Gorkha

Overview

Gorkha is a part of Gandaki province and the fourth largest district of Nepal with a surface area of 3,610 km2 (1,390 sq mi). It is located 110km northwest of Kathmandu. Gorkha is one of the most historical places in Nepal. Many people know Gorkha as the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who united many states of Nepal, during the 18th century. Gorkha is also the name of those fearless soldiers who later were known as the brave Gurkhas hence the place is also known as the land of brave warriors. Basically, the history of Nepal begins with Gorkha. The birthplace and the former winter palace of King Prithivi Narayan shah is now a major tourist attraction as well as a hilltop Gorkha Kalika Temple. This beautiful place has much to offer to its visitor and has also been successful to attract many national and international tourists with its historical significance, cultural heritages, and view of the place itself. There are many spots you can go to once you reach the Gorkha districts. 

Manakamana Temple– Manakamana temple is one of the major highlights of the Gorkha district which was built in the 17th century. It lies at the height of 1300m, in Kafakdada hill. Manakamana is a traditional 2 story Nepalese pagoda-style building and features an ambulatory outside, and extends over 3.8930 Square kilometers) of land.   It is a beautiful temple with deep religious significance. Many people from different parts of the country visit Manakamana to worship and for wishes. Manakamana also has a facility for a cable car. Before, the only way to reach the temple was a long and tiring hike. Now, there is a cable car available from Kurintar. The cable car rides over a distance of 2.8km in about 10 minutes. The button station of the cable car is Kurintar and the top station is Manakamana itself. It carries 6 passengers each time and can handle up to 600 passengers per hour. The operating time of cable car is 9 am to 5 pm with a small lunch break in the afternoon.

Gorkha palace- Built in the 16th century by Ram Shah, Gorkha Palace is a historic landmark and one of the finest highlights of the Gorkha district. The Palace itself is the birthplace of King Prithivi Narayan Shah and is situated at an altitude of 1000m. The walls of the palace are about 3 feet thick and the floor is supported by extended wooden beams. Basically, Gorkha palace or Gorkha Durbar is the perfect example of traditional Newari architecture. There is a Kalika temple, in the western part of the palace, built in the 17th century and holds a great religious value for Hindus. People other than Hindus are not allowed inside the temple and also any kind of things made of leather are not allowed. The temple is beautiful and has wooden carvings of birds, animals, and deities. On the southwestern of the place, lies the temple of Goddess Gorkhali. There is a Gorakhnath temple near Gorkhali temple. Goraknath was a Hindu Yogi who was an influential founder of the Nath Hindu movement.

Besides these, Gorkha also offers the best view of mountains and a close-up view of Mount Manaslu. Gorkha Bazar itself is a beautiful town to which many people from near villages come for trade. Gorkha is a place tucked on the historical and religious value, a place from where the unification of Nepal began.