Near Manakamana: Gorkha, Bandipur, Chitwan & the River Resorts
Manakamana sits in the middle of central Nepal's best road-trip country. Here is what to pair it with, from the cradle of the Shah dynasty to a Newari hill town and the jungle of Chitwan.
Gorkha Durbar
About an hour and a half deeper into the district lies Gorkha Durbar, the fort-palace above Gorkha Bazaar that was the seat of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king who unified modern Nepal. The hilltop complex blends a palace, temples and sweeping Himalayan views, and pairs naturally with Manakamana's own Gorkha heritage, told in the history guide.
Bandipur
Bandipur is a beautifully preserved Newari hill town on a ridge off the Prithvi Highway, with a traffic-free bazaar, old merchant houses and big mountain views. It is an easy add-on between Manakamana and Pokhara and makes a lovely overnight stop.
Kurintar River Resorts & Rafting
The cable car base at Kurintar sits on the Trishuli river, lined with riverside resorts. It is a popular spot to break the journey, with white-water rafting on the Trishuli among Nepal's most accessible river trips — a good way to turn a quick temple stop into a relaxed overnight.
Chitwan, Pokhara & Kathmandu
- Chitwan National Park — around two hours south via Mugling, for jungle safaris, rhinos and the Tharu culture.
- Pokhara — the lakeside gateway to the Annapurnas, about three and a half hours west.
- Kathmandu — the capital and its World Heritage valley, about three hours east.
For getting between them and the temple, see how to reach Manakamana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do near Manakamana?
Within a short drive you can visit Gorkha Durbar, the fort-palace birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah; the Newari hill town of Bandipur; and the Trishuli river resorts and rafting at Kurintar. Chitwan National Park, Pokhara and Kathmandu are all within easy reach along the highway.
How far is Bandipur from Manakamana?
Bandipur is a short drive west along the Prithvi Highway, easy to combine with Manakamana on the way to or from Pokhara, and it makes a scenic overnight stop.
Can I combine Manakamana with Chitwan?
Yes. Chitwan National Park is around two hours south of the Kurintar base via Mugling, so Manakamana fits neatly into a route between Chitwan and Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Is Gorkha Durbar worth visiting from Manakamana?
If you have time, yes. Gorkha Durbar, about an hour and a half deeper into the district, is the historic fort-palace of Prithvi Narayan Shah with temples and panoramic mountain views, complementing Manakamana's Gorkha heritage.
Is there rafting near Manakamana?
Yes. The cable car base at Kurintar sits on the Trishuli river, one of Nepal's most accessible white-water rafting stretches, with riverside resorts that make a good overnight base.
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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