Gorkha
Indian Gorkhas or Bharatiya Gorkhas (Nepali) are Nepali-speaking people of India. The term “Indian Gorkha” tries to make a distinction between citizen of Nepal and the Indian citizens of Gorkha (Nepali) ethnic group.
In the introduction to the book Gorkhas Imagined (2009), Prem Poddar makes an important point about the Gorkhas in Nepal versus the Gorkhas in India: “the word ‘Gorkha’ (or the neologism ‘Gorkhaness’) as a self-descriptive term … has gained currency as a marker of difference for Nepalis living in India as opposed to their brethren and sistren in Nepal.
Shreeban Nature Camp:
The Shreeban Nature Camp offers rock climbing, hang-gliding, mountain biking and trekking in the hills around Dhading.
Upallo Durbar Fortress:
The Gorkha fortress, perched above the town like an eagle’s eyrie, provides some spectacular views. To the north are the peaks of the High Himalayas from the Ganesh Himal in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west, with majestic Manaslu (8156 m (26,768 ft)) catching the eye between. To the south are the summits of the Mahabharat range. The fortress was built at the time of Ram Shah (1606-36) and extended by his successors. Architecturally and artistically it bears all the hallmarks of the craftsmen from the Kathmandu Valley to whom the Shahs entrusted the embellishment of their palace while they themselves concentrated on the art of war.
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.
Gorkha Palace: Visit the Gorkha palace here to begin your sightseeing of the region.Climb the palace steps from the bottom of the hill, all the way to the top, climbing about one thousand seven hundred steps (1700), in about two hours. That’s some hiking to do! If you get tired sit down on a step or think how much easier the trip down will be! You will be glad you got to the top. On a clear sky day, you can view Himalayan range including spectacular view of Manaslu and Himalchuli Mountains, and panoramic views of the valleys.
Dashain Jamara Procession: During Nepal’s popular festival Dashain, Jamaras are brought from the Gorkha palace to the modern Narayan Hiti Royal Palace in Kathmandu. The King Prithivi Narayan Shah had moved the capital of Nepal from Gorkha to Kathmandu, and he is the founder of the Shah dynasty. Jamaras from Gorkha are used by the Royal family as a blessing from the King and above! On the Dashain Fulpati Day, there is a Royal Army parade, Fulpati procession to Gorkha Durbar and other activities of religious and cultural interests which visitors may find interesting to observe. For more on Jamaras and Dashain see Dahsain festival (The 7th Day of Dashain)
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.
