Introduction
In the center of the Himalayas, there is a country called Nepal which is known for its beauty and spirituality. In addition to mountains and valleys, it boasts another wonder that cannot be classified as simply transport. Here we are at Nepalese cable cars; where every journey into the sky is an adventure of a lifetime.
Nepal’s cable cars do more than demonstrate excellent engineering skills; they act as gateways to heaven offering breathtaking views and unmatched experiences for travelers. Join us on this trip that will take you through some of Nepal’s highest cable car marvels where each ride leaves you gasping in amazement.
In this blog, we discuss about the Cable Cars in Nepal.
Discovering Cable Car Marvels in Nepal
Perched amidst the Himalayas, these cables soar above clouds giving passengers magnificent views of amazing mountains, peaceful temples and lively cultures below them. Whether it’s Manakamana & Chandragiri or Annapurna & Maula Kali together with the newly launched Lumbini Cable Car, such engineering feats have whisked people away to far-flung places that were only imaginable before.
List of Cable Cars In Nepal
Below is a list of operational cable cars found in Nepal:
1. Manakamana Cable Car
Location: Kurintar, Gorkha
Length: 2800 meters
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
Start point: Kurintar
End Point: Manakamana Temple
Towers: 20
Gondolas: 31
Cabin Capacity: 6
Operational hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Height: 1300 meters from sea level
Description:
- The first-ever commercial cable car service in Nepal started on November 24th 1998.
- A comfortable ten-minute ride to Manakamana temple replacing a three to four-hour walk.
- Visitors go for blessings at this Hindu goddess Bhagwati shrine.
- Stunning panoramic views during the journey include Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Buddha Himal.
- Ticket prices are different for different age groups and nationalities.
How to reach?
- From Kathmandu: Drive west for about 107 kilometers to Kurintar. Board any public bus heading to Mugling that stops at the base station.
- From Pokhara: Drive east for about 106 kilometers to Kurintar. Alternatively, take public transportation or rent a vehicle.
Cost Table :
| One-way fare (Per Person) | Round Trip Fare (Per Person) |
| Adult: NPR 450 | Adult: NPR 770 |
| Child (3 Feet+): NPR 270 | Child (3 Feet+): NPR 460 |
| Student: NPR 340 | Student: NPR 575 |
| Senior Citizens (60+): NPR 340 | Senior Citizens(60+): NPR 540 |
| Differently Abled: NPR 225 | Differently Abled: NPR 385 |
| Indian Adult: INR 400 | Indian Adult: INR 670 |
| Indian Child: INR 240 | Indian Child: INR 400 |
| Foreigners: USD 11 | Foreigners: USD 20 |
| Child Foreigner: USD 8 | Child Foreigner: USD 15 |
Please note that prices are subject to change / Book Now
2. Chandragiri Cable Car
Location: Thankot, Kathmandu
Length: 2551 meters
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
Start point: Thankot
End Point: Chandragiri Hills
Towers: 20
Gondolas: 38
Cabin Capacity: 8
Operational hours: 8 AM – 9 PM
Height: 2551 meters from sea level
Description:
- Initiated in 2016 connecting Thankot with Chandragiri hills.
- Historical fort, Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple and a wide-angle view of Kathmandu valley can be seen from there.
- It is the quickest way to reach the hilltop where many cultural as well as natural attractions are waiting for visitors’ arrival.
- Ticket pricing varies with different age groups along with nationality factors in mind.
How to reach
- From Kathmandu: Travel to Thankot, around 13 kilometers west of the city center. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the base station.
Cost Table
| One-way fare (Per Person) | Round Trip Fare (Per Person) |
| Adult: NPR 475 | Adult: NPR 799 |
| Children (3 Feet+): NPR 270 | Children (3 Feet+): NPR 475 |
| Student: NPR 340 | Student: NPR 600 |
| Senior Citizens (60+): NPR 340 | Senior Citizens (60+): NPR 600 |
| Differently Abled: NPR 225 | Differently Abled: NPR 400 |
| Locals: NPR 340 | Locals: NPR 600 |
| SAARC (Adult): NPR 760 | SAARC (Adult): NPR 1280 |
| SAARC (Student): NPR 570 | SAARC (Student): NPR 960 |
| SAARC (Child): NPR 455 | SAARC (Child): NPR 960 |
| SAARC (Seniors): NPR 570 | SAARC (Seniors): NPR 960 |
| Foreigners: USD 13 | Foreigners: USD 22 |
| Chinese: USD 9 | Chinese: USD 15 |
Please note that prices are subject to change/ Book Now
3. Kalinchowk Cable Car
Location: Kuri Bazar, Dolakha
Length: 950 meters
Duration: Approximately 6 minutes
Start point: Kuri Bazar
End Point: Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple
Gondolas: 4
Cabin Capacity: 8
Operational hours: 5 AM – 4 PM
Height: 3755 meters from sea level
Description:
- Started operation in November 2018; this cable car provides a gateway to the famous Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple.
- Known for its snowy landscapes in winter and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
- A quick ride up to the temple offers stunning mountain panorama vistas.
- Ticket prices are categorized according to age groups as well as nationalities.
How to reach
- From Kathmandu: Drive east for about 150 kilometers to Kuri Bazar in Dolakha. You can take public transportation or hire a private vehicle for the journey.
