A brief introduction to Gorkha

Visit Gorkha (Manaslu) a historical, cultural, and adventure site of Nepal. The headquarters of Gorkha is Gorkha Bazar which is in Gorkha municipality. From the administrative point of view,  four constituencies of the province. Likewise, it has been divided into 2 municipalities and 9 rural municipalities. Namely, Gorkha Municipality, Palungtar Municipality, Ajirkot Rural Municipality, Arughat Rural Municipality, Gandaki Rural Municipality, Chumanuvri Rural Municipality, Dharche Rural Municipality, Bhimsen Rural Municipality, Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, Siranchok Rural Municipality, Sulikot Rural Municipality. To the east of this district, Dhading District and Tibet (China) are on the west border with Tanahun District, Lamjung District, Manang District and Tibet (China), on the north border with Tibet (China) and the south border are Chitwan District, Tanahun District and Dhading District.

Naming of the Gorkha

Regarding the name ‘Gorkha’, there are similar ideas found in various genealogies and books written quoting and copying it. It is believed that the name of this place is “Gorkha” because it is a place where cows are protected in the name of Yogi Gorakhnath, the worshipful god of the Gorkha people. From the time of Ram Shah in Gorkha, it seems that books, inscriptions, and deity idols were written and engraved.
In the Nepali language, grass is considered to be khark, so the word khark is distorted into garkh, it is also believed to be Gorkha. Not only those above the eighteen hundred rivers, but also from Manang (Manang), people used to come to the fields to graze their cattle, sheep, lambs, horses, and goats. It can also be assumed that after the location of the ancient Khark, the pronunciation changed from ‘Garkh’, ‘Garkha’ to ‘Gorkha’ in that area. The word ‘Garkha’ is still used to refer to the area.

Important Historical Sites

Historical heritage like Gorkha Durwar, Gorakhnath Temple, Lower Darwar, religious heritage like Mankamana Temple, Gorakhkali Temple, various coats, monasteries, and caves are the main attractions here. Gorkha also has a temple of Jagatmata Bhagwati Kali and a cave of Guru Gorakhnath, who is considered Jagatguru. Thousands of devotees come here to have darshan and fulfill their wishes. Also, on every Ashtami day, Bali Puja is offered. There is daily worship and bhajan kirtan. Kalika and Guru Shri Gorakhnath are considered to be worshiped by Hindus or the national deities of Nepal. Sri Bhavani and Sri Sri Sri Gorakhnath are also written on Nepali coins. In addition, Guru Shri Gorakhnath’s footsteps were also engraved on the national mark of Nepal. From this, it is known that they are all Nepali Aardhyadevs.

Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality

Present Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality was established in 2017 (2073 BS) according to the new administrative division as a local government of Nepal. Borlang, Dhawa, and Tandrang are the historical places of this Rural Municipality Dharma Guru (Religious Priest and intellectual Astronomer) of Ram Shah, Guru Dullav lived in Dhawa and Tandrang village at that time. Borlang is the birthplace of National hero Bhimsen Thapa who was the strong prime minister of early modern Nepal. As well as a great politician on the unification of Nepal and the period of the Nepal Anglo War. The name of Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality is also enlisted from his name.

Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality is surrounded by Dhading District on the East, Gorkha Municipality, and Siranchok Rural Municipality on the West, Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality and Aarughat Rural Municipality on the North, and Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality and Dhading District on the South.

Siddhakali Temple

Bhimsena Thapa 2 and 4 Sangam of Dhawa and Tandrang
It is believed that in ancient times Siddha Baba, a Siddha man, came to the Roman peak of Sallaghari and did a long penance and achieved Siddhi. It is also believed that King Ramshah’s tantric guru, astrologer, and consultant Dullav Lamichhane made his abode in Muduli Thumko and attained siddhi by performing penance in the present Siddhakali temple complex. Later, following his advice, King Ramshah established the temple of Kali, the goddess of power, and named it Siddhakali after the name of Siddha Baba and Kali. After that, the archeological evidence that Rishi Dullav built a pond from brick by brick in the center of Dhawa in the present day and started living in a mound called Rajelithok on the west side of the same Itlapokhari can be found now. There is historical evidence that King Ramshah conquered Salyankot in Dhading district after passing through Budhigandaki from Dhawatar or Baluwatar with the Tantric strength and advice of Dullava Rishi. At the time of Dasain, flowers are brought to Shaktipith from Salyankot to Gorkhakali at the same time. Later, from Prithvi Narayan Shah till now, the work of bringing flowers from Gorkha to Hanumandhoka is a continuation of this.

Historical Gorkha Village Tour

Embarking on a tour of Gorkha provides an immersive experience of the rich tapestry of Nepal’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The Historical Gorkha Village Tour is a pilgrimage to significant historical, cultural, and local destinations, showcasing gems like the Gorkha Durbar, the former palace of the Shahs, and the charming traditional village. Other highlights include Tarakhase, Siddhakali Temple, the Brick Pond of Dhawa, and monuments erected by Bhimsen Thapa.

