If you are in Kathamandu and want to spend your day somewhere near to the city, then Chandragiri will be the best destination for you. Chandragiri Hill, seven kilometres from Thankot, lies on the South-West of Kathmandu Valley and is 2551 metres from sea level. Soaring peaks and breath taking views of whole Kathmandu Valley covered with lush green blanket of flora makes Chandragiri truly a great bountiful and pristine landscape. The panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley & Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest makes any one feel like seeing whole Nepal from this hill. This is a same place from where Prithivi Narayan Shah first look into the kathamndu valley.
You can go there by two way. If you are adventure lover then hiking from Thankot to Chandragiri will be best way to reach there. If can go there through Cable Car as well.
Chandragiri hills carry historical significance as well. According to folklore, Prithivi Narayan Shah is believed to have amassed spiritual powers for unification process after undergoing rigorous ‘sadhana’ or meditation at these very hills. The Gorkhali King disguised himself while ascending the hills in order to avoid being recognized by the Malla Kings of Kathmandu Valley.
In his ‘Divyopadesh’ (Divine Preaching), it has been mentioned that King Prithivi Narayan Shah was determined to first annex and then make Kathmandu the capital of unified Nepal. He apparently first saw the valley while on his way back to his kingdom in Gorkha from his in-law’s realm in Makwanpur. Astrologers Bhanu Aryal and Kulananda Dhakal who accompanied the king during that trip had made a prediction that their king’s wish to takeover Kathmandu would definitely come true. As per popular belief, pleased with his perseverance and Sadhana, it was Bhaleshwor Mahadev that granted King Prithivi Narayan Shah his wishes.
