Manakamana Temple

Apr 29, 2025

Blog By: Levinly Travel

Introduction

Where Wishes Are Fulfilled and Faith Comes Together

Towering over the famous valleys of Gorkha district, the Manakamana Temple stands majestically against the backdrop of lush greenery and distant snow-capped peaks, symbolising the sacred union of religious devotion, mythological tradition and Himalayan grandeur. Over the centuries, the Manakamana Temple has been attracting countless pilgrims who visit its sacred lands with hope in their hearts to seek the blessings of Goddess Manakamana, who is revered for her divine ability to fulfil the heartfelt desires of devotees.

The name of the temple, derived from the Sanskrit words 'mana' (heart) and 'kamana' (desire), symbolises the deep belief that the Goddess listens to the innermost desires of her devotees and accepts their heartfelt prayers.

Manakamana Temple: A place where mythology meets spiritual power

The origins of the Manakamana Temple are rooted deep in history, with its legend dating back to the reign of King Ram Shah of Gorkha in the 17th century, who is said to have played a key role in establishing it as a sacred site for devotion. The mystical powers attributed to King Ram Shah's queen, who is believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Bhagawati, became evident after her death. Miraculous signs, including milk and blood flowing from the sacred stone, are seen as evidence of her enduring divine essence, adding to the spiritual allure of the temple. The extraordinary event of the passing of King Ram Shah’s queen inspired the venerated saint Lakhan Thapa Magar to establish a temple at the site to ensure that the divine presence of Goddess Manakamana would continue to be worshiped and revered by pilgrims and devotees alike.

Even today the tradition is firmly held that the head priest of the Manakamana Temple must be a direct descendant of the revered saint Lakhan Thapa Magar, to ensure that the spiritual guardianship of this sacred site continues to be passed down through generations of his lineage.

For generations, the temple has attracted countless devotees from all walks of life, each of whom comes to pray for their individual desires, be it prosperity, fertility, academic success, health or spiritual guidance, making it an enduring symbol of hope and divine grace.

Manakamana Temple: Where Sacred Architecture Tells a Story

As an exceptional example of traditional Nepali pagoda style architecture, the Manakamana Temple features elegantly layered roofs, intricately carved wooden details, and a design that reflects the perfect blend of form, function, and artistic expression inherent in Nepali craftsmanship. The temple is built in two graceful levels, with a golden spire at the top that glistens in the rays of the sun, while the wooden carved doors and windows, made with remarkable precision, speak volumes about the unique Newari craftsmanship and sacred artistry of the region.

At the centre of the temple's sanctum sanctorum is a sacred shila (stone), symbolizing the goddess Manakamana, surrounded by subsidiary stones dedicated to Bhairava, Ganesha, Kumari and Betal – each deity contributing to the spiritual perfection of the temple. These stones form a powerful spiritual circle that defines the temple as a place of divine protection and blessings.

Tourists visiting the Manakamana Temple are not only spiritually enriched but also mesmerized by the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks including Annapurna, Manaslu and Himalchuli. The majestic mountains create a stunning natural backdrop, especially on clear days, adding to the sacred and serene atmosphere of the temple.

Manakamana Temple: Easily accessible, spiritually sublime

• Location: Located atop the peaceful Kafkadada Hill in the Gorkha district of Nepal, the Manakamana Temple not only provides a sacred spiritual haven but is also an easily accessible destination for all. Whether arriving by cable car or trekking, visitors are greeted by the temple's serene setting in Gandaki Province, making it an ideal place to seek blessings while enjoying stunning panoramic views.
• Elevation of Manakamana Temple: Situated at an altitude of 1,302 metres (4,272 ft) above sea level, the Manakamana Temple is nestled amidst the clouds, offering visitors not only spiritual fulfilment but also an unparalleled panoramic view of the surrounding mountains including the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. This high place makes one feel closer to God.

Distance to Manakamana Temple

• From Kathmandu: Located about 106 km west of the capital, it can be reached in about 4-5 hours by road.
• From Pokhara: Located about 94 km east of Pokhara, a 3-4 hour drive by car or bus.
• From Gorkha Bazaar: Just 12 km south of the historic Gorkha town, about a 30-40 minute drive.

