How to get there?
Gorkha located midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara can be reached from either
cities by taxi or public bus. For accommodation and dining, there are
hotels,
guest houses and restaurants located in Gorkha to satisfy your preferences.
Transportation Cost should not cost you $2 to $3 by bus, about $20 by Taxi from
Pokhara, and about $30 by Taxi from Kathmandu, and accommodation is relatively
inexpensive here.Some of the major spots to visit in Gorkha:
Gorkha Palace
Gorkha Palace is the ancient home of shah dynasty. It carries very important
historical value. This palace lies above one thousand seven hundred steps (1700)
from bottom of the hill to the top. It takes around 2 hours to reach the top.
That's some hiking to do! If you get tired sit down on a step or think how much
easier the trip down will be! You will be glad you got to the top. On a clear
sky day, you can view Himalayan range including spectacular view of
Manaslu and
Himalchuli Mountains, and panoramic views of the valleys. Also view the palace
building, one of Nepal's historical landmark, some buildings have interesting
wood carvings portraying various romantic scenes. Also vie the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali residing on the west side of the palace. To view sunrise from the
palace, climb very early in the morning.
Some of the major events of Gorkha:
King Prithivi's Birthday
Celebration On King Prithivi's birthday, which is a national Nepali holiday
known as Prithivi Jayanti , various celebrations are held throughout Nepal, one
of which is held in Gorkha bazaar located at the foot of the hill. So if you
happen to visit Gorkha on that day, observe that event as well. Prithivi Jayanti
is on 27th of January 2005 (1st of Poush 2060, according to Nepalese Annual
Calendar).
The King's statues are found in many places in Nepal which many visitors find
of interest to observe. Many places are dedicated to his name, for example
Prithivi Chowk (Cross Road) in Kathmandu, Prithivi Chowk in Pokhara, Prithivi
Chowk in Bharatpur, and the Highway connecting Kathmandu with Pokhara and then
to Baglung is called Prithvi Highway. Photos and Portraits of the King have his
right-hand's first finger pointing up, signifying that Nepal is one kingdom (or
in Nepali, the meaning is `We all come together as one'). His statues have that
characteristic.
Dashain Jamara Procession
During Nepal's popular festival Dashain, Jamaras are brought from the Gorkha
palace to the modern Narayan Hiti Royal Palace in Kathmandu. The King Prithivi
Narayan Shah had moved the capital of Nepal from Gorkha to Kathmandu, and he is
the founder of the Shah dynasty. Jamaras from Gorkha are used by the Royal
family as a blessing from the King and above! On the
Dashain Fulpati Day, there
is a Royal Army parade, Fulpati procession to Gorkha Durbar and other activities
of religious and cultural interests which visitors may find interesting to
observe.
Popular Trekking from Gorkha
If you seek to trek from Gorkha, there is no where a better place to taste some
of Nepal's hillside experience than from Gorkha. You can chose to trek from
Gorkha to Kathmandu or Gorkha to Pokhara, However, the most popular trekking
from Gorkha is from Gorkha to Pokhara, which is of 10 days. First day, arrive at
Gorkha Bazaar, complete sightseeing of the Gorkha palace, then from the second
day onwards start trekking from Gorkha - Luitel - Hirmantar - Tarughat -
Besisahar - Ghattekhola - Gharpokhari - Rupatal - then arrive Pokhara on the
10th day, then extend a few days of
trekking or
sightseeing in and around
Pokhara. |
