What makes Chitlang special? Located 22 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu in Makwanpur District, Chitlang is a historic valley renowned as Nepal's first organic village. Set at 1,830 meters elevation, it is famous for pioneering goat cheese production, organic pear orchards, Licchavi-era stone monuments, and its history as the ancient trail where human porters carried early automobiles over Chandragiri Pass into the capital.
Long before the Tribhuvan Highway was cut into the mountain cliffs in 1956, every traveler, trader, and king entering the Kathmandu Valley passed through Chitlang. Situated in a high, green valley southwest of Chandragiri ridge, this small settlement served as the primary gateway connecting southern trade routes with the capital.
Today, Chitlang has transformed into one of the most accessible weekend escapes from Kathmandu—popular for organic homestays, fresh goat cheese tasting, pear orchards, and scenic village walking trails.
History of Chitlang: The Ancient Car-Carrying Route
Chitlang holds a unique place in Nepal's transport history. During the early 20th century, when members of the royal family and Rana rulers ordered vintage automobiles from Europe and India, there were no motor roads leading into the Kathmandu Valley.
Cars were driven as far as Bhimphedi, stripped of their wheels and heavy components, and lashed onto wooden poles. Teams of 64 porters lifted the vehicles onto their shoulders, carrying them step-by-step over the steep trails of Chitlang and across Chandragiri Pass down into Kathmandu.
Remnants of this historic trail still exist throughout the village, along with Licchavi-era stone water spouts (dhunge dhara) and inscriptions dating back to the 5th century.
"Before Nepal had highway roads, 64 porters carried vintage cars on wooden frames across the stone paths of Chitlang into the Kathmandu Valley."
How to Get to Chitlang: Chandragiri Hike vs Pharping Road
Getting to Chitlang from Kathmandu offers two distinct travel options depending on your preference for hiking or driving:
Option 1: The Chandragiri Cable Car Hike (Recommended for Trekkers)
Take a local bus or taxi to the Chandragiri Cable Car bottom station at Thankot. Ride the cable car to the top station (2,551m) for views of the Kathmandu Valley and Everest range. From the top ridge, follow the dirt trail downhill into Chitlang valley—a pleasant 2.5 to 3.5-hour walk through rhododendron and pine forest.
Option 2: Driving via Pharping and Kulekhani
Drive south from Kathmandu through Balkhu, Pharping, and the Kulekhani reservoir dam at Markhu before turning uphill to Chitlang. The 50km drive takes roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours by motorbike, car, or local jeep.
Nepal's First Goat Cheese Factory & Organic Pear Orchards
In the early 2000s, local farmer Ashok Kumar Singh traveled to France to learn traditional cheese-making techniques. Returning to his home village, he established Nepal’s first French-style goat cheese factory.
Today, visitors can tour the goat farm and sample fresh pasteurized goat cheese (both hard and soft varieties) for NPR 200 to NPR 300 per tasting plate. The factory supplies boutique hotels and fine-dining restaurants across Kathmandu.
Chitlang is equally famous for its organic pear orchards. During late summer and autumn (August to October), trees throughout the valley heavy with Asian pears. Local cooperatives produce seasonal pear jams, dried snacks, and traditional fermented pear wine and cider.
"Chitlang homestay packages include an evening campfire with local grilled chicken, organic valley vegetables, and fresh mint tea."
Chitlang Organic Homestays: Village Hospitality & Campfires
Chitlang is widely regarded as a benchmark for rural community tourism in Nepal. Over two dozen family-run homestays and eco-resorts operate in the village.
Most homestays offer fixed overnight packages ranging from NPR 1,500 to NPR 2,500 ($12–$20 USD) per person. Packages include welcome snacks, an evening outdoor campfire, a home-cooked dinner featuring organic vegetables and local chicken, comfortable bedding, and morning breakfast with fresh ginger tea.
Combining Chitlang with Kulekhani Reservoir
Located just 7 kilometers south of Chitlang is Markhu village on the shores of Kulekhani Reservoir (Indrasarovar).
After spending a night at a Chitlang homestay, travelers can walk or drive down to Kulekhani in the morning for a 40-minute wooden boat ride across the lake and a lunch of pan-fried fresh reservoir trout before heading back to Kathmandu or onward to historic Bhaktapur or hilltop Bandipur.
Expedition Essentials
Factory Tour: Visit Nepal's pioneer goat cheese farm in Chitlang. Cheese tasting plates run NPR 200–300.
Package Pricing: All-inclusive overnight packages cost NPR 1,500–2,500/person (includes dinner, campfire, bed, and breakfast).
Downhill Trail: 2.5 to 3.5 hour walk from Chandragiri top station (2,551m) down to Chitlang. Wear comfortable hiking shoes.
7km to Lake: Markhu village and Kulekhani boat station are just 20 mins drive from Chitlang. Great for lunch and boating.
September to May: Autumn offers clear skies and pear harvests. Spring brings green hillsides and pleasant walking weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical insights for planning your visit to Nepal's pioneer organic village.
What is Chitlang famous for? +
Chitlang is famous as Nepal’s first organic village, home to the country’s pioneer goat cheese factory, extensive pear orchards, historic Licchavi-era stone spouts, and its legacy as the ancient walking route where early motor cars were carried into Kathmandu by human porters.
How do I get to Chitlang from Kathmandu? +
There are two main routes. The scenic hiking option is taking the Chandragiri Cable Car from Thankot to the top station (2,551m) and hiking 2.5 to 3 hours downhill to Chitlang. Alternatively, you can drive via Pharping and Kulekhani (approx. 2.5 to 3.5 hours by motorbike, car, or local jeep).
How much do homestays cost in Chitlang? +
Chitlang village homestays offer popular all-inclusive packages ranging from NPR 1,500 to NPR 2,500 ($12–$20 USD) per person per night. Packages typically include welcome snacks, evening campfire, local chicken dinner, bed, and organic breakfast.
Can I visit Nepal’s pioneer Goat Cheese Factory in Chitlang? +
Yes. Established by local farmer Ashok Kumar Singh after training in France, the farm offers guided cheese tours and fresh goat cheese tastings (hard and soft varieties) for NPR 200 to NPR 300 per sample plate.
Is it true that cars were carried by hand through Chitlang to Kathmandu? +
Yes. Before the Tribhuvan Highway opened in 1956, Chitlang was the primary trail into the Kathmandu Valley. Early automobiles imported for Nepal’s royal family and Rana rulers were stripped of wheels and carried on wooden frames by 64 porters across Chandragiri Pass through Chitlang.
How far is Chitlang from Kulekhani (Indrasarovar)? +
Chitlang is just 7 kilometers (a 20-minute drive or 1.5-hour downhill walk) from Markhu village on the shores of Kulekhani reservoir, making it easy to combine both destinations on a single weekend trip.
What is the best season to visit Chitlang? +
September to November (Autumn) offers clear skies, pleasant weather, and ripe pear harvests. March to May (Spring) features blooming hillsides. Winter (Dec-Feb) brings crisp sunny days and clear night skies for campfires.
Are ATV and quad biking available in Chitlang? +
Yes. Off-road ATV (quad bike) rides are available near the village center, with guided trail circuits costing around NPR 1,000 to NPR 2,000 depending on duration.
Is Chitlang suitable for a weekend trip from Kathmandu? +
Chitlang is one of the easiest weekend trips from Kathmandu. A 2-day, 1-night itinerary allows you to hike from Chandragiri, stay at an organic homestay, taste goat cheese, and visit Kulekhani before returning.
