Manakamana Temple (Cable Car) | Gorkha

Information

Landmark: Manakamana Temple (Cable Car)
City: Gorkha
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Manakamana Temple (Cable Car), Gorkha, Nepal, Asia

Manakamana Temple is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Gorkha District of Nepal. It is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati, and is widely believed to grant the wishes of those who make the pilgrimage.

Visual Characteristics

The temple is a traditional multi-tiered Nepalese pagoda-style structure. It features intricate wood carvings, a gilded roof, and is surrounded by a large courtyard often filled with pigeons and pilgrims. The hilltop location provides sweeping views of the deep river valleys and the Manaslu-Himalchuli and Annapurna mountain ranges.

Location & Access Logistics

The temple is situated at an altitude of 1,302 meters.

Cable Car: The primary access point is the Manakamana Cable Car, which starts from the bottom station in Kurintar (on the Prithvi Highway, 104 km west of Kathmandu).

Transit Time: The 2.8 km cable car ride takes approximately 10–12 minutes, ascending over 1,000 meters.

Bottom Station: Located at VHHR+74P, Darechok, Kurintar. It operates typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a midday break (usually 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM).

Hiking: A steep traditional trekking path exists from Anbu Khaireni, taking approximately 3–4 hours for the ascent.

Historical & Spiritual Origin

The temple dates back to the 17th century during the reign of Gorkha King Ram Shah. According to legend, his queen possessed divine powers, which only her devotee Lakhan Thapa witnessed. After her death, a stone image emerged at this site, and Lakhan Thapa became the first priest. To this day, the main priests of the temple must be descendants of Lakhan Thapa and belong to the Magar ethnic group.

Key Highlights & Activities

Wish-Fulfillment: Pilgrims visit to perform "Puja" and offer sacrifices (traditionally goats or pigeons, though many now release pigeons instead) to have their wishes granted.

Rituals: The morning and evening "Aarti" are significant spiritual events.

Cable Car Ride: Offers a dramatic aerial perspective of the Trishuli River and terraced hillsides.

Local Market: The area around the temple is a bustling bazaar selling religious items, local oranges, and souvenirs.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The Kurintar bottom station is highly developed, featuring a large parking lot, restaurants, and digital ticketing. At the top station, there are numerous hotels, lodges, and eateries ranging from basic to mid-range. The temple area has paved paths, though the heavy crowds and steps make it difficult for wheelchair users. 5G/4G signal is strong at both the bottom and top stations.

Best Time to Visit

The clearest mountain views are available from October to December. Saturday is the busiest day, often resulting in long queues (2–4 hours) for the cable car. Visiting on a weekday morning is recommended for a faster experience.

Facts & Legends

The Manakamana Cable Car, opened in 1998, was Nepal's first cable car system and remains the most popular. The name "Manakamana" is derived from two words: "Mana" (heart/soul) and "Kamana" (wish).