Western Nepal
 

Lumbini

Lumbini is situated in Kapilvastu District of Lumbini Zone the western Terai of Nepal, 295 kms south west of Kathmandu is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautarn Buddha, the apostle of peace, compassion and non-violence. The broken Ashoka pillar remnant of an old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, ete, are preserved in Lumbini.

The ancient Kapilvastu state was spread on the bank of Rohini River to the east and there was Koliya state to the east of the river. The people of these two states were used to getting in and away through the grove of Rupadevi, a famous beautiful spot with a pond surrounded by Sal trees. It took its name from Rupadevi, the queen of Anjana, the king of Dewadaha. Historical facts show that in course of time the famous grove Rupadevi came to be known as "Rummini Dei" "Lumbini" and then "Rupandehi" now. Siddhartha Gautam was the son of king Suddhodhan (of the Shakya clan) who ruled Kapilvastu and Mayadevi (of the Koliya clan) The daughter of the ruler of the neighbouring state of Dewadaha.

Gorkha

Gorkha is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance.
GORKHA (pop. 20,600) is a hill town 110 km east of Pokhara. It is 23 km from the turnoff at Abu Khaireni which lies about midway between Pokhara and Kathmandu. As the ancestral seat of the Shah dynasty and home of the original Gurkha soldiers, Gorkha is a national pilgrimage spot. Its centerpiece is the 17th-century Gorkha Durbar, which is a fort, a palace and a temple with excellent views of the Manaslu range. A side-trip to the hilltop temple of Manakamana is in order. It can be reached by hiking from Abu Khaireni (three hours) or by cable car from Cheres on the main highway (96 km from Pokhara). (Temperature 7-36 degrees Celsius.) King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the kingdom of Nepal during eighteenth century, was born in the township of Gorkha. Situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m, Gorkha offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountain.

Then the small kingdom of Gorkha, founded by king Drabya Shah in 1560 A. D. became famous during the dynasty of Ram Shah (1604-1641 A.D.), who earned the reputation of being just to his people. There was a famous proverb in those days which said that one should go to Gorkha if he were looking for justice.

In the middle of eighteenth century there were hundreds of small kingdoms and principalities in what is today's Nepal. The great Prithvi Narayan Shah took the mammoth task of unifying Nepal in the eighteenth century. The Gorkha soldiers under his dynamic leadership eventually succeeded in conquering the Kathmandu valley. The capital of greater Nepal was shifted to Kathmandu since then. But this beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors.

Gorkha Durbar : This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township, about one hour's walk uphill from the bus station. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage). It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular.

Gorkha Bazaar : It is primarily a cobbled street market place where by people from neighboring hill dwellings come to trade. There are a few temples near about, but not much. Yet, it is worth a visit as it provides a very good vista of the quiet charm that soaks a typical hill village of Nepal.

Gorakhnath Cave : Ten meters below the palace's southern side, is the sacred cave temple of Gorkhanath. The cave is is carved out of the solid rock and is among the most important religious sites for mainstream Brahmins and Chhetris of Nepal. Gorkha is also an alternate starting point for a few trekking routes in the region. Gorkha-Trisuli is an easy three day walk along unspoiled Nepali country side. One can also walk a long day's walk to Besishahar, which is the usual starting point for Annapurna and Manang area treks. One can also walk through Besishahar area to Pokhara in a four days.

Upallokot : It is situated at a 20 minutes walking distance from Gorkha palace. There is a viewing platform at an altitude of 1520 meters in Upallokot from where the spectacular view of Gorkha palace and the sliver shining snow-fed peaks can be enjoyed.

Mahendranagar

 MAHENDRANAGAR* (population 62,000) is a Terai town situated at Nepal’s western extremity. It is the last stop on the 922-km long East-West Highway (Mahendra Highway) that runs along the southern flatlands to span the length of the Kingdom. Mahendranagar is 695 km from Kathmandu. It is the staging point for tours to the Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. Mahakali river and Tanakpur Barrage are popular side-trips.

Nepalgunj

 NEPALGUNJ* (pop. 48,000) is an industrial and trading center 199 km east of Dhangadhi. The Jai Bageswari temple marks the town center. It is the gateway to Royal Bardia National Park (95 km, three hours by car). After the safari, you should drive to Chisapani to view the 500-m long, single-tower bridge over the Karnali. Nepalgunj is the hub of air routes in western Nepal. (Temperature 5-44 degrees Celsius.)

Butwal

BUTWAL (pop. 44,300) is a key crossroads and bazaar town on the East-West Highway. The road leading north goes to Tansen (39 km) and on to Syangja (plus 81 km) and Pokhara (plus 38 km). Other roads run south to Bhairahawa (24 km), west to Nepalgunj (271 km) and east to Bharatpur (114 km). The local people are mostly Gurungs and Thakalis.

Bhairahawa

BHAIRAHAWA* (pop. 39,500), located in the Terai 24 km south of Butwal, is the gateway to Lumbini (22 km). The road leading north from Bhairahawa intersects the East-West Highway at Butwal. Bhairahawa is a busy entry/exit point for overland visitors. From Sunauli on the Indian border, the rail junction of Gorakhapur is three hours by bus, from where there are trains to all over India. (Temperature 6-43 degrees Celsius.)