Manakamana Trip Cost: A Simple Budget Breakdown
A Manakamana visit is inexpensive: the cable car is the main cost, and most people fold it into the Kathmandu–Pokhara drive. Here is a clear breakdown so you can plan the spend.
What You Pay For
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cable car (round trip) | The main cost; different rates for Nepali, SAARC and foreign visitors — see the cable car guide |
| Transport to Kurintar | Private car, or a seat on a Kathmandu–Pokhara bus — see how to reach |
| Offerings | Flowers, coconut, sweets and incense from stalls near the temple |
| Food | Tea, snacks and Nepali meals at the hilltop and at the base |
| Temple entry | Usually none to worship at the temple itself |
Sample Budgets
Costs vary with how you travel and how much you offer, but the shape of a Manakamana budget is simple:
- As a road-trip stop (most people): only the cable car round trip plus a little for snacks and offerings — the transport is already part of your Kathmandu–Pokhara journey.
- Day trip from Kathmandu by private car: the car hire is the biggest line item, followed by the cable car; offerings and food are minor.
- Budget travellers: take a local bus to Kurintar, buy modest offerings, and eat simple dal bhat on the hill to keep costs low.
Because fares are revised periodically, confirm the current cable car price at the counter when you arrive.
Tips to Keep It Cheap
- Combine it with your road trip between Kathmandu and Pokhara so the transport is effectively free.
- Travel on a weekday to avoid the slow, crowded Saturday and Tuesday queues — your time has value too.
- Carry small cash for tickets, offerings and tea; card payment is not reliable on the hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Manakamana?
The main cost is the cable car round trip, which has different rates for Nepali, SAARC and foreign visitors. On top of that, budget for transport to the Kurintar base station, a little for offerings, and food on the hill. There is usually no separate temple entry fee.
Is there an entry fee for Manakamana Temple?
There is usually no separate fee to worship at the temple. Your main expense is the cable car round-trip fare, plus any offerings and food.
How can I visit Manakamana on a budget?
Fold the visit into your Kathmandu–Pokhara road trip so the transport is already covered, take a local bus to Kurintar if travelling separately, keep offerings modest, and eat simple Nepali meals on the hill. Carry small cash for tickets and offerings.
Do I need to pay for offerings?
Offerings are optional and inexpensive. Stalls near the temple sell flowers, a coconut, sweets and incense; you can spend as little or as much as you wish.
Can I pay the cable car fare by card?
Carry cash to be safe. Card payment is not reliable at the base station or on the hill, so bring small Nepali rupee notes for tickets, offerings and food.
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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