Gorkha
South Asia · Nepal
Did you know?
- The hill town was the seat of King Prithvi Narayan Shah 250 years ago.
- A cable car reaches a temple with panoramic Himalayan views.
- Local shops sell handicrafts, garments, and locally grown oranges.
See also
Overview
Gorkha combines royal history, hilltop viewpoints, Manakamana access, and a gateway to the less-developed Manaslu trail. Its walkable bazaar keeps the visit grounded in local food, crafts, and mountain-town life.
Languages: Nepali
Why Go
Gorkha is a historic hill town in Nepal's Annapurna region that serves as the birthplace of the unified Nepali nation. King Prithvi Narayan Shah ruled from here 250 years ago when he consolidated rival kingdoms into modern Nepal. The town offers access to the Manaslu Trek, one of Nepal's less-developed major trails, plus the sacred Manakamana Temple reachable by cable car with Himalayan views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get In
Gorkha is connected by all-weather road from Kathmandu (4 hours), Birjung (10 hours), Bhairahawa/Sunauli (10 hours), and Pokhara (3 hours). Buses are generally crowded; micro-buses are faster and relatively comfortable. Taxis can be hired from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Gorkha.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
Gorkha Bazaar is walkable. The Manakamana Temple is reached via a cable car from the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway. Trekking routes lead to higher elevation sites like Liglig Kot and Shreenathkot at 2700 m elevation.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When To Go
The best trekking seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Dashain festival holds special significance in Gorkha—the festival in Kathmandu officially begins only after flowers and holy offerings arrive from this town. The Manakamana Temple draws up to 3,000 visitors daily, swelling to tens of thousands during festivals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where To Stay
Budget lodges are available in Gorkha Bazaar and Manakamana. Manakamana has many budget lodges with TV, telephone, and en-suite baths. Listed options include Hotel Bisauni, Hotel Prince, and Hotel Old Capital in Gorkha Bazaar. Barpak Home Stay offers homestay accommodation in the tourist area of Barpak.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food And Drink
Simple local, Western, and Chinese restaurants are available in Gorkha Bazaar and Manakamana. Local food stalls line the trekking route to Manaslu Valley. There is no restriction on alcohol; local wine, beer, and raxi (locally made liquor) are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things To Do
Key attractions include Gorkha Durbar (former Shah royal residence at 1510 m elevation) and the Manakamana Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, reached by cable car with panoramic Himalayan views. High-altitude attractions include Liglig Kot (historic fort at 2700 m), Shreenathkot (tourist site at 2700 m), and Dudh Pokhari (holy milky lake at 5300 m). Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) is the eighth highest peak in the world and visible from the region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Shop for local handicrafts, garments, and locally grown oranges in Gorkha Bazaar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Trek to Pokhara via the Manaslu Trail, or take buses to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birjunj, or Sonauli. The Manaslu Tea-House Trek is a two-week journey typically starting from Gorkha Bazaar or Arughat, circumnavigating Manaslu peak through relatively undeveloped terrain.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Budget travelers can find simple local meals and budget lodges in Gorkha Bazaar. Manakamana budget lodges with basic amenities start at lower price points. The Manaslu Tea-House Trek costs depend on permits, guides, and food; expect higher costs for organized treks compared to village-based travel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Hotel Bisauni
Basic budget hotel in Gorkha Bazaar for overnight stays
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Old Capital
Budget hotel in Gorkha Bazaar with historical name
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Prince
Budget accommodation option in Gorkha Bazaar
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Local Restaurants in Gorkha Bazaar
Simple local, Western, and Chinese restaurants in the bazaar area
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Manakamana Restaurants
Restaurants near the temple serving local and visitor food
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Trekking Route Food Stalls
Local food stalls along the Manaslu trekking route
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Barpak Home Stay
tourist area
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Dudh Pokhari
High altitude holy milky lake at the height of 5300 m.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget lodges in Gorkha Bazaar and Manakamana; homestay options available in Barpak tourist area.
Activities
Manakamana Temple cable car, Gorkha Durbar visit, Manaslu Trek access. Trek requires 2 weeks minimum.
Culture
Dashain festival is especially significant here; flowers and offerings from Gorkha start the Kathmandu celebration.
Food
Local, Western, and Chinese cuisine available in Gorkha Bazaar and Manakamana; food stalls along trekking routes.
Transport
All-weather road connects Gorkha to Kathmandu (4 hr), Pokhara (3 hr), Birjung (10 hr). Micro-buses are faster than crowded buses.