Getting around · Chitlang
How to Get to Chitlang
Getting to Chitlang from Kathmandu by car and bus via Kulekhani, or hiking over Chandragiri.
Getting to Chitlang can be the start of the adventure. The valley sits just south-west of the Kathmandu Valley in Makwanpur, and you can reach it either by road via Kulekhani or on foot by hiking over Chandragiri from Thankot — the historic way in along the old trade road.
The short answer
For comfort and luggage, drive or hire a jeep via the Tribhuvan Highway and the Kulekhani road, about two to three hours. For the experience, walk in over Chandragiri from Thankot, a half-day hike that retraces part of the salt-trade route.
By car or jeep
A private car or jeep is the most reliable option, following the Tribhuvan Highway south-west and turning toward Kulekhani and Markhu before climbing into the Chitlang valley. The drive takes roughly two to three hours depending on conditions. This route also lets you pause at Kulekhani reservoir (Indra Sarovar) on the way.
By local transport
Public transport reaches the valley via the same Kulekhani and Markhu corridor, but services are limited and slow. Many visitors instead arrange a vehicle through their homestay, especially when carrying bags.
On foot over Chandragiri
The most atmospheric arrival is the Thankot–Chandragiri–Chitlang hike: a roughly four-to-five-hour walk over the ridge that drops you straight into the valley along part of the old salt-trade trail. Thankot sits at the western edge of the Kathmandu Valley and is easy to reach by short taxi or local bus from the city, making it a convenient trailhead. Many travellers combine the two modes — hiking in over the ridge, then leaving by road via Kulekhani the next day — which turns the journey itself into a highlight rather than just transit.
Combining with the lake
Because the road route passes close to Kulekhani reservoir (Indra Sarovar) and Markhu, it is easy to fold a boat trip into your arrival or departure. If you are driving, simply ask to stop at the lake; if you are on local transport, you can break the journey at Markhu and continue separately. This makes the lake one of the easiest add-ons to slot into your travel days.
Good to know
- Leave Kathmandu early to clear valley-exit traffic.
- Bring cash — there are no ATMs in the valley.
- Roads can be rough or slow in the monsoon; allow extra time.
Once you arrive, sort out where to stay in Chitlang and browse the top things to do in Chitlang. For the bigger picture, see our guides to getting around Nepal and the best day hikes near Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Kathmandu to Chitlang?+
By road, the usual route is via the Tribhuvan Highway and the Kulekhani road into the valley, taking roughly two to three hours by car. The classic alternative is to hike over Chandragiri from Thankot, dropping into the valley in about four to five hours.
Is there a bus to Chitlang?+
Local transport reaches the valley via the Kulekhani and Markhu route, but services are limited and slow compared with a private vehicle. Many visitors hire a car or jeep, or arrange transport through their homestay, especially with luggage.
Can you hike into Chitlang?+
Yes — the most rewarding way in is on foot over Chandragiri from Thankot, retracing part of the old salt-trade road. It is a half-day hike of roughly four to five hours and a memorable introduction to the valley.
How long does it take to reach Chitlang?+
Around two to three hours by car via Kulekhani, depending on road conditions and traffic leaving the Kathmandu Valley. The hike over Chandragiri from Thankot takes about four to five hours of walking.
