A Hidden Gem Near Kathmandu Chitlang Tour

4 days 1,833 m Updated July 7, 2026

Duration4 Days

Max altitude1,833 m

DifficultyEasy 3-4 hours/day

Group size1-10

Overview

Why you’ll love this trek

Hike (or ride the cable car) up Chandragiri Hill for panoramic Himalayan views and the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple.
Descend through quiet forest trails to Chitlang, an ancient Newari village dating back to the Lichhavi era (4th–9th century AD).
Stay overnight in traditional homestays and taste organic, farm-to-table Newari home cooking.
Visit Nepal's first goat cheese factory and sample local cheese and homemade fruit wines.
Explore Satdhara (the historic Seven Stone Taps), old inscriptions, and Shree Khatrithan Temple.
Walk a centuries-old Kathmandu–India trade route once used by traders, pilgrims, and kings.
Go boating on Indra Sarovar (Kulekhani Lake) and enjoy fresh local fish for lunch by the water.
Cross the Markhu suspension bridge and catch sunset over the reservoir.
Return via Pharping — Dakshinkali Temple, Buddhist caves, and hillside monasteries.
All of it just 22 km from Kathmandu — a genuine hidden gem, no permits required.

Chitlang is a striking and tranquil village situated in Makwanpur District, 22 km south-west of
Kathmandu, in the hills of the Chandragiri range. This ancient Newar settlement is rich in nature,
retains a traditional culture, and its organic lifestyle makes for a great getaway from bustling
city life.

Chitlang’s got a long history going all the way back to the Lichhavi period (4th–9th century AD), and you can still see those old stone taps, inscriptions, and temples around. Back in the day, it was a key path for folks moving goods and themselves from Kathmandu Valley down to India. Today, Chitlang’s awesome for its mix of the great outdoors local traditions, and that down-to-earth vibe.

You can chill on quiet nature walks, crash at homestays, hang with welcoming people, plus there’s this cool goat cheese farm! It’s perfect for a quick hike escaping for the weekend, or just taking a breather to enjoy the greenery. If you trek through Chandragiri or go by car through Kulekhani, or just chill by Indra Sarovar Lake, Chitlang greets you with its enchanting calmness

Itinerary

1DayKathmandu – ChitlangDay 1 of 4

Morning:
A bus takes you from Kathmandu to Thankot (1 hr)
You trek from Thankot to Chandragiri Hill (3–4 hrs uphill)
You can choose to ride the Chandragiri Cable Car for faster access
You visit Chandragiri View Tower and Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple
Afternoon:
You eat lunch at Chandragiri hilltop
You start your trek down to Chitlang village through a forest trail (2.5–3 hrs)
You see beautiful views and walk on quiet trails
Evening:
You reach Chitlang
You check in to a homestay or Chitlang Organic Village Resort
You enjoy a local dinner and can join an optional campfire/music night

2DayExplore Chitlang(Culture and Nature Day)Day 2 of 4

Morning:

You have breakfast at the homestay
You visit:
Satdhara (Seven Tap Water) – a place with history

Old Newari villages and farms
Goat Cheese Factory (if it's open)
Shree Khatrithan Temple

Afternoon:
You eat lunch at a local spot or resort
You take a short walk in the forest and orchards
You visit the Chitlang Hydropower Dam site
Evening:
You relax at the resort/homestay
You can join a local cultural program (if one is happening)
You stay overnight in Chitlang

3DayChitlang-Murkhu-Kulekhani(Adventure & Lake Day)Day 3 of 4

Morning Spark:
· Munch on breakfast then roll out on a jeep expedition or trek (~2 hrs) to Markhu
· Soak up the calm vibes of Indrasarobar (Kulekhani Lake)
Noon Adventures:
· Hit the lake for some boating (pick either a paddle boat or a zippy speedboat)
· Test out local fish cuisine for your midday meal at a joint right by the water
· Go wandering:
· Amble over the Suspension bridge
· Scour around for cool scenic spots and pathways
· If you’re up for it: make a stop at the Kulekhani Dam site

Twilight Time:
· Head back to Chitlang or pick to snooze in Markhu
· Kick back and catch the sun dipping down by the water

4DayMurkhu-Chitlang-Pharping-Kathmandu(Homeward Bound)Day 4 of 4

Morning:
· Have breakfast and hop on a jeep for a cruise to Pharping using the Kulekhani road
(you’re looking at 2 to 2.5 hours)
· Go see:
· Dakshinkali Temple (a well-known sanctuary for Hindu followers)
· Pharping Monastery and Buddhist caves
Afternoon:
· Having lunch in Pharping or while traveling
· Heading back to Kathmandu (takes about 1.5 hours)
· Getting dropped off at your hotel or the place you choose

What's included

Included

Guide
Permit
Tranportsion By Bus
All Food B/L/D
All Accommoditsion

Not included

Your Persional Equmant
Beer, Cola, Wifi
If You Requar Porter
Privrt Tranportsin

Before you book

The realities of this route, told straight, so nothing surprises you later.

