How to Reach Manakamana: From Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
Manakamana sits almost exactly on the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway, so reaching it is easy: get to the cable car base station at Kurintar, then ride up. Here is the route from every direction.
Where You Are Heading: Kurintar
Everything starts at the cable car base station at Cheres, Kurintar, on the Prithvi Highway near Mugling. It is well signed and right on the main road, so any vehicle travelling between Kathmandu and Pokhara passes it. From the base you ride the cable car up to the temple.
| From | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | ~104 km | ~3–3.5 hours |
| Pokhara | ~110 km | ~3.5 hours |
| Chitwan (Sauraha) | ~80 km via Mugling | ~2–2.5 hours |
| Gorkha Bazaar | ~50 km | ~1.5 hours |
From Kathmandu
Head west out of the valley onto the Prithvi Highway and follow it towards Mugling; the cable car station is just before Mugling at Kurintar.
- Private car or taxi: the most comfortable option, about 3 to 3.5 hours one way; easy to combine with the drive to Pokhara or Chitwan.
- Tourist or local bus: take any Pokhara-bound bus and ask to be dropped at the Manakamana cable car station at Kurintar.
- Many visitors fold the stop into a Kathmandu–Pokhara road trip rather than making a separate return trip.
From Pokhara & Chitwan
From Pokhara: drive east along the Prithvi Highway for about three and a half hours to Kurintar. Any Kathmandu-bound bus can drop you at the station.
From Chitwan: head north to Mugling (about 1.5–2 hours), then a short hop east to Kurintar. This makes Manakamana an easy add-on between Chitwan and Kathmandu or Pokhara.
The Old Walking Trail
If you would rather arrive on foot as pilgrims did for centuries, a stone-step trail climbs from the valley to the temple in about three to four hours. A relaxed plan is to ride the cable car up and walk down through the villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Manakamana from Kathmandu?
Drive about 104 km (roughly 3 to 3.5 hours) west along the Prithvi Highway to the cable car base station at Kurintar, then ride up. By bus, take any Pokhara-bound service and get off at the Manakamana cable car station.
How far is Manakamana from Pokhara?
About 110 km, or roughly three and a half hours by road, heading east on the Prithvi Highway to Kurintar, then up by cable car.
Is Manakamana on the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway?
Yes. The cable car base station at Kurintar sits right on the Prithvi Highway near Mugling, so the easiest way to visit is to stop there during the drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Can I visit Manakamana from Chitwan?
Yes. From Chitwan it is about two to two and a half hours via Mugling to Kurintar, making Manakamana a convenient stop between Chitwan and Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Do buses stop at the Manakamana cable car station?
Yes. The base station is directly on the highway at Kurintar, so most tourist and local buses running between Kathmandu and Pokhara will drop you there on request.
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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