Manakamana Temple

मनकामना मन्दिर

An ancient temple dedicated to goddess Bhagwati perched on a hilltop above the Trisuli River, accessible by cable car offering spectacular valley views. A sacred pilgrimage destination famed for fulfilling wishes and breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Things to do

• Ride the Manakamana Cable Car — Take the scenic 2.8 km aerial ropeway from Kurintar to the temple entrance, offering panoramic views of the Trisuli River gorge and surrounding valleys.
• Worship at Bhagwati Temple Shrine — Make an offering and ring the temple bells while praying to the goddess Bhagwati, believed to fulfill the wishes of devoted pilgrims.
• Explore Trisuli River Viewpoint — Walk to the hilltop's edge for unobstructed views of the Trisuli River winding through the valley below, particularly stunning at sunset.
• Visit the Temple Courtyard — Stroll through the sacred courtyard where hundreds of devotees gather daily, observing ritual practices and local pilgrims making offerings.
• Trek through Surrounding Forests — Hike the forested trails around the temple hilltop to discover smaller shrines, local vegetation, and quieter meditation spots away from crowds.
• Witness Animal Sacrifice Rituals — Observe traditional Janaï Purnima and Dasain festival sacrifices if visiting during these periods, a significant cultural practice at this temple.
• Photograph from Cable Car — Capture aerial photographs during the cable car journey, which provides unique vantage points of the temple, river, and Himalayan foothills.

Food to try

• Sel Roti — A sweet, ring-shaped fried bread made from rice flour and jaggery, commonly sold by vendors near the temple entrance as a religious offering and snack.
• Aloo Tama — A traditional Newari potato and bamboo shoot curry served at local restaurants in Kurintar and Manakamana, reflecting regional Terai cuisine.
• Chatamari — A savory rice crepe topped with minced meat, eggs, and onions, prepared fresh at food stalls and considered a local specialty of the Trisuli area.
• Juju Dhau — A milk-based sweet pudding cooked slowly in clay pots, available from shops near the cable car station and believed to be blessed by the temple.
• Chikhalwali (Local Leaf Wraps) — Rice and lentil preparations wrapped in local leaves, served as a traditional meal by pilgrims and available from temple-area vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Remove Footwear Before Temple Entry — Leave shoes at designated areas before entering the inner shrine, as is customary in Hindu temples; socks are acceptable but bare feet are preferred for the sanctum.
• Respect Puja Timing and Crowds — Visit early morning (5-7 AM) to avoid massive crowds during peak pilgrimage hours and to experience more peaceful worship with temple priests.
• Bring Offerings for the Goddess — Purchase flowers, incense, or fruits from vendors near the cable car base to present as offerings, demonstrating respect and fulfilling the pilgrimage tradition.
• Participate in Local Customs — If invited, join other pilgrims in circumambulating the temple clockwise or accepting prasad (blessed food) from priests, which is considered a blessing.

Nearby

• Devghat — 10 km
• Ridi Sangam — 15 km
• Gorkha District (Far Western Region) — 17 km
• Rampur (Mid-Western Region) — 21 km