Palpa Trekking

Situated at 1372m. above sea level, the ancient town of Tansen is the headquarters of Palpa district. Ancient culture, excellent mountain views, serene atmosphere and friendly people are the major attractions of this area. Besides, Tansen has also gained its popularity for historical monuments, temples and lively handicraft industry. It is located about seven kilometers northwest of Bartung in Siddhartha Highway.

The moderate weather of this pristine peace of earth offers trekking in this region throughout the year. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar and other peaks can be seen when the days are clear. Dhaka - the most popular hand woven cloth of Nepal has its origin in Tansen. The Nepali topi (national cap) is made of Dhaka and one can find weavers at work on their looms. Visitors are offered cultural programs such as Dohari, a local singing competition in which the team of boys and team of girls sing one after another to win the other group on request. Doharis are popular songs which move every Nepali for its rich melody and heart-touching quality. There are various places worthy to be visited in Palpa. The major attractions are as followes:
Balanced on the lap of the spectacular Srinagar Danda (hill), Tansen boasts a gorgeous panorama of the Himalayas as well as the plains of Terai. Tansen is among a few towns outside the capital which bears a rich legacy of the traditional art and architecture. Situated at an elevation of 1310 meters, Tansen is a pleasant place to visit throughout the year. The hill of Srinagar located at an elevation of 1524m, half an hour’s walk up Tansen Bazaar, is rare vantage point to view the contrasting manifestation of nature. An incredibly long panorama of the mountains encircling Kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Langtang Himal at a stretch is visible from here on one hand, while on the other the plains of Madi valley and the bigger terai also comes to distinct view from the same point. Besides, one can visit some of the beautiful points on the Kali Gandaki river such as Ranighat Palace and Ramdi Ghat, the dense and serene woody slopes of Rambhapani and Satyawati lake. Tansen also provides opportunity for studying Buddhist culture and the life and culture of Magar tribes.
Shreenagar Hill is another attraction of this trek. It is one of the most picturesque spots in the whole Palpa region. Shreenagar hill is situated in a scenic grander and magnificent natural surroundings. A mere 30 minutes climb on foot or 10 minutes drive from the town of Tansen, can lead to the top of the hill which commands a unique spectrum of natural extravaganza-from the snowcapped Himalayan peaks in the north to the lush green wide expanse of plains of Terai in the south, and of course, the panoramic view of the Tansen town. The impressive meadow on the hill top is an ideal spot to view the breathtaking scenes of majestic Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and the famed twin peaks of Machhapuchare-the fishtail mountain.
Amar Narayan Temple is the next attraction of this trek. Built in 1807 AD by Amar Singh Thapa, the temple of Amar Narayan is considered an important landmark of Tansen. It is built in typical Nepali Pagoda style. It is famous for its historical and architectural significance. The intricate works of wood carvings in the temple are simply marvelous. The temple is surrounded by one meter wide stone wall-locally known as the ‘Great wall of Palpa’. Inside the temple-complex there are the temple of Lord Mahadev, ponds, parks, rest houses and a natural water spring. Every morning and evening devotees gather in the compound and chant ‘Bhajans’ ( holy recitals) in chorus.
Tansen Durbar, built in 1927 AD by Pratap Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana, is a grand imposing palace in the heart of the town. Once the seat of the Rana governors, the Durbar is now the district secretariat of Palpa district.
Shitalpati (the Round House) is another attraction of Tansen. Built by Khadga Shamsher, the original Shitalpati is of octagonal shape. A round house around the Shitapati has been recently built. The historically important Shitalpati is a popular hang out for the locals now. The ‘Baggi Dhoka’, the biggest gate of its kind in Nepal is located in this square. The locals often rend to compare it with the architecture of Mugal Empire in India.
Bhagawati Temple, built by Ujir Singh Thapa in 1814 AD to mark the victory over colonial British-India forces, is a small structure but holds immense religions importance. Located near the Tansen Durbar, it is a pilgrimage of Palpalies. It is said that the original structure was remarkably bigger and beautiful. It has undergone many physical adjustments, most recently after the great earthquake of 1934. In the month of August every year, a chariot procession of deities is taken out throughout the town with military honor to observe the historic battle.
Amargunj Ganesh was also built by Amar Singh Thapa. Similarly, Amar Narayan temple was also built in 1807 A.D. by Amar Singh Thapa. Architecturally, the temple bears the same style and character of Amar Narayan Temple. The temple has a big artistic ‘Rest House’ where a school has been run currently