Tansen, the main town of Palpa district, sits on a hillside at about 1,350 m on the Siddhartha Highway between Pokhara and Lumbini. It has steep cobbled lanes, Newar houses and temples, and a long tradition of weaving Palpali Dhaka, the patterned cloth used for Nepali caps and shawls. Few foreign tourists stop, which makes it all the more charming.
Quick answer: Tansen is about 5–6 hours from Pokhara and 3 hours from Lumbini. Walk the old town, climb Shreenagar hill for Himalayan views, and visit Rani Mahal, a palace on the Kali Gandaki. Allow 1–2 nights.
Tansen (Palpa) at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 1,350 m |
| District | Palpa |
| Known for | Dhaka weaving, Newar architecture |
| Nearby | Rani Mahal, Shreenagar hill |
| Best time | October–April |
Things to do
- Explore the old bazaar and Amar Narayan Temple.
- Sunrise from Shreenagar hill.
- Hike or drive to Rani Mahal, built in the 1890s on the Kali Gandaki.
- Buy Dhaka cloth from local weavers.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Tansen is a perfect overnight stop between Pokhara and Lumbini. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.