Nepal first introduced ropeways in 1922 for cargo services, but the first cable car was introduced in 1998, the Manakamana Cable Car. Many temples, including the Goddess Kali temples, are located on top of hills throughout Nepal. They attract thousands of tourists as well as pilgrims from abroad every year. There are currently four cable cars in operation or being built throughout Nepal, and three are extremely popular.
How many cable cars are in Nepal?
Four major cable cars offer amazing experiences and natural wonders during your Nepal holiday. Cable cars are small, rectangular-shaped aerial and cable-based cars that work on the principle of a gondola lift transportation system. The cable car is not new in Nepal.
List of Cable Cars In Nepal
- Manakamana Cable Car Pvt. Ltd., Kurintar, Chitwan
- Chandragiri Cable Car Ltd., Kathmandu
- Kalinchowk Cable Car Pvt. Ltd., Kuri, Dolakha
- Annapurna Cable Car Pvt. Ltd., Pame.
In 1998, the Manakamana (at Kurintar), the cable car was introduced. Two other cable cars currently serve the most popular hill stations, and one is in construction. We will be sharing more information about the 4 Nepali cable cars on our blog.
1. Manakamana Cable Car
It is located in Kurintar, which is 104 km southwest of Kathmandu. It is easy to get there by cable car. This cable car station covers 2.8 km. The lower station is located at 258 m above sea level, while the higher point is approximately 1302 m above. The spectacular views of Annapurna Himalayan Ranges and Manaslu are visible from the temple’s Northside. Around the Manakamana temple is a market. There are shops selling handicrafts, weapons, and restaurants. Manakamana Cable Car Group also operates a restaurant at Manakamana’s Main Station.
Goddess Bhagawati is the focus of the Manakamana temple. The name ‘Mana’ refers to desires, while ‘Kamana’ refers to wishes. It is a wish for the fulfillment of your desires. The belief is that the goddess will fulfill wishes if someone comes to the temple and makes a wish. This temple is visited by many people every year via the Cable car in Kurintar.
Location: Kurintar, Gorkha District
Starting Point: Kurintar (258 meters above sea level)
Ending Point: Manakamana Temple (1,302 meters above sea level)
Distance from Kathmandu: Approximately 104 km (2.5-hour drive)
Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (closed during lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM)
Ticket Price: Approx. NPR 700 for locals, NPR 2,000 for foreigners
Travel Experience Details:
- Cultural Significance: The Manakamana Temple is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati, believed to fulfill devotees’ wishes.
- Scenic Views: The 10-minute cable car ride offers stunning views of the Trishuli River, lush forests, and the surrounding hills.
- Temple Visit: Upon reaching the top, travelers can visit the temple, participate in rituals, and explore the local shops and eateries.
- Tips: Plan your visit early in the morning to avoid long queues, especially on weekends and holidays. Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk from the cable car station to the temple.
2. Chandragiri Cable Car
Chandragiri Hill is located near Kathmandu and was established in 2016. It’s a hilltop overlooking the majestic Himalayas, including the Annapurna Himalayan Ranges and the Everest Himalayan Ranges. A cable car is the shortest way to get there. These 38 gondolas can carry one thousand passengers per hour. It takes approximately 8 minutes to reach Chandragiri’s top. The lower station is 2.5 km away.
Chandragiri Hills has so many activities. There are many things to do in Chandragiri Hills, including shopping malls, playgrounds, and children’s parks. The Chandragiri Cable car is an excellent ride for those who want to escape monotony and enjoy the beauty of nature. In Chandragiri Hills, a boutique hotel will be built that will feature interactive natural history, Paragliding, and a Zipline adventure park.
Location: Thankot, Kathmandu Valley
Starting Point: Thankot (1,580 meters above sea level)
Ending Point: Chandragiri Hill (2,547 meters above sea level)
Distance from Kathmandu: Approximately 16 km (30-minute drive)
Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (subject to weather conditions)
Ticket Price: Approx. NPR 700 for locals, NPR 2,200 for foreigners
Travel Experience Details:
- Panoramic Views: The 15-minute cable car ride provides breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan range, including peaks like Langtang, Ganesh, and Everest.
- Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple: At the top, visit the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, which holds religious significance and offers spiritual tranquility.
- Activities: Enjoy the scenic viewpoints, dine at the hilltop restaurants, and explore the children’s park and souvenir shops.
- Tips: Check the weather forecast before planning your trip, as clear skies offer the best views. Carry a light jacket, as it can be cooler at the top.
3. Kalinchowk Cable Car
Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple is a popular Hindu Shrine. It’s located in Dolakha (Nepal). It is located at 3755m above sea level. In November 2018, the cable car was inaugurated. The cable car runs from Kuri village to Kalinchowk temple. This is a popular spot near Kathmandu Valley. Many people visit Kalinchowk Bhagawati temple to offer prayers.
From Kalinchowk top, Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar, etc. On clear days, the view from Kathmandu’s outskirts can be seen. Kalinchowk is famous for its snowy fun during winter.
