Sightseeing · Gorkha
Manakamana Temple
A wish-fulfilling hilltop temple reached by Nepal's famous Manakamana cable car off the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway.
- Rating
- ★ 4.5 (1500)
- Price
- $$
- Address
- Manakamana, Gorkha, Gandaki Province
Manakamana is a wish-fulfilling Hindu temple perched on a hillside in Gorkha district, dedicated to a goddess believed to grant the wishes of those who come to worship. It is one of Nepal's busiest pilgrimage sites, and for travellers it offers both a glimpse of living devotion and one of the most scenic short rides in the country.
What to expect
The temple is reached by Nepal's famous Manakamana cable car, which climbs steeply from a base station beside the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway to the ridge-top settlement above. The ride gives sweeping views over the river gorge and terraced hills, and the village around the temple is lined with stalls selling offerings.
Good to know
- Tickets: Pay for the round-trip cable car at the base station; rates differ for Nepali and foreign visitors.
- Crowds: Weekends and festival days are busiest — go on a weekday morning for shorter queues.
- Combine it: Manakamana sits on the main highway, so it slots easily into a Gorkha trip alongside the Gorkha Durbar and the rest of the best things to do in Gorkha.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Manakamana temple?+
Manakamana is a Hindu temple in Gorkha district dedicated to a goddess believed to grant the wishes of those who make the pilgrimage. It is one of Nepal's most visited religious sites, drawing pilgrims from across the country, especially on weekends and festival days.
How do you reach Manakamana?+
The temple sits high on a hillside above the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway and is reached by Nepal's famous Manakamana cable car, which climbs the slope from the valley floor. The cable car is the easy way up and offers sweeping views of the river and hills below.
How much does the Manakamana cable car cost?+
There is a ticket charge for the round-trip cable-car ride, with separate rates for Nepali and foreign visitors. Buy tickets at the base station and expect queues at weekends and during festivals, when the temple is at its busiest.
Is Manakamana worth visiting?+
Yes — even for non-pilgrims, the cable-car ride over the gorge is a scenic experience, and the hilltop temple gives a window into Nepali Hindu devotion. It sits conveniently on the main highway, making it an easy stop between Kathmandu and Pokhara.