Gandaki Province, Nepal
Gorkha Travel Guide
The hill town that gave Nepal its name — ancestral home of the Shah kings and birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, crowned by the Gorkha Durbar fort-palace.
Gorkha is the small hill town that gave Nepal its name. It is the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty and the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king who unified Nepal's scattered hill states into a single nation in the 18th century — the same campaign that gave the world the famous Gurkha soldiers.
The town's centrepiece is the Gorkha Durbar, a fort, palace and temple complex perched on the ridge above the streets, reached by a steep flight of stone steps and rewarded with valley and Himalayan views. Below the palace sits a small museum, while a short drive away the Manakamana cable car climbs to one of Nepal's most visited pilgrimage temples. Quieter than the main tourist hubs, Gorkha pairs naturally with the restored Newari town of Bandipur and earns its place among the best places to visit in Nepal.
Where to stay in Gorkha
Trekking & treks in Gorkha
What to do in Gorkha
The Best Things to Do in Gorkha
Best Time to Visit Gorkha
Gorakhkali Temple
Gorakhnath & Kalika Temple
Gorakhnath Cave
Gorkha Bazaar
Gorkha Durbar
Gorkha Itinerary
Gorkha Museum
Gorkha Temples, Cable Car & History
Liglig Kot
Manakamana Temple
More Things to Do in Gorkha
Sirandanda Viewpoint
Tallokot
Upallokot Viewpoint
Festivals & events in Gorkha
Getting around in Gorkha
Frequently asked questions
Why is Gorkha historically important?+
Gorkha is the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty and the birthplace of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king who unified the many small states of the Himalaya into modern Nepal in the 18th century. The country's Gurkha soldiers also take their name from the town.
What is there to do in Gorkha?+
The headline sight is the Gorkha Durbar, the hilltop fort, palace and temple complex above the town, reached by a steep stair climb with valley and Himalaya views. Nearby is the Gorkha Museum on Shah-dynasty history, and the Manakamana temple, reached by cable car, is a short drive away.
How do you get to Gorkha?+
Gorkha sits off the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway in Gandaki Province. Most visitors arrive by bus or private vehicle from either city, turning north at Abu Khaireni. The journey from Kathmandu takes roughly four to five hours depending on traffic.
Is Gorkha worth visiting?+
Yes, especially if you have an interest in Nepali history. The Gorkha Durbar pairs sweeping mountain views with the founding story of the nation, and the town makes a quieter, less-touristed stop than the main hubs. It combines well with a visit to nearby Bandipur.
How many days do you need in Gorkha?+
One full day is enough to climb to the Gorkha Durbar, visit the museum and take in the views. Add a second day if you want to include the Manakamana cable-car pilgrimage, or use Gorkha as an overnight stop while travelling between Kathmandu and Pokhara.