Manakamana Cable Car: Tickets, Timings & the 10-Minute Ride
The Manakamana cable car is Nepal's first, a 2.8 km gondola that lifts pilgrims more than 1,000 metres from the Prithvi Highway to the hilltop temple in about ten minutes. Here is everything you need to ride it well.
The Ride in One Glance
Opened in 1998 with Austrian (Doppelmayr) engineering, the Manakamana cable car replaced a steep three-to-four-hour climb with a quick, scenic glide over the Trishuli river valley. On a clear day you look out to Manaslu, Himalchuli and the Annapurna range as you rise.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Length | ~2.8 km |
| Ride time | ~10 minutes each way |
| Vertical gain | Over 1,000 m (base ~258 m → temple ~1,302 m) |
| Base station | Cheres, Kurintar, on the Prithvi Highway |
| Opened | 1998 — Nepal's first cable car |
The base station sits right on the Kathmandu–Pokhara road, so most visitors ride up and back as a half-day stop. See how to reach Manakamana for getting to the base.
Ticket Prices
Tickets are sold as a round trip at the base station, with different rates for Nepali, SAARC and other foreign visitors, plus reduced fares for children. As a rough guide, foreign visitors pay around NPR 800 or more for the return ride, with significantly lower rates for Nepali nationals.
- Fares are revised periodically — always confirm the current price at the counter or on the official Manakamana Darshan website before you travel.
- Keep your return ticket safe — you need it to ride back down.
- Cargo cabins carry goods and the goats brought for offering; passengers ride the standard gondolas.
For a full trip budget including transport and offerings, see the cost & budget guide.
Opening Hours & Avoiding Queues
The cable car typically runs daily from around 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m., sometimes with a short midday pause and extended hours on festival days. Timings can change seasonally, so check on arrival.
- Arrive early. Queues build through the morning, especially on Saturdays, Tuesdays and during Dashain.
- Weekdays are quietest — a Wednesday or Thursday morning can mean almost no wait.
- Allow 2–4 hours on the hill for the ride up, darshan, food and the ride back.
Prefer to Walk?
Before the cable car, pilgrims climbed a stone-step trail from the valley floor, a walk of about three to four hours. The trail still exists and is used by the devout and by hikers. A popular option is to ride up and walk down, enjoying the views and village life without the long climb.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Manakamana cable car ticket?
The cable car is sold as a round trip, with different rates for Nepali, SAARC and foreign visitors and discounts for children. Foreign visitors pay roughly NPR 800 or more for the return ride, with much lower rates for Nepali nationals. Fares are revised from time to time, so confirm the current price at the counter.
How long is the Manakamana cable car ride?
About ten minutes each way. The line is roughly 2.8 km long and climbs more than 1,000 metres from the base station at Kurintar up to the hilltop near the temple.
What are the cable car opening hours?
It usually runs daily from around 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m., sometimes with a short midday break and longer hours on festival days. Timings can change seasonally, so confirm them when you arrive.
Is the Manakamana cable car safe?
Yes. Opened in 1998, it was Nepal's first cable car and uses Austrian Doppelmayr technology with regular maintenance. Millions of pilgrims have ridden it. As with any aerial ropeway, operations pause in severe weather.
Can I walk up to Manakamana instead?
Yes. The old stone-step trail from the valley takes about three to four hours and is still used. Many visitors ride up and walk back down to enjoy the views and villages.
By the BriefNepal Travel Desk
Researched and maintained by our Nepal-based editorial team and reviewed for accuracy. Last updated June 23, 2026. Prices, permits and conditions change, always verify before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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