Manakamana Tour Package

Manakamana tour package is designed for Nepali devotees and is a single-day package.

Manakamana is the temple of Durga Bhawani (Hindu Goddess) in the Gorkha District of Nepal. Manakamana means “wishes.” It is believed that Goddess Manakamana fulfills the wishes of those who worship her with a pure heart. Therefore, it is very accurate when someone with something from the heart; God performs it.

Manakamana temple is about 1300 meters at the top of a hill surrounded by a small village community. It is about 9 km northeast of Mugling, about 90 Km West of Kathmandu, and East of Pokhara.

Hindus believe that Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus known as the wish-fulfilling deity. It is located close to historic Gorkha on a prominent ridge at 1302m altitude overlooking the Trisuli River valley.

Nestled amidst the verdant hills of Nepal, Manakamana stands as a revered pilgrimage site and a popular tourist destination, beckoning visitors with its spiritual allure and breathtaking views. The iconic Manakamana Temple, perched atop a hill, draws devotees and travelers alike, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and religious significance of the region. This blog post delves into the essence of a Manakamana tour package, providing comprehensive information to guide you on an unforgettable journey to this sacred sanctuary.

The Significance of Manakamana Temple:

The Manakamana Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati, is believed to fulfill the wishes of its devotees. Its name translates to "wish-fulfilling," and countless pilgrims ascend the hill each year to seek blessings and pay homage to the deity. The temple's architecture, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors, reflects the artistic and spiritual traditions of Nepal.

The Allure of Manakamana:

Beyond its religious significance, Manakamana offers a captivating experience for all visitors. The scenic cable car ride to the temple provides panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and the Trishuli River, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The temple complex itself exudes a peaceful atmosphere, inviting reflection and spiritual connection.

Join us as we unveil the enchanting charms of Manakamana, guiding you through the intricacies of the tour package and ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Let's embark on a journey to the sacred temple, where wishes are believed to be fulfilled, and memories are made to last a lifetime.

Manakamana: A Scenic Sanctuary Nestled Amidst Nature's Splendor

Manakamana, a revered pilgrimage site and a popular tourist destination, is situated in the Gorkha district of Nepal, approximately 105 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Nestled amidst lush green hills, the Manakamana Temple stands at an elevation of 1,302 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The scenic beauty of Manakamana is a captivating allure for visitors. The temple complex is surrounded by verdant forests, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, flowing through the valleys below, add to the picturesque charm of the region.

The geographical location of Manakamana plays a significant role in its cultural and religious significance. The temple is easily accessible from Kathmandu, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Its proximity to the rivers and hills has also influenced the development of local traditions and beliefs, creating a unique cultural tapestry.

Whether you seek spiritual fulfillment, cultural immersion, or simply a scenic escape, Manakamana's location amidst nature's splendor offers an unforgettable experience. The lush greenery, panoramic views, and tranquil atmosphere create an ideal setting for reflection, rejuvenation, and connection with the divine.

Join us as we delve deeper into the enchanting world of Manakamana, exploring its cultural significance, religious importance, and the captivating beauty of its surroundings. Let's embark on a journey to this sacred sanctuary, where nature's wonders and spiritual allure intertwine to create a truly remarkable destination.

History of Manakamana

It is said queen of Ram Shah was a goddess. It is only known to her devotee. Even the king was unaware of it. Ram Shah is King Gorkha, born in AD 1614.  One day the king found his queen in a goddess incarnation. He told this to Lakhan Thapa. King dies instantly in AD 1636. The queen went Sati (commit cremation with the husband's pyre as per the custom of that time). Lakhan Thapa objected and was dismayed by her Sati. The queen convinced him that she would reappear again. Six months after the queen's death, Lakhan Thapa heard that a farmer hit a stone while plowing his field, and a stream of blood and milk came out from the rock. Immediately, he started performing Hindu tantric rituals and worship (home and pooja) at the place. As soon as blood and milk flow ceased, he established Manakamana Mai. It, later on, grew as Manakamana Temple. The current priest at the temple is the 17th generation descendant of Lakhan Thapa. Manakamana is only one of the very few temples where the priest is from the Magar community of Nepal.

