Day trip from Gandaki, Gandaki
Manakamana Temple Cable Car
One of Nepal's most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, the Manakamana Temple sits at 1,302 meters in the Gorkha District and is reached by South Asia's first cable car - a spectacular 10-minute aerial crossing of the Trishuli River gorge. Pilgrims believe the wish-fulfilling goddess Manakamana (an incarnation of Parvati) grants sincere prayers. The temple complex is always lively with worshippers, vendors, and the unique atmosphere of active Hindu devotion.
How to get there
- {'type': 'Tourist bus/local bus + cable car', 'cost': 'NPR 400-600 bus + NPR 1,125 cable car (foreigners)', 'notes': 'Take any Kathmandu-bound bus to Cheres junction (2-2.5 hours), then cable car.'}
- {'type': 'Private taxi', 'cost': 'NPR 5,000-7,000 return from Pokhara'}
Highlights
- Manakamana Temple - major Hindu pilgrimage site
- Cable car with panoramic views over the Trishuli River gorge
- Vibrant religious atmosphere with devotees from across Nepal
- Spectacular river valley scenery
Tips
- Ideal stopover on the Pokhara-Kathmandu journey rather than a pure day trip.
- Avoid Hindu festivals and Saturdays unless you want to experience the pilgrimage atmosphere.
- Animal sacrifice is practiced - be prepared.
- The cable car offers extraordinary views of the river gorge and surrounding hills.