Gorkha District is a mountain district in central Nepal, within Gandaki Province. It is best known as the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the ruler who unified modern Nepal, and that history gives the district much of its character for visitors.
What to see
- Gorkha Palace, the historic palace associated with the king who unified the country, is the district's central historical site.
- The surrounding hills, which give the district its mountain setting and the views and walking that come with it.
The palace is the natural anchor of a visit. Because it stands in a mountain district rather than a large city, the pace is slower, and time spent there tends to be shaped by the landscape as much as by the buildings.
Planning a visit
Gorkha suits travellers interested in Nepal's history and in its hill country rather than in busy urban sightseeing. It works well as a stop within a wider journey through central Nepal, where the district's landscape and heritage can be combined with other destinations in the region.
Check the current conditions for the palace and for local travel before setting out, as access to mountain districts can depend on the season and on road and weather conditions.