Location: Dolakha District
Starting Point: Kuri Village (3,400 meters above sea level)
Ending Point: Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple (3,842 meters above sea level)
Distance from Kathmandu: Approximately 150 km (5-6 hour drive)
Operating Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM (subject to weather conditions)
Ticket Price: Approx. NPR 500 for locals, NPR 1,000 for foreigners
Travel Experience Details:
- Spiritual Journey: The Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, offering spiritual solace and breathtaking views.
- Snow Experience: During winter, the area is covered in snow, making it a popular destination for snow activities and photography.
- Scenic Ride: The short cable car ride provides stunning views of the snow-covered mountains and the picturesque landscape.
- Tips: Dress warmly, as it can be very cold at the top, especially in winter. Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
4. Sarangkot Cable Car
Annapurna Cable Car Pvt Ltd is building a cable car service in Pokhara. It is accessible from Phewa Lake, Sedibagar, and Sarangkot. This cable car service will be an example of excellence in Pokhara. This cable car service will make it easily accessible to all.
The views from snow-capped mountains, sunrise and sunset, Phewa Lake, World Peace Stupa, and Pokhara’s beauty can be enjoyed by travelers. Visitors to Pokhara will have a unique experience with the cable car. Also, check the 10 Reasons Why Pokhara is a Great Place to Visit.
Location: Pokhara, Kaski District
Starting Point: Lakeside Pokhara (800 meters above sea level)
Ending Point: Sarangkot Hill (1,600 meters above sea level)
Distance from Pokhara: Approximately 5 km from the city center
Operating Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Ticket Price: Approx. NPR 500 for locals, NPR 1,200 for foreigners
Travel Experience Details:
- Adventure and Leisure: The 10-minute cable car ride offers spectacular views of Phewa Lake, the Annapurna range, and the lush Pokhara Valley.
- Paragliding Hub: Sarangkot is famous for paragliding, offering an exhilarating experience with stunning aerial views.
- Sunrise and Sunset Views: The hilltop is an excellent spot for watching sunrise and sunset over the Himalayan peaks.
- Tips: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best views. Combine the cable car ride with a paragliding adventure for a memorable experience.
Are cable cars and ropeways the same thing?
Cableway refers to a system with suspended cables that allow cable cars to be hung, while ropeway refers to a system with cables suspended from towers from which cables can be slung. Ropeway allows for the transportation of materials by allowing carriers to be suspended from cables.
What is the longest cable car in Nepal?
The Manakamana Cable car is the longest cable car in Nepal, which opened on November 24, 1998, and runs between Cheres and Chitwan. It also runs between Manakamana, Gorkha. Two stations are located on the 2,772.2 m (9.095 ft.) line.
What is the first Nepali cable car?
Manakamana Cable Car was the first cable car to be established in Nepal. The famous Hindu temple Manakamana in Gorkha district was at an elevation of 1302m.
People used to walk uphill to get to it. This temple is now accessible by cable car. It was inaugurated on November 24, 1998, by Prince Dipendra Bir Shah Dev. The Manakamana Cable Car has been a great help to tourists and pilgrims. It is now a 10-minute comfort trip instead of the five-hour climb.
The Trishuli River banks are where the cable car station is located. It was built using Austrian technology. It can carry 31 passengers. It takes 8:40 minutes and has a maximum speed of 6m/sec. One carriage can hold 6 people. The cable car can take you to Nepal with a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and a serene pilgrimage.
Also, have a look at the Nepal articles:
- Nepal’s Most Famous Places to Visit
- Honeymoon Places in Nepal
- Nepal Famous Valleys
- Things to Do in Nepal
- Visit Nepal during the Monsoon
- Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal
- Nepal’s Top 10 Reasons to Visit
- UNESCO Heritage Sites in Nepal
- Visit Nepal Tourist Places in January
- Places to Visit in Nepal in May 2025
- Top 10 Snowfall Places in Nepal
FAQs About Ropeways in Nepal:
1. What is the length of the Manakamana cable car?
The Manakamana cable car is approximately 2.8 kilometers long.
2. Where does the Manakamana cable car take you?
The Manakamana cable car takes passengers to the Manakamana Temple, a popular pilgrimage site in Nepal.
3. What are the operating hours for the Manakamana cable car?
The Manakamana cable car operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekends and holidays.
4. How high is the Chandragiri cable car?
The Chandragiri cable car reaches a height of approximately 2,551 meters at the top station.
5. What is the distance between Kathmandu and the Chandragiri cable car?
The Chandragiri cable car station is about 7 kilometers from the center of Kathmandu.
6. Is there a cable car ride available in Pokhara?
Yes, there is a cable car in Pokhara that offers scenic views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding area.
7. What is the difference between a ropeway and a cable car?
A ropeway and a cable car are essentially the same; both are aerial lift systems used for transporting passengers. The terms are often used interchangeably.
8. How long does the Manakamana cable car ride take?
The Manakamana cable car ride takes approximately 10-15 minutes one way.
9. What is the distance between Manakamana and Pokhara?
The distance between Manakamana and Pokhara is approximately 120 kilometers.
10. Is there a cable car to Muktinath Temple?
As of now, there is no cable car to Muktinath Temple. Most visitors travel by road or trek to reach the temple.