At the heart of the tour lies the Gorkha Durbar, a multifaceted marvel encompassing a fort, a palace, and a temple, all nestled on a knife-edge ridge high above Gorkha. The panoramic views from this architectural wonder encompass the Trisuli Valley and the majestic peaks of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Ganesh Himalayas.

This village tour is a year-round delight, with Gorkha being the birthplace of the unification campaign in greater Nepal. Conveniently located just a 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu, visitors can enjoy the best of Gorkha’s offerings throughout their journey.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

  • Arrival at any time, greeted by Robinson Crusoe Holidays representatives
  • Check-in at the designated hotel, with an option for a typical Nepali dinner if arriving before 5 PM

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing

  • Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and local markets
  • Visit Narayanhiti Palace
  • Explore Swyambhu Nath Stupa

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Gorkha and Visit Gorkha

  • Explore the historical Gorkha palace
  • Visit Rani Pokhari, the local town, and traditional water taps

Day 4: Visit Gorkhakalika then move to Khanchok

  • Explore the historical Gorkha Kalika temple
  • Visit Gorakhnath Temple and its Meditation center
  • Learn about local culture, traditions, and evidence of the Gorkha earthquake in 2015

Day 5: Trip from Khanchok to Dhawa

  • Explore Ghyampeshal Elaka center and the old town in Mashel
  • Visit Tarakhase, a historical tiny valley without passes
  • Explore Siddhakali temple with a pine forest and view tower of Ganesh Himal and Manasalu range
  • Overnight at historical Pond Itlapokhari (Bricks Pond)

Day 6: Explore Dhawa’s historical and ethnic village

  • Visit Prabhat Secondary School
  • Explore Thani Than (powerful women deity) and another view tower close to Budhi Gandaki River

Day 7: Trips from Dhawa to Borlang

  • Visit the traditional agricultural activities of farmers
  • Enjoy freshwater swimming in Tandrang Khola
  • Explore the traditional Gurung settlement in Simalchour
  • Visit the birthplace of Bhimsen Thapa and some water taps made by himself

Day 8: Drive Borlang – Ashrang to Kathmandu

  • Visit the Muslim settlement in Taple and Kokhe Aale
  • Make stops for local experiences along the way

Day 9: Final Departure

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel according to your flight schedule
  • Pack your luggage and transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport with Robinson Crusoe Holidays representatives

Lower Manaslu Trek 

Day 01: Departure from Kathmandu to Piplechhap (1090m).
Day 02: Trek from Piplechhap to Gorkha Bazaar (900m), duration: 4-5 hours.
Day 03: Excursion at Gorkha Bazaar (900m).
Day 04: Journey from Gorkha Bazaar to Sirandanda (1900m), estimated time: 6-7 hours.
Day 05: Trek from Sirandanda to Barpak (1920m), spanning 6-7 hours.
Day 06: Traverse from Barpak to Laprak (2100m), approximately 5-6 hours on foot.
Day 07: Trek from Laprak to Nambe Kharka (2700m).
Day 08: Proceed from Nambe Kharka to Tallo Thotnery (1560m).
Day 09: Trek down to Gyampesal (970m) from Tallo Thotnery.
Day 10: Drive from Gyampesal to Gorkha Bazaar and onward to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Day 1: Journey from Kathmandu to Machhi Khola by road.
Day 2: Trek from Machhi Khola to Jagat.
Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng.
Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung.
Day 5: Continue trekking from Namrung to Lho.
Day 6: Proceed from Lho to Samagaon.
Day 7: Rest day for acclimatization at Samagaon.
Day 8: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo.
Day 9: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi).
Day 10: Trek from Dharamsala to Bimthang via Larkya Lass Pass.
Day 11: Trek from Bimthang to Tilije.
Day 12: Trek from Tilije to Dharapani and drive to Besisahar.
Day 13: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machhi Khola (890 m) via Arughat (570 m).
Day 2: Trek from Machhi Khola (890m) to Jagat (1350m).
Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Lokpa.
Day 4: Continue trekking from Lokpa to Chumling.
Day 5: Trek from Chumling to Chhokang Paro.
Day 6: Proceed from Chhokang Paro to Chhule.
Day 7: Trek from Chhule/Nile to Mu Gumpa.
Day 8: Return trek from Mu Gumpa to Chhokang Paro.
Day 9: Trek from Chhokang Paro to Chumling.
Day 10: Trek from Chumling to Deng.
Day 11: Continue trekking from Deng to Namrung.
Day 12: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon.
Day 13: Rest day for acclimatization at Samagaon.
Day 14: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo.
Day 15: Trek from Samdo to Dharmasala.
Day 16: Trek from Dharmasala to Bhimtang.
Day 17: Trek back to Besisahar from Dharapani.
Day 18: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu.

Bid farewell to Nepal, returning to your home country or next destination according to your schedule.