Gorkha

Gorkha is a hill bazaar and the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty, which rules Nepal today. It is from here that King Prithvi Narayan Shah started his conquest of the country's various tiny kingdoms and unified them into a single nation, Nepal. Perched one thousand feet above Gorkha Bazaar, the palace dominates the surroundings and is visible from all around the area. It is regarded as a holy shrine by many and from here, visitors can get fantastic views of kush green valleys and the Himalaya beyond. The palace also boasts beautiful architecture.

Even through only Hindus are allowed to enter the palace premises, it is worthwhile walking up the stairs for the view. A holy cave is situated just below the palace where once lives a saint named Gorakhnath from which the town earned its name. Visitors will enjoy strolling around Gorkha Bazaar, which is located below the palace. Its fine architecture and cobbled lanes are reminiscent of a time long forgotten.

To get to Gorkha from Kathmandu, rented cars, taxis or public buses are available at the main bus station at Gongabu. Visitors should buy their tickets in advance since the buses leave at 7 am every morning. On our arrival in Gorkha, you can make a selection from a wide range of lodgings, which provide cheap as well as expensive accommodations.