Religious Site in Gorkha District, Gandaki Province, Gandaki, Gandaki
Manakamana Temple
One of Nepal's most revered Hindu temples, dedicated to the wish-fulfilling goddess Manakamana (an incarnation of Parvati), located in the Gorkha District at 1,302 meters. The temple is accessed by a modern cable car that was the first of its kind in South Asia, providing a spectacular 10-minute aerial crossing of the Trishuli River gorge. Pilgrims believe the goddess fulfills sincere wishes, drawing huge crowds on Saturdays.
Hours: Cable car: Daily 9:00am - 5:00pm (closed Tuesdays for maintenance)
Best time: Weekdays for smaller crowds; avoid Saturdays and Hindu festivals
Best for: culture, religion, photography
Location
Manakamana Village, Gorkha District (Cheres station)
27.9960, 84.5360 — View on map
Tips
- Located between Pokhara and Kathmandu on the Prithvi Highway - ideal for a stopover.
- Animal sacrifice is still practiced at the temple - be prepared if sensitive to this.
- The cable car views over the Trishuli valley are dramatic.
- Saturday is the busiest day - expect 2+ hour queues for the cable car.