Here in our blog, we are trying to give more details about these six cable cars that are operational in Nepal.

The Manakamana Cable Car in Kurintar is Nepal's first commercial cable car service. It began operations on November 24, 1998, the late Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah presided over its formal opening. For the pilgrims visiting the Hindu temple Manakamana Temple, the ropeway, which can carry 660 people per hour, converted the exhausting 3–4 hour trek to the hilltop into a comfortable 10 minute trip.

The Manakamana temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati. As the name suggests,  in the Nepali language, “Mana '' meaning heart and “Kamana” meaning wishes; hence, making Manakamana the ‘goddess of hearts wishes’. Manakamana darshan is most popular during Dashain and Nag Panchami, during which devotees stand for as long as five to ten hours to pray to Goddess Bhagwati. Apart from the Hindu shrine, another attraction of the Manakamana tour is the majestic sights of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Buddha Himal. The Manakamana Cable Car Group also runs a restaurant in Manakamana's main station.

Manakamana Cable Car Facts

How to reach?

For travelers seeking access to the Manakamana Cable Car Base Station, one viable route is to traverse nearby cities.

From Kathmandu

It takes around 6 hours to drive the 107 kilometers west from Kathmandu to the Manakamana Cable Car terminal. Any public bus that is headed for Mugling and stops at the base station can be boarded at Kathmandu's New Bus Park. As an alternative, one can travel conveniently and comfortably by renting a car.

From Pokhara

Manakaman Cable Car base station  is 106 km away from Pokhara and will take around 4 hours to drive. Besides the comfort of one’s private vehicle, one can take available public transportation or book a vehicle of their choice for the journey.

Cost Table

Make sure to carry a valid identification card for verification at the ticket counter.

Note* Children below 3 feet and Senior Citizens above 80 can travel for free.

Chandragiri Cable Car, the second cable car company in Nepal, started its operation in 2016. It starts at the base station in Thankot and takes passengers to the top of Chandragiri Hill, which is 2,551 meters high. The ropeway goes for about 2.5 kilometers, and the ride takes around 10 minutes. The cable car is the fastest way to get to the top point of Chandragiri Hills.

Chandragiri Hills is a well-known place to visit in Nepal. Its features draw people in. With its museum and old buildings, the historic Chandragiri Fort immerses tourists in Nepal's rich history. 

The Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, which is on top of the hill, has religious significance and draws both tourists and pilgrims. Along the way, there are many restaurants and bars where you can eat local food and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Chandragiri Hills is a must-see spot in the Kathmandu Valley, as it has a great mix of natural beauty, culture, and excitement.

Chandragiri Cable Car Facts

How to reach?

For those looking to reach the Chandragiri Cable Car base station, a convenient approach is to pass through the nearby cities.

From Kathmandu

To reach Chandragiri Cable Car base station from Kathmandu, one can either hire a taxi or use public transportation like a local bus to reach Thankot. It is around 13 km away from the center of Kathmandu which takes around 1 hour. From Thankot, one can access the Chandragiri Cable Car station, which will take one to the hill's summit, where the main attractions are located.

Cost Table

Make sure to carry a valid identification card for verification at the ticket counter.

Note: Children below 3 feet and Senior Citizens above 80 can travel for free.

In November 2018, the Kalinchowk Cable Car, Nepal's third commercial ropeway, began operating in a famous tourist and religious spot in the Dolakha area. The cable car is now well-known as one of the closest snowy getaways from the Kathmandu Valley. In addition, the Hindu Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple is a popular sacred destination for visitors riding the Kalinchowk Cable Car.

The Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple in Dolakha, Nepal, is a well-known Hindu shrine. It stands 3,755 meters above sea level. Most people go to the place in the winter to enjoy the snow as well as the beautiful scenery and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Most of the snow in Kalinchowk falls at the end of December and stays there until late February or mid-March. From Kalinchowk, you can see Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar, and many other mountains. On days with clear skies, you can also see the edge of the Kathmandu valley. 

Kalinchowk Cable Car Facts

How to reach?

To access the Kalinchowk cable car base station, one practical option is to navigate through the vicinity's nearby towns.

From Kathmandu

Kalinchowk Cable Car is around 150 km east of Kathmandu, which takes about 6-7 hours drive via the Araniko Highway. One can take public transportation or hire a private vehicle for laid back travel.

Cost Table

Make sure to carry a valid identification card for verification at the ticket counter.

Note: Children below 3 feet and Senior Citizens above 80 can travel for free.