This is a village experience, not a hotel stay

Accommodation in Chitlang is homestays and simple guesthouses run by local Newari families. Rooms are clean but basic — shared bathrooms in most homes, squat toilets in some, and home-cooked dal bhat and local organic vegetables rather than menus. That’s the whole point of the trip: you’re staying in a living village, not a resort. If you need attached bathrooms and Western comforts, let us know in advance so we can arrange the best available option.

Easy walking, but come with decent shoes

The classic route crosses from Chandragiri/Thankot down to Chitlang and on to Kulekhani (Markhu) — mostly gentle village trails, stone steps, and dirt roads, around 4–6 hours of walking per day at a relaxed pace. No altitude concerns at all, but the descent can be slippery after rain, so wear proper walking shoes rather than sandals. This trip suits beginners, families, and anyone short on time.

Weather and the monsoon factor

Chitlang is pleasant year-round, with October–April offering the clearest skies and mountain views from the Chandragiri ridge. In monsoon (June–September) trails get muddy and leeches appear in the forest sections — the trip still runs, but pack accordingly. Winter nights in homestays are cold; bring a warm layer as heating is limited to blankets.

What makes Chitlang special

Expect goat-cheese tasting at Nepal’s first goat cheese factory, local wine and fresh produce from village farms, centuries-old Newari architecture, and boating or fishing at Kulekhani reservoir in Markhu. This is a cultural and culinary trip more than a trek — come hungry and curious, and bring some cash for cheese, wine, and handicrafts you’ll inevitably want to take home.

Basic travel insurance is enough

No high-altitude or helicopter coverage needed here — standard travel insurance covering trip disruption and general medical care is sufficient. The trip stays within easy road access of Kathmandu at all times.

Typical extra costs on the trail

Item	Typical price	Note
Goat cheese (per portion/pack)	NPR 300–1,000	The village specialty — worth taking some home
Local wine / fresh juice tasting	NPR 200–600	Homemade seasonal fruit wines are a Chitlang signature
Boating at Kulekhani	NPR 500–1,500 per boat	Price depends on boat size and duration splitting with your group is cheapest
Tea/coffee	NPR 50–150	Village prices far cheaper than trekking routes
Soft drink / local beer	NPR 100–400	Available in village shops at near-Kathmandu prices
Hot shower	NPR 200	Most homestays include it; some charge for gas-heated water
Snacks / local produce	NPR 100–500	Fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables sold by village farms
Cable car	NPR 700–1,000 one way	Skip the uphill walk and ride to the ridge instead foreigner rates higher

Useful Info

Why Visit Chitlang

Nature Beauty: Chitlang, cloistered by green hills, forests, and terraced farms, is a perfect place for nature lovers and photographers.Historical Importance: Chitlang used to be one of the essential trade routes to India, which still preserves its historical charm prevailing through several stone-paved roads and customs of Newari settlement is know for its culture and traditional, natural beauty and organic farming lifestyle making it perfect escape from the tumult of city life. The Enclosed Beauty: One of the top attractions of Chitlang is the scenic beauty around it.Organic Village Life: Chitlang is famous for organic farming, apple orchards, goat cheese, and an eco-friendly lifestyle. Perfect for Hiking & Camping: Chitlang is a new favorite among short trek-ers, especially for those hiking like chandragiri or exploring the Chitlang-Murkhu-kulekhani circuit.

How to Get to Chitlang

Chitlang, a beautiful and historic village near Kathmandu, can be reached through both trekking and road routes. For those who enjoy hiking, the trek begins from Thankot and goes up to Chandragiri Hill, offering stunning views along the way. From Chandragiri, you can continue your walk down to Chitlang, or choose the convenient option of taking a cable car to the top before trekking onward. Alternatively, travelers can take a jeep or local bus from Kathmandu via the Kulekhani road, which provides a more comfortable and direct journey. For the return trip, you can either drive through Pharping or take the scenic Markhu–Kulekhani route, both of which offer picturesque landscapes and a pleasant travel experience.

FAQ

01 Duration of the Hike?

You can complete the hike in 2 to 4 days. Your chosen path and what you like to do will decide
the length. A 2-day hike with a sleepover in Chitlang is what most folks go for.

