Source::Rss
The Chandragiri Hills, which carries historic and religious importance, has been the main attraction to both domestic and foreign tourists lately. Situated southwest of Kathmandu, seven kilometres away from Thankot, the tourist destination serves as a perfect fit for tourist, religious and recreational activities, also making an ideal spot for those who want to take a rest and rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
The 2,551 metres-high natural heaven is surrounded by the wilderness with eye-catching views of the Himalayan mountain ranges in the background. A majestic view of Mount Everest, and the Kathmandu Valley, neighbouring Dhading, Nuwakot and Makawanpur districts is something that will entice people and tourists alike. Apart from being a major choice for people who want to organise any meeting, seminar, assembly and any musical programmes, it also serves as a stop for those visiting the Kathmandu Valley for recreational activities like a cable car ride, and for the devotees and history buffs.
Besides, the area is also home to one of the most important Hindu temples, the Bhaleshwor Mahadev is believed to possess wish-granting powers. It has historical significance as well. According to history, Prithvi Narayan Shah, a unifier of modern Nepal, saw his first glimpse of the present Kathmandu Valley (then known as Nepal Khalto) and he decided to annex the valley into his kingdom.
He is also believed to have got spiritual powers for the unification process after undergoing a 'sadhana' (meditation) here. He is told of having disguised himself while ascending the hills so as to avoid being recognised by the Malla Kings of the Kathmandu Valley. So, in his honour, his statue has been erected in the hills. The statue has been a main attraction to anyone visiting here. Visiting people pose with it for a photograph. Bhaleshwor Temple, the statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah, zip lines, a Children's Park, a horse ride, the Chandragiri Hills resort and shopping marts are among other attractions to the hills.
It is believed that the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple was built here after the incarnation of the god Mahadev manifested. The temple has received an increasing number of pilgrims from home and neighbouring India. A cable car network is a new addition to the beauty of the hills. Constructed by Chandragiri Hills Limited, the cable car came into operation commercially on 16 December 2016.
One of the options for tourists to reach the hills is by trekking. The trekking route leading to the hills has been in existence for a long time, and tourists visiting the hills still take this route. The cable car is operational seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. Over 71,100 tourists took a cable car ride in a single month (mid-December, 2022 to mid-January, 2023). It charges Rs 799 for a Nepali citizen for a round trip, and Rs 600 for a Nepali student. Similarly, USD 22 each is charged for foreign citizens.
Manufactured by Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group, an international manufacturer of ropeways, skis, urban transport, amusement parks, and material handling systems based in Austria, the cable car is a gondola lift transportation system. The 2.46 km line runs from Thankot to the Chandragiri Hills. It has two stations, consisting of 38 gondolas that can carry 1,000 people per hour. It also has three gondolas that carry goods. Each gondola carries eight persons at a time.
In general, it takes 9 to 14 minutes to reach the top of the hills from the Thankot station. Over 2,000 people take the cable car ride on a regular day, and the figure rises to 4,500 and 5,000 on a holiday. The hills received a total of 507,411 domestic tourists, and 63,344 foreign tourists including from the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries in the previous fiscal year.
There are two ziplines (one 100 metres and the other 200 metres) in operation in the area for one year, attracting an increasing number of tourists. A 100 metres zipline was constructed at the cost of NRs 7 million. The zipline aims to attract both domestic and foreign tourists alike. The 100 metres zipline spans from near the Bhaleshwor Temple to the children's park. It charges Rs 400 for each person for a 100 metres zipline ride, and Rs 800 for a 200 metre ride. It aims to develop the hill as an 'integrated tourist destination' and deliver superior products and services by empowering the customers, stakeholders and society as a whole.
However, the global COVID-19 pandemic did not spare the cable car service as well. The number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, visiting the hills sharply dropped during the years when the virus took its toll. But this year, as the infection has almost subsided, there is a silver lining for the company. The inflow of tourists has been gradually on track.
The Chandragiri Hills also have a resort here. The resort has served as a spot for tourists who want to take a rest and enjoy themselves. It has also managed halls for organising national and international seminars, conferences and gatherings. The country's governmental and non-governmental organisations programmes are also held here._Rss
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