Gorkha Durbar

Gorkha was the small hill principality from which Prithvi Narayan Shah launched the campaign that created Nepal, and the durbar stands on the crest above the town: a long complex of palace, temples and courtyards built along a ridge so narrow that the buildings run in a single line, with drops on both sides. The Gorakhnath temple and the Kalika shrine are within it, the latter closed to all but priests. Woodcarving on the palace windows and struts is fine. The climb from town is around 1,500 stone steps. From the ridge the Himalaya show along the north, with Manaslu prominent, and the hills roll away south. The complex was damaged in 2015 and has been restored in stages.

What you actually see

• The ridge-top palace - buildings strung along a narrow crest.
• Carved woodwork - windows and struts on the palace facades.
• The Manaslu view - the Himalaya north from the ridge on clear days.
• The stone stairway - some 1,500 steps up from the town.

When to go

October to April for the climb and the views; October and November are clearest. The steps are hard in heat and slippery in monsoon. Dashain in autumn brings large numbers to the Kalika shrine.

Honest expectations

The climb is long and steep, taking an hour or more for most people. The Kalika temple interior is closed to visitors entirely. Leather items are not permitted in parts of the complex. Restoration work continues in places.

Nearby

Manakamana lies east; Gorkha town is below the ridge.