Gorkha

Gorkha, situated 140 kms west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1135 meters, is the ancestral hometown of the Nepal's ruling royal family, the Shah family. Indeed, Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal.

Gorkha is 4 hours driving from Kathmandu, 3 hours from Pokhara and 2 hours from Chitwan.

The world famous Gurkha soldiers hail from this place. The British term "Gurkha" evolved from the name Gorkha.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF GORKHA:

Gorkha Bazaar

Gorkha's small town is perhaps the most important historical town of Nepal. Gorkha Bazaar is primarily a cobbled street market place where people from neighboring hill dwellings come to trade.

Gorkha Durbar

Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, there is an old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. It is one hour steep walk up from Gorkha Bazaar via 1500 steps. The palace is said to have been built by King Ram Shah. King Prithvi Narayan Shah launched his campaign to unify Nepal from this palace in 1750. There are two temples of Gorakhnath and Kali. Gorkha Durbar is one of the most outstanding examples of Nepalese architecture.

Entry Fee : Rs. 50 + 200 (camera)

Manakamana Temple

Two hours driving from Gorkha but still in the Gorkha district is Manakamana Temple. This temple, located at the top of a hill at 1300 meters, is reachable by the unique cable car in Nepal. This place is very faithful and many pilgrims visit it everyday.

Entry Fee (cable car): Rs. 1200