Are you planning to visit Gorkha? Great choice! Gorkha is a beautiful hill town in Nepal with lots of amazing places to see and fun activities to do. This guide will show you the best in simple words that anyone can understand.
things to do in Gorkha
What Makes Gorkha Special?
Gorkha is not just any ordinary town. It’s the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who created modern Nepal. The town sits high up in the hills at 1,400 meters above sea level. From here, you can see amazing mountain views and enjoy cool, fresh air. The things to do in Gorkha are perfect for all kinds of travelers – whether you love history, adventure, or just want to relax.
Top Things to Do in Gorkha – Must-See Places
1. Visit Gorkha Palace (The Main Attraction)
The number one thing among all things to do in Gorkha is visiting the famous Gorkha Palace. This old palace was built 400 years ago and looks absolutely beautiful. Here’s what you’ll see:
- A big palace with amazing wood carvings
- Beautiful windows and doors made by skilled artists
- Great views of mountains from the top
- Old items used by kings and queens
Gorkha Palace
To reach the palace, you need to climb about 1,500 stone steps. Don’t worry – you can take breaks! The climb takes about 1 hour, but the views are worth every step. This is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Gorkha.
2. Pray at Kalika Temple
Right next to the palace, you’ll find Kalika Temple. This temple is very important for local people. They come here to pray to Goddess Kalika. Even if you’re not religious, visiting this temple is one of the peaceful things to do in Gorkha. The temple has beautiful decorations and offers great mountain views too.
Kalika Temple – Gorkha
3. Learn at Gorkha Museum
Want to learn about local history? The Gorkha Museum is one of the educational things to do in Gorkha. Inside, you’ll find:
Gorkha Museum
- Old weapons and armor
- Pictures from the past
- Traditional clothes and jewelry
- Cool items from long ago
The museum is small but very interesting. You can easily spend 1-2 hours here learning about Gorkha’s history.
Adventure Things to Do in Gorkha
4. Start Your Trekking Journey
Gorkha is the starting point for the famous Manaslu Trek. But don’t worry if you’re not ready for a long trek! There are many easy things to do in Gorkha for beginners:
- Short walks to nearby villages
- Easy hikes for sunset views
- Nature walks in the forest
- Photo walks around town
5. Hike to Liglig Kot
If you like hiking, going to Liglig Kot is one of the best things to do in Gorkha. This hike is not too hard and takes about 4-5 hours total. From the top, you can see:
Ligligkot
- Amazing mountain peaks
- Green valleys below
- Other hill towns in the distance
- Beautiful sunrise or sunset
6. Try River Rafting
Love water sports? River rafting on the Trishuli River is one of the most exciting things to do in Gorkha. The river is perfect for beginners because:
- The rapids are not too scary
- You get safety gear and guides
- Half-day trips are available
- The scenery is beautiful
Cultural Things to Do in Gorkha
7. Visit Local Villages
Meeting local people is one of the most interesting things to do in Gorkha. In nearby villages, you can:
- See how local families live
- Try traditional food
- Learn about local customs
- Stay in village homes (homestay)
The people in Gorkha are very friendly and love sharing their culture with visitors.
8. Shop for Local Items
Shopping for local crafts is one of the fun things to do in Gorkha. You can buy:
- Beautiful handmade clothes
- Local honey (very tasty!)
- Traditional jewelry
- Wood carvings and pottery
Shopping here helps local families earn money, so it’s good for everyone.
9. Taste Local Food
Trying local food is definitely one of the most delicious things to do in Gorkha! Must-try foods include:
- Dal Bhat – Rice with lentil soup (Nepal’s main dish)
- Gundruk – Sour leafy vegetables (very healthy)
- Sel Roti – Sweet ring-shaped bread
- Local tea – Fresh mountain tea
Most restaurants are simple but serve fresh, tasty food.
Nature Things to Do in Gorkha
10. Watch Sunrise and Sunset
Watching the sunrise or sunset is one of the most beautiful things to do in Gorkha. The best spots are:
- From the palace area
- Upallokot viewpoint
- Any high point around town
The mountains look golden during sunrise and sunset – perfect for photos!
11. Bird Watching
For nature lovers, bird watching is one of the peaceful things to do in Gorkha. You can see:
- Big eagles flying high
- Colorful small birds
- Beautiful peacocks
- Many other mountain birds
Bring binoculars if you have them, but you can see many birds with just your eyes.
More Things to Do in Gorkha
12. Take a Cable Car Trip
Near Gorkha, you can take a cable car to Manakamana Temple. This is one of the modern things to do in Gorkha area. The cable car ride is:
- Safe and comfortable
- Offers great views
- Takes about 10 minutes
- Fun for the whole family
13. Visit Small Temples
Around Gorkha, there are many small temples and monasteries. Visiting these is one of the quiet things to do in Gorkha. These places are:
- Very peaceful
- Good for meditation
- Free to visit
- Beautiful and old
14. Take Photos
Photography is one of the most popular things to do in Gorkha. Great photo spots include:
- The palace with mountains behind
- Local people in traditional clothes
- Beautiful old buildings
- Amazing mountain views
15. Walk Around Old Town
Simply walking around old Gorkha town is one of the simple things to do in Gorkha. You’ll see:
- Old stone streets
- Traditional houses
- Local shops and markets
- Friendly local people
When to Visit Gorkha
The best time for things to do in Gorkha is:
- October to December: Clear mountain views, nice weather
- March to May: Warm days, good for hiking
- Avoid June to September: Rainy season, cloudy views
Where to Stay
Gorkha has many places to stay:
- Budget: Simple guesthouses ($5-15 per night)
- Medium: Comfortable hotels ($15-40 per night)
- Experience: Village homestays ($10-25 per night)
All options are clean and safe for travelers.
How to Get to Gorkha
Getting to Gorkha is easy:
- From Kathmandu: 4-5 hours by bus ($3-5)
- From Pokhara: 3-4 hours by bus ($2-4)
- Private car: More expensive but faster and comfortable
Buses run every hour during the day.
How Long to Stay
For all the main things to do in Gorkha, plan:
- Minimum: 2 days (see main attractions)
- Recommended: 3-4 days (include hiking and culture)
- Extended: 5-7 days (include trekking and villages)
Tips for Your Gorkha Trip
- Bring good walking shoes – You’ll do lots of walking
- Pack warm clothes – It gets cold at night
- Carry water – Stay hydrated while hiking
- Bring camera – Lots of beautiful views
- Learn basic Nepali words – Locals appreciate it
- Carry cash – Many places don’t take cards
- Be respectful – Especially in temples
What to Pack for Things to Do in Gorkha
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm jacket for evenings
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Camera or phone for photos
- Basic medicines
- Flashlight for early morning/evening
Gorkha is an amazing place with so many wonderful things to do in Gorkha. Whether you want to see historical places, try adventure activities, meet local people, or just relax with mountain views, Gorkha has something for everyone.
The best part about things to do in Gorkha is that most activities are affordable and suitable for beginners. You don’t need special skills or expensive equipment to enjoy this beautiful town.
Remember, the things to do in Gorkha are not just about seeing places – they’re about experiencing real Nepal. Take your time, talk to local people, try local food, and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover why Gorkha is one of Nepal’s hidden treasures. The things to do in Gorkha will give you memories that last a lifetime!
Ready to explore Gorkha? Start planning your trip today with ExploreAllAboutNepal your trusted guide to Nepal’s amazing destinations!