Manakamana Temple
A wish-fulfilling Hindu temple atop a ridge in Gorkha district, reached by Nepal's only cable car with panoramic mountain views.
Altitude
1,302m
Best Seasons
spring, autumn, winter
Duration
1–1 days
Entry Fee
Free
Nearest City
Kurintar
Location
Gorkha, Gandaki
Manakamana Temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations for Nepali Hindus, dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati, an incarnation of Parvati. Devotees believe the goddess fulfills wishes of those who make the journey to her temple atop the ridge at 1,302 meters.
The temple is reached via Nepal's only cable car, a 10-minute ride from Kurintar on the Prithvi Highway that offers spectacular views of the Trisuli River gorge, terraced hillsides, and on clear days, the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges.
The temple itself is a traditional pagoda-style structure in a courtyard. Animal sacrifice is practiced here — goats and chickens are commonly offered, which can be confronting for some visitors. The surrounding area has viewpoints and small restaurants serving local food.
Manakamana is especially crowded during Dashain and on Saturdays (auspicious for the goddess). For domestic tourists, it's often combined with a trip to Pokhara or Chitwan as it sits on the highway between Kathmandu and these destinations.