Gorkha, about 25 kilometres north of Abu Khaireni, is the historic home of the courageous Gorkha people. Gorkha was born along the Himalayan foothills in north-central Nepal over 300 years ago when Prithvi Narayan Shah combined all the rivalling kingdoms of Nepal into one monarchy and split the land into 50 separate kingdoms.
The location is rich in historical and cultural value and natural beauty. One may spend the entire journey staring at the verdant mountains and valleys around them and doing nothing else.
Below, we have compiled a list of the 10 Best Places to Visit in Gorkha, Nepal:
1. The Gorkha Museum
The Gorkha Museum houses an impressive collection of historical artwork, musical instruments, and traditional weapons such as a pistol, cannon and spear. Our courageous predecessors used those weapons. Every level of the museum has been methodically classified by instrument type.
The copper & gold coins are kept on the museum’s fourth level. These coins were supposed to have been used by King Prithivi Narayan Shah to purchase arms from other countries.
If you are in Gorkha, please visit this museum at least once. Because seeing the entire museum only takes approximately one hour. The windows and doors are also of high quality. It charges an entry fee and requires permission to photograph.
2. Bhimsen Park
Bhimsen Park is about a 2-kilometre walk from Gorkha Durbar. The park is connected with the first prime minister Bhimsen Thapa’s history. During Dashain, ancestors of Bhimsen Thapa used to conduct rituals at the park after praying at Gorkhali Durbar.
They used to perform pujas & sacrifice animals in the park, while the royal family covered the costs of the rites. However, since the dynasty was massacred, the Thapa family has halted the ritual. Local Gorkhas have since taken over the ritual. The park’s main attraction is the monument of Bhimsen Thapa at the summit.
3. The Laprak Village
Laprak Hamlet is a short hike destination in Gorkha and the beginning point for the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
This is a tiny and picturesque Gurung village where many travellers come for a homestay trek. Laprak Village is among the ideal sites to get to know the Gurung community, their culture, and their way of life.
The tallest peak, Gurung Hill, is located above the hamlet of Laprak. Visitors see the magnificent vistas of the Ganesh and Manaslu Himal ranges.
4. Temple of Manakamana
Manakamana is a well-known historical and religious pilgrimage place in Gorkha, located southeast of Gorkha Bazaar.
This Temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati. Hundreds of visitors and devotees gather here annually, particularly around Nag Panchami and Dashain.
The cable car service complements the Manakamana journey. Visitors can also admire lush hills and a spectacular view of numerous mountains, including Manaslu and Annapurna, from the Temple.
5. Mount Manaslu
Mount Manaslu, known as Kampunge, is the world’s eighth-highest peak. It is situated in Nepal’s west-central region. Manaslu signifies “soul” or “intellect” in Sanskrit. The height of the summit is 8,163 metres. Manaslu is located in the Thoche, Dharapani, & Samagaun Village Development Committees of the Gorkha and Manang Districts in Nepal’s Western Development Region.
Adventures are encouraged here. Manaslu Peak takes around 65 days to climb. Gorkha and Dhadingbesi are two entrances which will lead you to Manaslu Peak. On May 9, 1956, Gyaltsen Norbu Sherpa and Toshio Imanishi became the first to climb this mountain successfully.
6. Upallokot
Upallokot is among Gorkha’s most visited highest peaks (1520 m), offering a breathtaking view of Gorkha Durbar.
Visit this location since the trip from Gorkha Durbar takes only around 20 minutes.
Upallokot offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and clean air to breathe. If you are in Gorkha, do not miss out on seeing this site.
7. The Bhimsen Temple
There are several Hindu temples in Nepal, including the Bhimsen Temple. It was built in the Pagoda style.
Locals and foreign visitors worship the Newari deity Bhimsen at Bhimsen Temple. Tourists can also participate in the holy tradition of tossing coins within the Temple.
8. Cave of Gorakhnath
Gorakhnath Cave is another popular tourist destination in Gorkha. It is close to Gorkha Durbar. The cave has a statue of Gorakhnath Baba, who was the founder of the Naath tradition.
We can also locate Gorakhnath Baba’s footsteps and pictures inside the cave.
The cave of Gorakhnath is entirely made up of rock. Every year on the eve of Baisakh Purnima, they celebrate Rot Mahotsav.
9. Durbar of Gorkha
The Durbar of Gorkha is the most visited and most beautiful attraction in Gorkha. It is positioned on top of a hill, and it takes roughly an hour to get there from the bazaar area. So you can quickly get here.
King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s home and realm were Gorkha Durbar. It was constructed in the 16th century adopting Newari architecture.
The Durbar appears to be lovely and ancient. Gorkha Durbar has great religious significance. Because there is the Kalika temple, which is captivated by the incredible art of snakes and peacocks. Gorkha Durbar provides breathtaking views of the mountains and lush vegetation.
10. The Manaslu Route
The Manaslu Circuit Trip has everything a traditional Nepal trek should have: epic scenery, profound experiences with local people & their ancient culture, and a 17,000-foot Himalayan mountain crossing.
During the spring and autumn trekking seasons, Tusk Travel’s Nepalese partners organize weekly group departures. It is also possible to go on a private trek between February and June and September and November.
How can you reach Gorkha?
By Air:
The Bharatpur Airport is the closest airport to Gorkha, approximately 80 kilometres away, and operates flights to places like Pokhara and Kathmandu. Kathmandu Airport is located 160 kilometres from Gorkha and is Nepal’s primary airport, connecting various locations worldwide.
By Car:
Gorkha is well interconnected by road, and the roads in this region are well managed. Several buses, minibuses, and taxis are accessible from various regions of Nepal to Gorkha town.
Conclusion
Gorkha is a town in Nepal’s Gorkha district. It is located in the Gandaki Zone & spans an area of 3,600 square kilometres. Gorkha is home to the legendary Gurkha warriors, and the population of this region is part of the Nepal Army, while other villages rely on agriculture for a living.
The location is rich in cultural and historical value and natural beauty.
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