Kathmandu: Chandragiri Cable Car Ride and Cooking Class

Kathmandu: Chandragiri Cable Car Ride and Cooking Class

Imagine starting your day with sweeping views of the Himalayas from a scenic hilltop, then rolling up your sleeves to prepare traditional Nepalese dishes. For $110 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty and culinary culture, making it a fantastic choice for travelers craving authentic experiences outside the usual sightseeing routines.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines two different but equally memorable activities – the panoramic cable car ride and the hands-on Nepalese cooking class. The cable car takes you high above Kathmandu Valley, offering some of the clearest views of the Himalayas you’ll find. Later, the cooking class at Kathmandu Cooking Academy lets you get a taste of local flavors, with plenty of practical tips to recreate dishes at home.

One potential consideration is the moderate walking involved at Chandragiri Hills, which might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues. Also, while the tour is well-organized, it runs rain or shine—so be prepared for different weather conditions.

This experience suits travelers who love scenic vistas, culture, and trying their hand at local cuisine. Families with kids over 10, food lovers, and those wanting a mix of adventure and education will find this tour particularly rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: Enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of the Himalayas from Chandragiri Hill.
• Authentic Cooking: Learn to prepare three traditional Nepalese dishes at Kathmandu Cooking Academy.
• Convenient Transport: Private transportation with a professional English-speaking guide adds comfort and local insight.
• All-Inclusive Value: The price covers cable car fees, the cooking class, lunch, and guided commentary.
• Rain or Shine: The experience goes ahead regardless of weather, so pack accordingly.
• Suitable for Most: Not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for children under 10 or those with food allergies.

The Experience: A Day of Natural Beauty and Culinary Discovery

We found this tour to be a well-rounded way to spend a day in Kathmandu. It offers a gentle mix of outdoor adventure and cultural engagement, perfect for travelers who want more than just temples and bustling markets.

The Scenic Cable Car Ride to Chandragiri Hill

After being picked up from our hotel—an easy and stress-free start—the drive to the Chandragiri Cable Car Station was straightforward, with private transportation making the journey comfortable. Once we arrived, the cable car itself was a highlight. We loved the way the cabin slowly carried us upward, revealing expansive views of Kathmandu Valley below and the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance.

The panoramic scenery is truly breathtaking. You’ll see a patchwork of terraced fields, winding rivers, and distant mountain peaks that seem close enough to touch. The ride is smooth, and the cable cars are clean and modern, making for a pleasant ascent.

At the top, there’s a small temple and space to walk around and soak in the views. Many travelers, including those we spoke with, appreciated the short walk to the temple—it’s a serene spot to reflect and take photos. The vistas of Everest, Lhotse, and other Himalayan giants make this a memorable highlight.

Exploring Chandragiri Hills

While the views are the main draw, the hilltop itself offers some walking paths and photo opportunities. The moderate walk involved in exploring the area is manageable for most, but it’s worth noting that those with mobility concerns should be aware of the terrain.

We heard from other visitors that the best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner. On a clear day, the mountain scenery is jaw-dropping, and you’ll find plenty of locals and travelers alike pausing to enjoy the scenery.

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The Descent and Drive to Kathmandu Cooking Academy

After about an hour at the top, you’ll descend back down and head to Kathmandu Cooking Academy. The drive is pleasant, and again, private transport ensures our comfort and flexibility. Once there, we get settled into a bright, welcoming kitchen space, ready to try our hand at Nepali cuisine.

The Cooking Class: Making Three Main Dishes

The highlight here is the hands-on experience. Our chef instructor guided us through preparing three classic dishes—though the specific menu can vary, it typically includes dishes beloved in Nepalese households. We loved the way the instructor explained the ingredients and techniques, making it accessible even for beginners.

You’ll start with a welcome masala tea, warming you up and setting the tone for an authentic experience. Then, under careful guidance, you’ll chop, spice, and cook your way through each dish. The class lasts around three hours, giving enough time to learn and enjoy the process without feeling rushed.

The dishes we prepared were flavorful, with fresh herbs and traditional seasonings. We appreciated the opportunity to learn some cooking tips that we could try at home, and the instructor’s friendly approach made everyone feel comfortable.

Tasting and Relaxing

Once finished, we sat down to enjoy our creations, complemented by a packed lunch box containing a variety of treats, bottled water, juice, a muffin, donut, banana, and seasonal fruit. This nicely balanced meal, paired with the experience of eating dishes we’d just cooked ourselves, made the whole morning especially satisfying.

Final Drop-Off

After the class, we were driven back to our hotel, tired but happy. The entire day felt thoughtfully organized, with enough flexibility to enjoy the scenery and the culinary arts at a relaxed pace.

Analyzing the Value

At $110, this tour offers a good mix of scenic beauty and cultural learning. The cable car ride alone provides one of the best Himalayan viewpoints accessible from Kathmandu, making it a worthwhile splurge for photography enthusiasts or mountain lovers. The cooking class enriches the experience by giving a tangible connection to Nepali food, which is often overlooked in typical sightseeing tours.

The tour’s inclusion of private transportation, guided commentary, and a well-curated meal makes it feel comprehensive without being overwhelming. For those who enjoy combining outdoor activity with culture, this package hits the right notes.

What Could Be Better?

Some might find the walk at Chandragiri Hills a bit moderate, especially if rain makes the terrain slippery. Also, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or children under 10, so families should plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience best suits travelers with an adventurous spirit who also enjoy culinary pursuits. It’s ideal for those who want a break from temple crowds and bustling markets but still crave an authentic taste of Nepal. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers seeking both scenic views and hands-on culture will find this tour well worth the time and money.

Final Thoughts

This combined cable car and cooking class tour offers a compelling way to see some of the most spectacular Himalayan vistas while gaining insight into Nepalese cuisine. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that balances natural beauty with cultural depth, making it a memorable addition to any Kathmandu itinerary.

The views from Chandragiri Hill are genuinely breathtaking and will stay with you long after you leave. Meanwhile, the cooking class adds a personal touch, giving you practical skills and a delicious meal to remember. If you’re after a day that’s visually stunning, culturally enriching, and comfortably organized, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred pickup time and avoid disappointment.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers round-trip cable car fees, a three-hour Nepali cooking class, private transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, and a lunch box with drinks and snacks.

Can I choose my pickup time?
Yes, you can select either 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM for your pickup, making it flexible to fit your schedule.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally not recommended for children under 10 due to the moderate walking involved and the nature of the activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are advised. Weather at Chandragiri can change, so pack accordingly.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Yes, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and those with food allergies should inform the organizers in advance. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted during the tour.

What happens if it rains?
The experience runs rain or shine, so be prepared with appropriate clothing. The cable car ride is indoor, but some outdoor walking at the hilltop could be affected.

Can I customize the cooking menu?
You can inform the tour provider of dietary preferences in advance; however, the standard menu usually includes three common Nepalese dishes.

This tour offers a unique and memorable way to connect with Nepal’s stunning landscape and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone eager to see a different side of Kathmandu, it’s certain to leave you with lasting impressions—and perhaps a new recipe to try back home.

You can check availability for your dates here: