Manakamana Cable Car records Highest Number of Passengers
Sunday - 25th July 2010
Manakamana Cable Car, the cable car that ferries the pilgrims to the hill-top shrine of Manakamana Devi in Gorkha district, has recorded the highest number of passengers during the current fiscal year.According to reports, of the over 800,000 visitors, 60 percent were Nepalese while 40 percent were international. Installed by an Austrian company, the Manakamana Cable Car has been operating since 1998. The introduction of the cable car has reduced the previously arduous five-hour climb to the Manakamana Temple for pilgrims to a mere 10 minute trip. The cable car company has been ferrying around 2,500 passengers daily.
Since 17th century, Manakamana Devi has been widely venerated by Hindus as a ‘wish fulfilling goddess’. The shrine dedicated to Mankamana Devi lies south of the historic town of Gorkha and is located on the top of a ridge overlooking the river valleys of Trishuli and Marshyangdi. One can enjoy spectacular views of green hills and valleys, terraced fields as well as the Manaslu-Himlchuli and the Annapurna ranges from around the temple area.
A drive of 2 and a half hour from Kathmandu brings you to the cable car company station.