Cost Table
| One-way fare (Per Person) | Round Trip Fare (Per Person) |
| Adult: NPR 400 | Adult: NPR 600 |
| Children (3 Feet+): NPR 270 | Children (3 Feet+): NPR 475 |
| Indian Nationals: NPR 480 | Indian Nationals: NPR 960 |
| Foreigners: NPR 760 | Foreigners: NPR 13000 |
Please note that prices are subject to change/ Book Now
4. Annapurna Cable Car
Location: Phewa Lake, Pokhara
Length: 2200 meters
Duration: Approximately 9 minutes
Start point: Phewa Lake
End Point: Sarangkot Hill
Gondolas: 18
Cabin Capacity: 8
Operational hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Height: 1600 meters from sea level
Description:
- Annapurna Cable Car Pvt. Ltd operates this cable car, taking passengers from Phewa Lake to Sarangkot Hill.
- Sunrise and sunset in the Himalayas can be observed here along with views of Phewa Lake and Pokhara City.
- Apart from being able to try a giant swing ride or attempt a zipline, there are many other activities available at the summit.
- Ticket fees differ according to age groups, nationalities and residential status.
How to reach
- From Pokhara Lakeside: The base station is just 2.4 kilometers away. You can walk, take public transportation, or reserve a taxi.
Cost Table
| One-way fare (Per Person) | Round Trip Fare (Per Person) |
| Adult: NPR 400 | Adult: NPR 700 |
| Children (3 Feet+): NPR 240 | Children (3 Feet+): NPR 405 |
| Student: NPR 300 | Student: NPR 525 |
| Senior Citizens (60+): NPR 300 | Senior Citizens (60+): NPR 525 |
| Differently Abled: NPR 200 | Differently Abled: NPR 350 |
| Indian Nationals: NPR 500 | Indian Nationals: NPR 800 |
| SAARC Adult: NPR 500 | SAARC Adult: NPR 800 |
| Foreigners: USD 5 | Foreigners: USD 9 |
Please note that prices are subject to change/ Book Now
5. Maula Kali Cable Car
Location: Gaindakot-1, Nawalpur
Length: 1200 meters
Time: About 5 minutes
Starting Point: Gaindakot-1
Ending Point: Maula Kali Temple
Gondolas: 12
Cabin Capacity: 8 people per cabin
Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 6 PM
Height from sea level: 560 meters
Description:
- Opened on April 14th, 2023 as a link between Gaindakot and Maula Kali Temple
- Maula Kali temple is a sacred place for Hindus who worship the goddess Maula Kali and also attracts many tourists
- It provides easy access to the hilltop temple which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area
- Age-based ticket pricing is followed along with nationality-wise classification.
How to Reach
- From Narayangarh: Drive west for about 4 kilometers to the base station. You can use public transportation, taxis, or even walk.
- From Butwal: The base station is approximately 120 kilometers away to the west. Travel via the East-West Highway and choose from public transportation or private vehicles.
Cost Table
| One-way fare (Per Person) | Round Trip Fare (Per Person) |
| Adult: NPR 350 | Adult: NPR 550 |
| Children (3 Feet+): NPR 210 | Children (3 Feet+): NPR 330 |
| Students: NPR 265 | Students: NPR 415 |
| Senior Citizens (60+): NPR 265 | Senior Citizens (60+): NPR 415 |
| Differently Abled: NPR 175 | Differently Abled: NPR 275 |
| Locals: NPR 265 | Locals: NPR 415 |
Please note that prices are subject to change/ Book Now
6. Lumbini Cable Car
Location: Balaghat, Butwal
Length: 2600 meters
Time taken: Approximately ten minutes
Starting Point : Balaghat
End point : Basantapur, Palpa
Gondolas: 25
Cabin Capacity: 8 people per cabin
Operating Hours: 9 am -5 pm
Height from sea level: 940 m
Description :
- Started operation on May 24th,2023 linking Butwal to Basantapur (Palpa District)
- Access to Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha and Kamakchyamai temple
- Summit has restaurants, restrooms and sitting places for visitors to relax and enjoy the view
- Ticket prices vary according to age, nationality and residential status
- From Butwal: The base station is only 2.5 kilometers away. You can drive or take public transportation from Butwal Bus Park.
Cost Table
| One-way fare (Per Person) | Round Trip Fare (Per Person) |
| Adult: NPR 450 | Adult: NPR 750 |
| Children (3 Feet+): NPR 270 | Children (3 Feet+): NPR 450 |
| Students: NPR 340 | Students: NPR 565 |
| Senior Citizens (60+): NPR 340 | Students: NPR 565 |
| Differently Abled: NPR 225 | Differently Abled: NPR 375 |
| SAARC Citizens: INR 450 | SAARC Citizens: INR 750 |
| Foreigners: USD 13 | Foreigners: USD 22 |
Please note that prices are subject to change/ Book Now
Upcoming Cable Car Projects
Below are some of the cable car projects that are currently under construction;
- Bandipur to Dumre
- Butwal to Nuwakot (Siddhartha )
- Pathibhara to Taplejung
- Lamki Chuha to Jalpa Sevi
- Madi Rural Municipality to Sikles
- Chhimkeswor Temple to Tanahu
- Chalnakhel to Champadevi
- Pokhara to Muktinath
Conclusion
The cable cars in Nepal are more than just a mode of transport; they have become an integral part of the country’s culture, religion, and natural beauty. They do not only offer trips to higher altitudes but also spiritual journeys that link visitors with different landscapes and traditions in Nepal. While disembarking from these hanging cabins onto firm ground again, we carry more than memories of astonishing panoramas – an awe for achievements of engineering which enable such moments. Nepal’s aerial tramways should be seen as not merely ends but means; transformative experiences that forever change people who choose to rise above this world.
Please note that prices are subject to change and may vary based on factors such as age, nationality, and special categories like students or senior citizens. Make sure to carry a valid identification card for verification at the ticket counter.
In this blog, we discuss Cable Cars in Nepal. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best agency to provide you with a comprehensive Nepal tour, look no further than Kailash Vision Treks.