view of Mount Annapurna range, Langtang and Everest range from the top, Bhalashower Madhave ( Shiva ) Temple is another major attraction at Chandragiri Hills. The hills is made up of small and big boulders, which can be found on the route to the peak, and is covered with a lush green blanket of flora.
Chandragiri Hills is the perfect escape option for the nature lovers. The road access to the cable car station is easy access. Travelers can enjoy the beautiful nature, panoramic views of Himalayan range as well as food and drinks with great views.
The much popular Bhaleshore Mahadev Temple of Chandragiri Hills have a popular legend attached to it. The history of the temple is associated with Gandharva, a low ranking Hindu deity, named Sumukha. When Sumukha forcibly kissed Rambha, an angel who retired at courtier at Heaven, Rambha curse Sumukha and was forced to live on Earth leaving his abode in the heaven. Sage Galab advised Sumukha that he should offer prayers before Bhaleshwor Mahadev after purifying himself every day as penance. Fortunately, in due course, Mahadev was pleased and he blessed Sumukha, following which he settled down with Rambha.
Chadragiri Hills is one of the best representations of Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes, and cultural significance. Along with cafes and food stalls, there is also a refreshing garden where one can indulge in a relaxing lunch. There are also plans of including adventure activities like zip lining and paragliding in the coming future.
How to reach
The cable car project is around two and a half kilometers from near Godam at Thankot which takes around 9 minutes to reach the top. People used to drive through seven kilometers of rough road to reach the hill top or hike three-hour to reach to the “Bishnu Devi Temple” on the top of the hill.