Transportation to Manakamana 

The bus takes three to four hours from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Generally, microbuses and minibusses run to Kurintar. In addition, one can take the bus in transit from the east/west (Janakpur, Kakadbhitta, Biratnagar, Nepalgunj) to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to the east/west. 

There was transportation to Abu Khaireni until the cable car was installed. And people walk uphill for 3 hours to reach Manakamana Temple. Now, the cable car operates from Kurintar. The cable car takes 10-12 minutes to reach the top.

The cable car generally operates during the daytime (9 am to 5 pm). It stops for a lunch break from 12.00 to 13.30. It starts operations an hour before the scheduled time on festive occasions, Saturdays, and holidays. 

Manakamana Cable car

The charge is US$10 (tax extra) for foreigners and Rs 250 plus tax for Nepalese people. However, there is no method of separating foreigners from Nepalese other than a self-declaration by the tourist. The sacrificing animal, especially the goat, is also charged Rs. 140 one-way fares. Cock can be carried together with the passengers. 

Worship and sacrifices

Manakamana is Hindu Goddess, so she is worshiped with flower offerings, sound, scent, dress, make-ups, and colors. There is a tradition of sacrificing animals at the temple. Devotees stand in line for even 5-10 hours during festivals. The line started from the temple gate and sometimes reached longer than a few kilometers. People can be seen standing in line with pooja samagri (worship materials) in hand and some carrying duck, cock, or goat with them. People seem to enjoy standing in line without food, some even with no water.

Pooja Samagri (worship and offering materials) for Manakamana

As per Hindu mythology, all objects in this universe consist of five cosmic elements: earth, water, Fire, air, and ether or space or sky. Therefore the arrangement of pooja samagri is made based on these elements then. It helps balance and regulates the activated five cosmic aspects in the universe. The worshipper then gets the maximum benefit of both manifest and unmanifest frequencies emitted from the God and Goddess. 

Devi is worshiped with the same elements, and in Nepal, there is a tradition to offer cloth (baster) to God and Goddess. Especially red is considered saubhagya (long life in Nepal), so Devi provides almost everything in Red color. 

The pooja thali should contain at least the following in a puja basket along with the Pancha patron,

• Abir (kumkum) for saubhagyaManakamana Cable Car Entrance
• Kesar represents earth
• Flower and Leaves 
• Dhup for Scent (Fragnace)
• Diyo for light
• Cloth (Bastra or Dress) and mirror
• Fruit and Foods for Prasad (Coconut and sweet deserts)
• Bell for sound
• Betel nut and Janai
• Slight amount of rice (anna, grain)
   

The priest takes the pooja material when the devotee reaches the Devi statue, and he offers their pooja samagri to Goddess and returns the same after providing her. People do Sankalpa (vow) and Bhakal (resolution) in the temple. The priest asks the devotees if they have any vow or resolution they are in the temple to offer. If they have any, the priest offers the pooja materials to Goddess in the name of Sankalpa and Bhakal of the devotee. People resolve the temple, and when their wish is fulfilled, they see the goodness of Burga Bhavani, Manakamana Mata, again to offer their gratitude.

Manakamana is also famous for its sweet juicy small, oranges (Tangerine). The hill of Manakamana is full of oranges in the season. 

Manakamana Tour Package: Highlights at a Glance

• Exhilarating Cable Car Ride: Ascend the hill to the temple on a thrilling cable car ride, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Spiritual Significance: Visit the revered Manakamana Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati, and seek blessings for the fulfillment of your wishes.
• Picturesque Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic hiking trails that wind through the lush green hills, offering breathtaking views of the valleys and the Trishuli River.
• Serene Picnic Spots: Indulge in a leisurely picnic at designated spots, surrounded by nature's beauty and tranquility.
• Breathtaking Viewpoints: Capture stunning photographs from various viewpoints, showcasing the panoramic vistas of the region.
• Local Cuisine: Savor the authentic flavors of Nepal with traditional dishes served at restaurants near the temple complex.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region by interacting with local people and observing their customs and traditions.
• Shopping Opportunities: Browse through the shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and handicrafts, taking home a piece of Manakamana's charm.

This tour package offers a diverse array of attractions, catering to the interests of every visitor. From the exhilarating cable car ride to the serene temple complex and the surrounding natural beauty, this journey promises an unforgettable experience.