Manakamana Darshan

The temple of Manakamana “Wish-Fulfilling Goddess” is dedicated to the Bhagwati. An incarnation of Parvati, a supreme divinity and the Hindu goddess of power, energy, nourishment, harmony, love, beauty, devotion, and motherhood. The Manakamana Temple is located 1,300 meters/ 4,300 feet above sea level perched on the top of Kafaldada. A ridge that nestles in the confluence between the two mighty rivers of Trishuli and Marsyangdi. Regarded as one of the most effective shrines in the country, the temple is visited by pilgrims, devotees, and saints throughout the year.

The Manakamana Temple dates back to the reign of the Gorkha King Ram Shah during the 17th century. According to the legends the Queen of Gorkha possessed “divine powers” of Manakamana, which only her devotee Lakhan Thapa a priest knew about. One day, the king witnessed his queen in Goddess incarnation and Lakhan Thapa in the form of a lion. Upon mentioning the revelation to his queen, a mysterious death befell the king. As per the custom of the time, the queen committed SATI (ritual immolation) on her husband’s funeral pyre.

Before her Sati, the queen assured Lakhan Thapa that she would reappear soon. Six months later, a farmer while plowing his fields cleaved a stone. From the stone a stream of blood and milk flowed. When Lakhan heard an account of this event. He immediately started performing Hindu tantric rituals at the site where the stone had been discovered. Thus, ceasing the flow of blood and milk. Later, the site became the foundation of the present shrine. Since then, a large number of devotees from all over Nepal flock to this temple to ask Bhagwati to grant the wishes of its devotees. Thus, Manakamana: Mana translates as “heart” and “kamana” as “wish”.

Kathmandu To Manakamana Temple:

Early in the morning following the winding roads of the Prithvi Highway head towards Kurintar. After a 3-hour drive, you will eventually reach the Kurintar, nestled at the banks of the mighty Trishuli River. From Kurintar you will have two options either hike towards the temple or take a cable car.

Upon reaching the temple, explore the complex and learn about the rich history, legends, and myths. Next head towards a vantage point to catch astonishing views of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys, and the Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Annapurna mountains to the north. After exploring head back to Kurintar and towards Kathmandu. Once you reach Kathmandu you will be dropped at your accommodation.

There are two options to reach the Manakamana Temple:

Manakamana by cable car:

The cable car service starts from Kurintar, just to Manakamana temple. The cable car rides over a distance of 2.8 kilometers in about 10 minutes. Operates from 9 am to 5 pm and stops during the lunch break from noon to half past one. The ride takes you on a series of hills covered with lush green forests and dotted settlements. From an elevation of 258 meters/ 846 feet to 1,302 meters/ 4,272 feet. The Manakamana cable car was started in November 1998. The cable car system was imported from Austria and guarantees a hundred percent safety. With 31 passenger cars and 3 cargo cars, the cable car can handle up to 600 persons per hour. The number of passengers per carrier is 6.

Manakamana by Hiking:

The hike to the Manakamana temple takes around 4 hours. The uphill climb takes you across lush woodlands with great views of the river networks and hills of central Nepal. On the way visit various settlements and the Orange orchards. Following dusty trails reach the Manakamana temple.

Important note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.