Trip to Manakamana temple in Gorkha

The Manakamana temple and the small village just nearby attract pilgrims from all over Asia and beyond. The temple stands on the top of a 1300 meters high hill located at Mugling. Mugling is 106 km to the west of Kathmandu, which means you can reach there after about a 3 hour bus ride.



Trip to Manakamana temple in Gorkha_1

Before, one had to walk to the temple. Of course, the beautiful villages, orchards and the simple village life enthralled everyone on the way. But the journey was exhausting. Reaching the Manakamana temple is a lot easier these days . Thanks to the cable cars, or rather the Manakamana Cable Cars.

After a 15 minute exhilarating ride across a river and two ridges, you reach the Manakamana temple,  the house of the wish-fulfilling God. It is where you can hear ringing bells and chants and prayers all day long. The incense sticks impart a sweet smell into the cool breeze. And unfortunately but true, hundreds of devotees sacrifice goats and other animals behind the temple.

There’s a lot more you can do at Manakamana. You can tour the village just nearby and visit the ancient durbar (a king’s palace) that dates back to the 17th century. You can spend the night at the village where there are a couple of good lodges. Most people prefer to walk down the hill on their return journey, but the cable car can also bring you back to Chereng, just 5 km east of Mugling.

How to get there:

Buses, jeeps and micro buses leave to Mugling from Kathmandu every day. You can book a ticket beforehand from various ticket booking agencies in Kathmandu and Pokhara but you can also book the tickets right there.

Charges (One-way trip)

Normal Person:  Rs 235
Child: Rs 140
Student: Rs 185
Elderly: Rs 185
Disabled: Rs 175
Foreigner (Adult): $9
Foreigner (Child): $6
SAARC Nationals: Rs 235

Charges (Two-way trip)

Normal Person:  Rs 390
Child: Rs 230
Student: Rs 310
Elderly: Rs 310
Disabled: Rs 290
Foreigner (Adult): $15
Foreigner (Child): $10
SAARC Nationals: Rs 390

When to visit:

Most people visit Manakamana during the spring season (February-April) when plants are blooming new flowers and the hills are ornate. However, if you have planned for the trip on foot, going during the dry season (November-January) is advisable. You may have to cross rivers on the way and you wouldn’t want to emerge at the opposite bank half drenched, would you?