High above the town of Gorkha stands Gorkha Durbar, the fortress-palace of the Shah kings. It was from here that Prithvi Narayan Shah set out in the 18th century on the campaign that unified the many small kingdoms of the region into modern Nepal. The palace, temple and the views across to the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges make it well worth the climb.
Quick answer: Gorkha is about 1 hour off the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway from Abu Khaireni. Climb the stone steps from Gorkha Bazaar to the Durbar, and visit the Gorkha Museum in town. Views of Manaslu on clear days. Allow half a day.
Gorkha Durbar at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| District | Gorkha |
| History | Seat of Prithvi Narayan Shah, unifier of Nepal |
| Access | Road from Abu Khaireni, then a climb on foot |
| Views | Manaslu, Ganesh Himal |
| Time needed | Half a day |
What to see
- The palace and the Kalika Temple.
- Gorkha Museum in Tallo Durbar.
- Mountain views from the ridge.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Gorkha is a fascinating stop for anyone interested in Nepali history. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.