Tansen, a picturesque hill town lying on the lap of the spectacular Srinagar Hills, is also the headquarter of Palpa district. The charming natural setting combine with its rich cultural heritage give visitors a whole-some holiday. Located at an elevation of 1,310 meters, Tansen has spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas as well as the plains of Terai. The town could be visited any time of the year due to its pleasant weather.
Srinagar Hill
Srinagar hill is one of the most picturesque areas in the entire Palpa region. About an hour uphill from the town centre, one can not only enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view of the Himalayas running from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gauri Shanker in the northeast, but also take pleasure in passing through peaceful forest, pine plantation, deciduous forest with a lot of beautiful rhododendron flowers and panoramic view of Tansen town. There is a statue of Buddha at the eastern end of Srinagar ridge. It takes about half-an-hour to reach this statue. Thai monks donated the Buddha statue. It commemorates a part of Buddha’s life.
Tansen Durbar
This former palace of the provincial governer, built by the then Western Commander in –Chief, Pratap Shamsher in 1927, is a grand imposing palace in the heart of the town. Once it was the seat of the Rana goveners, the Durber is now the district secretariat of Palpa district.
Ramdi
A half-day walk through fertile landscape and terraced rice fields lead to Ramdi on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Ramdi is a ‘Ghat’(cremation place) where people bring their deceased relatives for their final rites. Besides this, Ramdi is famous for its cavew temples, where farmers from surrounding villages offer milk to appease the gods to protect their cattle from leopards and jackals.
Ranighat
The ancient building (palace) is set on a massive rock bed at the bank of the Kali Gandaki river. This palace was built in 1892 by governer Khadka Shamser in memory of his wife Tej Kumari, and is often called the “Taj Mahal of Nepal”.
Amar Narayan Temple
This temple is a traditional three-tiered pagoda-style temple built in 1806. It has well carved doors and has some intricate woodwork of erotic figures on the roof struts. Considered to be one of the most beautiful temples outside of the Kathmandu Valley, it was built by Amar Singh Thapa, who annexed Tansen to become part of Nepal.
Taksar
Taksar is another interesting place in the town where for centuries the famous bronze and brass works of Tansen were produced. One can have a look at how the famous ancient articles such as karuwa(water jug), hukka(water pipe), auntee(jug for Nepali brandy), et cetera are produced.
Fast Facts
Languages spoken: Nepali is understood by most while Magar is also widely spoken
Climate: Tansen’s climate is moderate and pleasant. The temperature does not rise above 28 degree Celsius during summer and it doesnot fall below 8 degree Celsius during winter.
Views of Himalayan peaks: kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Langtang Himal
Accommodation: There are budgets hotels and lodges
Communication: Telephone, wireless internet and postal service
Getting there
Tansen is approximately 296 kilometers and about 10-hour drive from Kathmandu via Butwal. It is approximately 324 kilometers from Kathmandu via Pokhara. Buses to Tansen ply from Gongabu bus station in Kathmandu. It is also possible to take a flight to either Pokhara or Bhairawa from where Tansen is approximately three-to-four hour drive.
Source: The Himalayan Times, Travel & Lifestyle, 13-June-2013
Srinagar Hill
Srinagar hill is one of the most picturesque areas in the entire Palpa region. About an hour uphill from the town centre, one can not only enjoy a breath-taking panoramic view of the Himalayas running from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gauri Shanker in the northeast, but also take pleasure in passing through peaceful forest, pine plantation, deciduous forest with a lot of beautiful rhododendron flowers and panoramic view of Tansen town. There is a statue of Buddha at the eastern end of Srinagar ridge. It takes about half-an-hour to reach this statue. Thai monks donated the Buddha statue. It commemorates a part of Buddha’s life.
Tansen Durbar
This former palace of the provincial governer, built by the then Western Commander in –Chief, Pratap Shamsher in 1927, is a grand imposing palace in the heart of the town. Once it was the seat of the Rana goveners, the Durber is now the district secretariat of Palpa district.
Ramdi
A half-day walk through fertile landscape and terraced rice fields lead to Ramdi on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Ramdi is a ‘Ghat’(cremation place) where people bring their deceased relatives for their final rites. Besides this, Ramdi is famous for its cavew temples, where farmers from surrounding villages offer milk to appease the gods to protect their cattle from leopards and jackals.
Ranighat
The ancient building (palace) is set on a massive rock bed at the bank of the Kali Gandaki river. This palace was built in 1892 by governer Khadka Shamser in memory of his wife Tej Kumari, and is often called the “Taj Mahal of Nepal”.
Amar Narayan Temple
This temple is a traditional three-tiered pagoda-style temple built in 1806. It has well carved doors and has some intricate woodwork of erotic figures on the roof struts. Considered to be one of the most beautiful temples outside of the Kathmandu Valley, it was built by Amar Singh Thapa, who annexed Tansen to become part of Nepal.
Taksar
Taksar is another interesting place in the town where for centuries the famous bronze and brass works of Tansen were produced. One can have a look at how the famous ancient articles such as karuwa(water jug), hukka(water pipe), auntee(jug for Nepali brandy), et cetera are produced.
Fast Facts
Languages spoken: Nepali is understood by most while Magar is also widely spoken
Climate: Tansen’s climate is moderate and pleasant. The temperature does not rise above 28 degree Celsius during summer and it doesnot fall below 8 degree Celsius during winter.
Views of Himalayan peaks: kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Langtang Himal
Accommodation: There are budgets hotels and lodges
Communication: Telephone, wireless internet and postal service
Getting there
Tansen is approximately 296 kilometers and about 10-hour drive from Kathmandu via Butwal. It is approximately 324 kilometers from Kathmandu via Pokhara. Buses to Tansen ply from Gongabu bus station in Kathmandu. It is also possible to take a flight to either Pokhara or Bhairawa from where Tansen is approximately three-to-four hour drive.
Source: The Himalayan Times, Travel & Lifestyle, 13-June-2013