Annapurna Cable Car Pvt. Ltd. operates a cable car service from Phewa Lake to Sedibagar, Sarangkot in Pokhara. The cable car service is an exemplary service in Pokhara. From Sadibagar, on the shore of the Phewa Lake, visitors can travel 2.2 kilometers in nine minutes by cable car to Sarangkot Hill. A total of 1,500 people can ride the cable car in an hour. Travelers will appreciate seeing Pokhara's mountains, lakes, and lush woods.&

Visitors may take in views of the snow-capped mountain ranges, sunrise and sunset, Phewa Lake, the World Peace Stupa, and the splendor of Pokhara City. Numerous activities, including a giant swing ride, a zipline, and the Sarangkot Viewpoint, are available at the summit.

Annapurna Cable Car Facts

How to reach?

A practical option for those wishing to reach the Annapurna Cable Car Base Station is to navigate through the nearby cities and landmarks.

From Pokhara Lakeside

The drive to the Annapurna Cable Car Base station, which is located 2.4 kilometers from Pokhara Lakeside, takes just 7 minutes. Depending on preference, one may choose to use the available public transportation, reserve a taxi, or simply walk to the station. 

Cost Table

Make sure to carry a valid identification card for verification at the ticket counter.

Note: Children below 3 feet and Senior Citizens above 80 can travel for free.

The Maula Kali Cable Car, located at Gaindakot-1 in the Nawalpur District, was formally inaugurated on April 14, 2023. It is the fifth cable car company in Nepal. The cable car connects the town of Gaindakot with the religiously significant Maula Kali Temple, which is located on the hilltop.

The Maula Kali Temple at the summit of the hill is a sacred site for Hindus. It is a shrine to the goddess Maula Kali, and many people go there to seek her blessings. It is becoming a popular pilgrimage spot as it is easy to reach by cable car, drawing in both locals and tourists.

Maula Kali Cable Car Facts

How to reach?

The Maula Kali Cable Car is easily accessible from a number of cities located in close proximity to it.

From Narayangarh

It takes 15 to 20 minutes to drive to the Maula Kali Cable Car base station, which is barely four kilometers west of Narayangarh. In addition to private vehicles, there are many convenient ways to get there, including taxis and public transportation. Alternatively, if one prefers, one can walk to the station.

From Butwal

Approximately 120 kilometers to the west of Butwal, the Maula Kali cable car base station can be reached via the East West Highway. There are numerous public transportation alternatives, in addition to the option to hire a private vehicle to reach the station.

Cost Table

Make sure to carry a valid identification card for verification at the ticket counter.

Note* Children below 3 feet and Senior Citizens above 80 can travel for free.

Lumbini Cable Car Pvt Ltd, the sixth cable car company in Nepal, opened for business on May 24, 2023, in the city of Butwal, Rupandehi district. The 6,000-person daily capacity monocable detachable system cable car runs from Bamghat in Butwal to Basantapur, Palpa.

The proximity of Butwal to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is well recognized. As a result, it is a significant religious and cultural center. For Hindu devouts, there is a Kamakchyamai temple on the mountaintop, dedicated to Kamakhya Devi.

There are several facilities at the summit, where the ride comes to an end. The hilltop also features a cafe where guests can relax with a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the view of Rupandehi and Palpa District.  There are more amenities, including restaurants, restrooms, sitting spots, and many more, at the top.

Lumbini Cable Car Facts

How to reach?

Going through the cities that are close by is one option for travelers who want to go to the Lumbini Cable Car base station.

From Butwal

The distance between the Butwal Bus Park and the Lumbini cable car base station measures just 2.5 kilometers, requiring around 6 minutes of travel by car or 40 minutes on foot. Using public transit or a cab, depending on one's needs, one can travel to the base station rather quickly.

Cost Table

Make sure to carry a valid identification card for verification at the ticket counter.

Note* Children below 3 feet and Senior Citizens above 80 can travel for free.

Recently, cable car systems have been under construction at many high stations in Nepal. In addition, a great number of businesses are making preparations to launch cable car projects. The Nepalese government has granted permission to several companies to operate cable cars. In this piece, we'll talk about the project to build and run a cable car in Nepal.

Nepal's cable cars are more than just a way to get around. They are part of a rich tapestry of culture, spirituality, and awe-inspiring natural beauty that marks this Himalayan nation. They are more than just ways to get to high places; they are also bridges between the old and the new, giving tourists and pilgrims a chance to connect with the essence of Nepal's many different landscapes and traditions. When we step out of these suspended cabins and back onto solid ground, we not only recollect the beautiful views and spiritual insights we had but also a deep appreciation  for the amazing engineering feats that make these trips possible. Nepal's cable cars are more than just a means to an end; they are life-changing experiences that leave a lasting impression on the hearts and souls of those who try to climb to the top of the world.