Chandragiri Hills Cable Car
The Chandragiri Hills Cable Car is one of the most scenic attractions near Kathmandu, carrying visitors from the base station in Thankot up to the forested summit of Chandragiri Hill. The modern cable car ride takes about 10 minutes and offers spectacular views of the Kathmandu Valley below. At the top, visitors can explore the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, enjoy walking trails, restaurants, and on clear days admire a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest and Langtang. Combining natural beauty with spiritual significance, the Chandragiri Hills Cable Car has become a popular destination for both tourists and local visitors seeking cool mountain air and unforgettable views. Ticket price was US$23 return.
Patan Durbar Square
Located in the historic city of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is one of the most beautifully preserved royal squares in Nepal and a masterpiece of Newari architecture. The square is filled with intricately carved temples, courtyards, and palaces that date back to the Malla kings who ruled the Kathmandu Valley from the 12th to 18th centuries. Highlights include the elegant Krishna Mandir temple built entirely of stone and the Patan Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of traditional Nepali art and sculptures. With its red-brick buildings, ornate wooden windows, and bustling local life, the square offers a vivid glimpse into the cultural and artistic heritage of the valley. Ticket price was 1000 Nepal Rupees.
Swayambhu Mahachaitya Temple
Perched atop a forested hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhu Mahachaitya – often called the Monkey Temple – is one of Nepal’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites. The gleaming white stupa, crowned with a golden spire and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, dates back more than a thousand years and symbolizes enlightenment and harmony. Pilgrims climb a long staircase of 365 steps to reach the complex, where shrines, prayer wheels, and monasteries surround the main stupa. From the hilltop, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the valley and a vibrant atmosphere filled with devotees, fluttering prayer flags, and the resident monkeys that give the temple its nickname. Ticket price was 400 Nepal Rupees.
Uma Maheshwar Temple
Perched on a hilltop in the historic town of Kirtipur, Uma Maheshwar Temple is a beautiful example of traditional Newari pagoda-style architecture. Dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva (Maheshwar) and his consort Parvati (Uma), the temple is known for its finely carved wooden struts and peaceful atmosphere. From the temple grounds, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding hills. The site is both a place of worship for local residents and a cultural landmark that reflects the rich religious traditions of the Newar community.
Bagh Bhairab Temple
Bagh Bhairab Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Kirtipur, dedicated to Bhairab, a fierce manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva. The name “Bagh Bhairab” means “Tiger Bhairab,” reflecting the deity’s powerful and protective nature. Built in the classic pagoda style, the temple features intricate wood carvings and metalwork that showcase traditional Newari craftsmanship. It holds great religious importance for the local community and plays a central role in festivals and rituals, drawing both devotees and visitors interested in the spiritual heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.