The Manakamana Cable Car

The Manakamana Cable Car, introduced in 1998, has improved access to the temple to a great extent, allowing visitors to easily reach the holy site. Spanning 2.8 kilometres (1.7 miles) and equipped with Austrian technology, the cable car takes just 10 minutes to travel, offering a smooth and scenic ride that further enhances the serene beauty of the temple.

Manakamana Cable Car Details

• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Please note: there is a lunch break from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
• Capacity: Each cable car cabin accommodates 6 passengers.
• Safety Features: The cable car system is equipped with hydraulic emergency drives, backup power systems, and adheres to international safety standards, ensuring a secure and reliable ride.
• Departure Points: Base Station: Located in Kurintar, near the Trishuli River.
• Top Station: Directly adjacent to Manakamana Temple, providing convenient access for pilgrims.

Manakamana Cable Car Ticket Rates (Round Trip):

Note: Ticket prices and conditions are subject to periodic updates.

The heart of Manakamana: attraction, experience and spiritual bliss

1. Manokamna Darshan: A sacred moment of prayer and offering

Pilgrimage to the Manakamana temple involves a variety of offerings and rituals. Devotees reverently offer flowers, incense and prayers to Goddess Manakamana, while in some traditions, animal sacrifices, especially goats, are part of the worship. Festivals and auspicious days are particularly important, with special prayers being offered to receive divine blessings and strengthen spiritual ties.

2. Bakreshwar Mahadev: A Spiritual Retreat
The Bakreshwar Mahadev Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located about an hour's walk from here, making it an ideal destination for those looking to combine physical exertion with spiritual devotion. This trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, offering pilgrims a unique opportunity to deepen their connection with nature and spirituality while travelling to this holy site.

3. Siddha Gufa : A Journey into Nepal’s Largest Cave
Siddha Cave, the largest cave in Nepal, offers a perfect blend of adventure and spirituality. Located near Bandipur, it can easily be included in your trip to Manakamana. After visiting the sacred temple, embark on an exciting exploration of the cave's vast chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, a memorable journey that combines the best of both natural and spiritual experiences.

Best Time to Visit Manakamana Temple

• Spring (March–May):  Spring season (March - May) brings pleasant temperatures and transforms the hills surrounding the Manakamana Temple into a vibrant tapestry of colours, with rhododendron flowers in full bloom enhancing the scenic beauty and creating an invigorating atmosphere for pilgrims and visitors.
• Autumn (September–November):  Autumn (September-November) offers clear skies and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including the majestic Manaslu and Annapurna ranges, making it the most fruitful time to visit the Manakamana Temple.
• Winter (December–February): In winter (December-February), the weather is cooler and the crowds are less, providing an ideal calm environment for peaceful, uninterrupted worship at the Manakamana Temple.
• Monsoon (June–August):  Monsoon (June-August) brings heavy rainfall, which may disrupt travel plans and temporarily suspend cable car operations, making it the least favorable season to visit Manakamana Temple.

Ideal Months to Visit: Ideal Months to Visit: March–May and September–November offer the best experience, combining favourable weather, clear skies, and breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan ranges, ensuring a spiritually enriching and visually rewarding pilgrimage to Manakamana Temple.

Faith, Preparation and Blessings: Pilgrimage Tips for Manakamana

• Visiting Time: To fully enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Manakamana Temple, it is advisable to reach early - preferably before 10:00 am - as Saturdays and Tuesdays are the most auspicious days, and large crowds of devotees and pilgrims visit the place on these days.
• Cable Car Breaks: Keep in mind that the Manakamana Cable Car service halts for a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM; planning your trip accordingly can help you avoid unnecessary waiting time.
• Dress modestly: It is considered good to wear traditional or respectful attire when visiting the Manakamana Temple. This shows respect for the holy place and its spiritual atmosphere.
• Offerings: Pilgrims usually offer flowers, coconuts, sweets and clothes, especially red-coloured items, to Goddess Manakamana. These offerings can be easily purchased from local vendors around the temple.
• Photography: Visitors are allowed to take photographs outside the temple and capture the amazing views of the surroundings; however, photography is not allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum to maintain the sanctity of the holy place.
• Travel Insurance: This is highly recommended for those travelling during the monsoon season to cover possible disruptions in travel due to weather conditions.
• Accessibility: The cable car and temple routes are well-maintained, making them accessible for elderly visitors and people with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable pilgrimage experience for all.