Tansen Hill Station Tour - days

Tansen, Palpa is the most famous hill station in the western part of Himalayan country Nepal, which is a small ancient hill town situated 4300 meters above sea level. It is located on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini. Major attractions here are the ancient culture, excellent mountain views, serene atmosphere and friendly people. It is located on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini which is 270 km far from Kathmandu valley and 125 km far from Pokhara. A picturesque hill town lying on the lap of the Shreenagar Hills, Tansen is the headquarters of Palpa district and the hub of the mid-west culture of Nepal.  The district varies from 250 to 2,000 m in elevation. The town has houses strongly influenced by traditional Newari architecture.  The name “Tansen” has its origin in the Magar language, meaning “northern settlement.”  Palpa with its diverse culture and religion falls in the twelve Magar regions of West Nepal. Beautiful view of the mountains, clean environment, friendly people and ancient culture is the major attraction of Tansen, Palpa. From here you can see the highest peaks of Nepal including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu, in clear days. Dhaka – the most popular hand woven cloth of Nepal comes from this region. The Nepali topi (national cap) is made of Dhaka and you can see the weavers at work on their looms or see a bazaar of Dhakas in Tanseen. It is believed that the migrant from Kathmandu valley, especially the Newars played an important role in enriching the architecture and culture of Tansen, and this can be seen today in Tansen.

See here Rana buildings, Newari houses, carved windows and pagoda style temples, also meet folks at shopping in one of the highest and busiest bazaars in Nepal.

Visit the ancient building (palace) set on a massive rock bed at the bank of the Kali Gandaki river for viewing palace garden, stone walls, and a small shrine. This palace was built in 1892 by Governor Khadka Shamser in memory of his wife Tej Kumari, and is often called the Taj Mahal of Nepal.

In the center of the town lies a 64 room Palace, a representation of arts and crafts of the ancient Palpa. On the saddest morning of 31st of January 2006, Nepal’s Maoist Rebels launched attacks in Tansen with no apparent reasons. They fought with local authorities and bombarded many ancient buildings including the Palace which had housed government offices. Many historical buildings including the Tansen palace was destroyed. Tansen Palace has a good reputation and popularity. In fact, it’s importance falls right after the Singha Durbar of Kathmandu (The place where, Nepal’s most top ministers stay and work inside this secure compound, and also where the Nepal’s Parliament office is located) The Tansen Palace is the heart of Palpa, attracting International as well as Domestic tourists to this beautiful hill.

Tanahu is a beautiful hill town, which is located only about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Tansen, liked by a road. It is a favorite nearby destination of Tansen town. Tanahu offers beautiful natural forests, farm lands and views of the mountains and valleys. One can enjoy here, the Rambha forest, Rimbha lekh and Kaaude and Hatti pond.

An easy trekking of 6 miles from Tansen, brings you to a beautiful spot, the Bhairabsthan temple. From here you can view Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhare and witness cultural attractions. The temple has a large Trishul (Trident), and it receives a large number of visitors on every Saturday and Tuesday. People sacrifice animals and offer grains, and fruits to please the Hindu God Bhairab, whose figure is believed to be kept hidden under the floor of the temple and the figure is identically to the Kal Bhairab status of Kathmandu, located at Durbar Square. Kal Bhairab is the Nepalese God of Destruction. Temples dedicated to him are located in many parts of Nepal.

Other Places

Visit Shreenagar for 360 degree view of hills surrounding Palpa and beyond. Also visit the Bhagwati and Amaar Narayan temple situated in the region.