Tansen
Tansen, the administrative center of the district of Palpa, is situated between Pokhara (6 hours, 110 kms) and Bhairawa - Lumbini (2 hours, 55 kms). It is a pleasant place to stop on the way between the two places.
Tansen is known for metalware and Dhaka, the material made into the Nepali topi hats.
Most of the people in Tansen are Newars who mainly migrated in the 19th century when trade opportunities opened here. This is why, in the old part of the city, there are traditional Newari buildings along cobbled streets.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF TANSEN:
Tansen Durbar
Tansen was the seat of the Sen Kingdom during the time Nepal was divided into hundreds of small kingdoms (approximately from 16th century to 19th century). At that time, Tansen Durbar was the royal palace. Tansen Durbar has been destroyed during the Maoist Civil War and is now under reconstruction.
Amar Narayan Temple
This temple is a traditional three-tiered pagoda-style temple built in 1806. It has well carved doors and has some intricate woodwork. It has erotic figures on the roof struts. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples outside of Kathmandu Valley. The temple was built by Amar Singh Thapa, who annexed Tansen to become part of Nepal.
Bhagwati Temple
This temple, near the Tansen Durbar was originally built in 1815 to commemorate the victory over the British at Butwal. It was renovated in 1935 and 1974 after earthquakes. In the area there are small temples dedicated to Ganesh, Saraswati and Shiva.
Shital Pati (Shady Rest House)
The historically important Shital Pati is a popular hang out for the locals. The Baggi Dhoka, the biggest gate of its kind in Nepal is located in this square. The locals often compare it with the architecture of Mugal Empire in India.
Shrinagar Hill
Shrinagar Hill provides excellent views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, the surrounded valley and the Kaligandaki River. From Tansen Bazaar (1372 m) to the top of Shrinagar Hill (1600 m) is a short and pleasant hike across forest and passing through several Hindu sites.
Bhairabi Temple
Bhairabi Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Bhairab. The Bhairab statue of the temple is hidden away for special reasons. This temple settles on Shrinagar Hill.
Ranighat
Ranighat is a marvellous palace built on the banks of the Kaligandaki River by the Rana Governor of Palpa (1893) in memory of his wife Tej Kumari. Ranighat is the Indian Taj Mahal in Nepal. The 7 kms trail from Tansen to Ranighat is a steady slope passing through a narrow gorge.
Kaligandaki River
From Muktinath (Annapurna), Kaligandaki flows southwards creating the deepest gorge in the world (in some places the depth could reach few thousands meters) between the famous mountains Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Tourists can boat, raft, fish in the river or trek along enjoying beautiful landscapes. There are several holy and historical sites on the banks of Kaligandaki.