02 Hike Difficulty

The trails difficulty is moderate, so its cool for new hikers and families who are kinda fit.
You will be going up to Chandragiri and then down to Chitlang.

03 Alternative to Walking: Cable Car to Chandragiri?

if you want to keep your strength or not waste time, you can hop on the Chandragiri Cable
Car and let it take you to the top. Then kick off your hike from that point.

04. Can I drive to Chitlang instead of trekking?

For sure. Catching a jeep or bus via Kulekhani road will get you straight to Chitlang. It is pretty
common for folks to hoof it one way and hitch a ride the other way.

05. Where do we stay in Chitlang?

You have got options like:
· Staying with local families in Homestays
· Kicking back in Eco-resorts and farmhouses
· Pitching tents for Tented camping (gotta ask ahead for this one)

06. What does the hiking package come with?

You are getting: A bus or Jeep ride

A place to stay (1–3 nights)
Food (Morning meal, Midday meal, Evening meal)
Sometimes, a local guide
Passes for entrance and the cable car (when required)

07. Can kids and older folks do this hike?

It is great for families. Just give us a shout about what your crew needs, and we can slow things down or switch up where we stay and how we get around.

08. When should I plan to hike?

The prime times to go are: Spring (March to May): The sky is clear, and the forests are of blossoms. Autumn (September to November): The weather is fantastic, and the mountains offer beautiful scenes. But you can do it all through the year even in the cold months if you
dress warmly!

09. What oughta I bring along?

Make sure to pack:

Shoes that are good for long walks
othing that will keep you cozy (nights can get chilly)
A waterproof coat (if you are trekking during the rainy season)
Do not forget a water bottle, a light for the dark, and whatever else you need Do not fret; we
give you a complete list of what to pack once you confirm your trip with us!

10.Will I find toilets and drinkable water on the path?

major stops such as Chandragiri and Chitlang got the basics covered. You will find that many homestays and resorts have got your back with clean water and places to go to the bathroom. It is a smart move to bring your water bottle with purification tablets or a personal filter if you’re going to hit the trails hard.

11. Can I charge my phone or use WiFi in Chitlang?

Yeah, you will be able to juice up your phone at most spots where you can crash for the night, and a few spots even offer WiFi. Just a heads up, it might test your patience with speed. Networks like
NTC and Ncell are good to go.

12.Is the trek safe for solo travelers?

Yup, Chitlang is a place that is both safe and welcoming. The folks around here are super
friendly, and lots of people like to walk the trails. But hey, it is smart to let someone know where you are headed. Do not forget a simple first aid kit and a phone with a full battery.

13.Can I bring pets on this trek?

So, if you are hitting the trails on your own or with your own crew, bringing along your pooch is cool. Just remember to give a heads up to the places you wanna stay. Make sure your furry buddy stays on a leash, and carry whatever you need for their munchies and cleaning up after them.

14.Is there a chance to do boating or other activities?

Heading back through Markhu lets you chill with some boating at Indra Sarovar Lake. Plus,
you can hang out by the fire, throw a BBQ, catch some local shows, or go for a bike ride.

15. Do I need any permits for this trek?

You are good to go without any special permits for this path. Just have a valid ID on you (like a passport or citizenship card) – might need it for check posts or when getting a place to stay.

16. Can I customize the itinerary?

Sure thing! You are looking to take off for just one night or maybe dive into a three-night quest, right? And you’re thinking of hitting spots like Kulekhani, Markhu, or Daman along the way? We’ve got you! We’ll tailor-make that plan to fit your schedule, what you are into, and how much you are looking to spend.

17. Is it cool to hit the road during monsoon season?

Up to you, but just a heads-up: you might have to deal with some slick paths and the odd leech here and there. We recommend grabbing some water-tight kicks, a raincoat, and walking sticks if you are trekking between June and August.

18. Got anything for vegetarians or vegans to chow down on?

if you ask ahead, loads of homestays and crash pads will serve you dal bhat, veggies, and stuff grown nearby. They can whip up meals for veggie lovers and plant-based eaters too.

19. Wanna make a reservation?

Here is how you can secure your spot:
Get in touch through WhatsApp/Viber: [+977 98 Drop by our Kathmandu office[Info Nepal Tours And Tours] Complete our online reservation form: [www.intrekking.com]
Make a payment using cash or bank transaction Is a guide needed for this hike.

From $349 / person

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Duration4 days
DifficultyEasy 3-4 hours/day walking
Max altitude1,833 m
Group size1-10

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