Spiritual · Gorkha
Cable car to Manakamana temple
Ride Nepal's first commercial cable car, 2.8 km from Kurintar on the Prithvi Highway, up to the hilltop temple of Manakamana at about 1,300 m in Gorkha district, a shrine Nepalis visit to have wishes granted.
Manakamana means heart's desire, and the goddess here is believed to grant wishes. For centuries pilgrims climbed for hours from the Trishuli valley; since 24 November 1998, a cable car built by the Austrian firm Doppelmayr has carried them 2.8 km from Kurintar station in about ten minutes. It was Nepal's first commercial cable car.
At the top, a short walk through a busy bazaar of offerings stalls leads to the pagoda temple. Queues can be long, especially on Saturdays and festival days. Animal sacrifices are part of worship here, which some visitors may prefer not to see. The views from the hilltop across the Trishuli and Marsyangdi valleys to the Himalaya are good on clear days.
The temple's story, as told locally, links it to Gorkha's royal family: the queen of King Ram Shah was believed to have divine powers, known only to her devotee Lakhan Thapa, a Magar; after her death she reappeared as the goddess, and Lakhan Thapa's descendants still serve as the temple's priests. Combine a visit with the drive between Kathmandu and Gorkha, Pokhara or Chitwan.
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Questions
How long is the Manakamana cable car ride?
The cable car covers about 2.8 km from Kurintar on the Prithvi Highway to the hilltop near Manakamana temple, at about 1,300 m, in roughly 10 minutes each way. It opened on 24 November 1998 as Nepal's first commercial cable car. Separate fares apply for Nepali, SAARC and foreign visitors.
Is Manakamana worth visiting?
For most visitors it is a pleasant half-day stop on the drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara or Chitwan, with a scenic cable car and a busy pilgrimage atmosphere. It matters more to Nepali Hindus, who come to make wishes. Avoid Saturdays and festival days if you dislike crowds, and be aware animal sacrifices take place.
Where is Manakamana cable car station?
The base station is at Kurintar on the Prithvi Highway, about 100 km west of Kathmandu, between Malekhu and Mugling, on the Chitwan side of the Trishuli. The temple at the top is in Gorkha district. There is parking at the station, and tourist buses can drop you there if arranged.
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