The short answer
The Manakamana cable car starts at Kurintar, on the Prithvi Highway a short drive from Mugling. The ride up to the Manakamana temple takes roughly 10 minutes and gives sweeping views of the Trishuli river and the hills before arriving at a busy hilltop shrine.
It makes a useful break on the long road day if your timing works, though queues build at weekends and festival days. Allow about two hours in total, including the ride, the temple and refreshments, and check the weather before you go.
Key facts
- Base
- Kurintar, near Mugling
- Ride
- About 10 minutes
- Total time
- About 2 hours
- Best
- Weekday morning
How it works
- Park at KurintarFollow the signs.
- Buy ticketsQueue early if possible.
- Ride upEnjoy the river valley view.
- Visit the templeDress modestly and remove shoes.
- Ride down and continueBack on the highway.
Insider tip
Go on a weekday morning to avoid pilgrim queues.
Avoid this
Do not go in strong wind or storms; the cable car can be paused.
Related questions
Is it worth stopping?
Yes if you have time and enjoy temples and views.
Can I walk instead?
There is a steep trail but it is long; most people ride.
Plan your Nepal trip in 60 seconds
Answer four short questions. We show trips that fit, and a planner can send a route and price. Free, no payment.
Trips that match this guide
Keep reading
More guides to explore
- Distances and Travel TimesKathmandu to Pokhara, Trishuli, Kushma, Muktinath and more.
- Routes from IndiaRoutes from Varanasi, Patna, Lucknow and Ayodhya.
- Nepal from South and West IndiaBangalore, Chennai, Kerala, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and more.
- Flights from India and the UAEBuddha Air from Kolkata and Varanasi; UAE to Pokhara.
- All Nepal guidesBrowse every place and theme.
