Quietly nestled within the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Manichud Daha’s stunning drone shots compelled me to visit at least once.
I’m pretty sure you know what I mean—the fluttering prayer flags and that serene pond in the heart of the forest look absolutely heavenly, don’t they?
But is Manichud Daha as breathtaking from the ground as it is from above? Let’s explore this hidden gem together in this article as I guide you through the area.
Key Facts About Manichud Daha
| Location | Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Shankharapur, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province |
| Altitude | Above 2000 m |
| Distance (from Jorpati) | 15 – 17 km approx. |
| Mode of Transportation | Private |
| Ride Duration | 1 hour approx. |
| Hike Duration | 15 minutes (from Parking), 6-8 hrs overall (from and to Gagalphedi) |
| Best Time to Visit | All seasons |
A Brief History of Manichud Daha
If you’re eager to hear the story, we must journey back to Buddha Sambat 2514, when King Manichud ruled over Sanketu.
The king possessed a unique object on his head known as the ‘mani’. It was a crystal stone that not only granted him power and wealth but also safeguarded his very life.
When a devastating plague struck his village, the only way to save his people was to sacrifice the ‘mani’. Without hesitation, King Manichud offered the sacred stone into the holy pond, an act that ultimately cost him his life.
In honor of his selflessness and unwavering love for his people, the villagers named the holy site after him—‘Manichud Daha’. It’s even believed that after his sacrifice, King Manichud was transformed into a statue.
Since then, this site has been a revered religious destination for both Buddhists and Hindus. According to local mythology, taking a bath in the pond will cleanse you of all fears and diseases.
But should you? Judging by the current condition of the pond, I wouldn’t exactly recommend it. Unless, of course, you’re feeling adventurous. Let me know if you dare to give it a try!
If you plan a visit, consider going during Janai Purnima, when a grand fair is held here. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about this sacred place.
How to Reach Manichud Daha?
Manichud Daha is just 15 km from the bustling city of Kathmandu, making it an ideal destination for a quick ride or drive.
Many travelers combine this trip with a visit to Dhap Dam, an artificial reservoir located within the same Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park.
To reach Manichud Daha, your first stop is Gagalphedi via Jorpati. There are several routes to get there, so feel free to rely on Google Maps to find the shortest path.
If you’re traveling by public bus, keep in mind that there are no private vehicles to take you further. This means you’ll need to start your hike from Gagalphedi, which can take around 4 hours to reach the pond.
However, if you’re on a motorcycle or bicycle, you can follow the uphill road until you spot the Manichud signboard (which is about an hour drive/ride).
There are alternative routes, such as from Sundarijal or Sankhu, which you’ll figure out easily once you’re in the area—so no need to stress.
On the way, you can also visit the Kageshwori Mahadev Temple, a noteworthy stop to add to your trip.
Remember to purchase tickets from the national park counter. A single ticket grants you access to the entire Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park for the day.
Entry costs are NPR 100 for Nepali citizens, while two-wheelers cost NPR 150 and four-wheelers NPR 350. You can check Shivapuri National Park’s official website for more details.
Interestingly, the ticket counter near the Manichud signboard was closed during my visit, so I got lucky. That said, I always make it a point to buy a ticket when visiting any of the park’s attractions.
Once you’ve parked your vehicle (right in front of the signboard), you’ll begin your hike by taking the stairs. It’s a short, 15-minute climb to reach the iconic spot where the prayer flags flutter, as often seen on social media. It’s a fantastic spot for photos!
From there, it’s just a two-minute walk to the pond.
Road Condition to Manichud Daha
This might be the part you’re most concerned about. Don’t worry! Although the upper section of the road is off-road, it’s manageable for everyone.
Just make sure to ride safely and stay calm, especially if you’re a beginner.
On this trip, I took the Sundarijal-Manichud route, which had more rocky sections but fewer uphill climbs. While some sections are steep, most of the road is paved.
On my way back, I took the route marked ‘Sankhu,’ which was entirely downhill and covered in dusty mud.
If I had to compare, the Sundarijal-Manichud road was much better than the latter. Based on this, I’d recommend taking the same route, even during the monsoon season.
Is Manichud Daha Worth It?
Considering the hype on social media, Manichud Daha wasn’t as breathtaking as we expected.
That said, it’s a sacred site for everyone, and its religious significance deserves more appreciation than just its aesthetic appeal.
That’s exactly what we did! We explored the area, discovered sculptures, gumbas, temples, an abandoned dharmashala, and stumbled upon some great photogenic spots.
We also noticed people unwinding after their long hike—it’s a perfect picnic spot too! You can bask in the winter sun and enjoy chatting with your friends/loved ones.
Expected Budget
For this short trip to Manichud Daha, you won’t even need to spend a single penny—unless you have to pay the national park entry fee.
The real expenses are limited to your bike’s fuel and the park entry fee, both of which are easily manageable.
Even with snacks included, your budget shouldn’t exceed Rs. 500. But if you’re prone to overspending, well… maybe this section isn’t for you! :p
As for snacks, don’t expect to find any food stations nearby. If you’re lucky, you might spot some local vendors along the way, but it’s always better to carry your own water bottle and food. And please, don’t litter!
Alternatively, you can head back to Bouddha after your trip, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants to satisfy your cravings. We’ll cover the best things to do in Bouddha in another article, so stay tuned!
Final Words
That was one of the shortest trips from Kathmandu!
Even if you’re not much into traveling and are just looking for a peaceful way to spend your Saturday, Manichud Daha is a great option.
As I mentioned earlier, there are other attractions within Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park too.
One in particular is Dhap Dam, located just about 11 km away. If you have some extra time, make sure to check it out.
Happy traveling to the northern fringe of Kathmandu!
You might like reading: Getting to Lauke Waterfall—Another Short Destination From Kathmandu!
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