Gorkha To Bandipur Tour

Rita Adhikari
Social Studies Teacher

The blooming buds of Rajarshians explored the western part of Nepal with excitement, bonding and learning. On 29th December 2023, we commenced our educational tour to Gorkha and Bandipur with a colony of FORTY-TWO students and FOUR teachers for three days and two nights.

On the first day, we embarked on our destination to Gorkha at 7:15 A.M. It took us around 7 hours to reach on average. On the way, we enjoyed our breakfast at Khaja Khajana Restaurant at Naubise. After breakfast, we proceeded on our journey. Our students were busy singing songs, clicking photos, enjoying local sightseeing and many more. We had a delicious lunch at Kurintar Retreat. We spent almost an hour and headed towards Gorkha, exploring incredible natural scenery, passing through the scenic route via Marsyangdi Hydropower near Abu Khairani. The people in the Gorkha Garden Hotel embraced us with great hospitality. After refreshments, we visited Gorkha Palace. Gorkha, which lies in Gandaki province, is historically linked to the formation of modern Nepal. It is renowned as the land of valiant warriors and the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Gorkha Palace is located at the top of a hill with the finest use of architecture. We had a mesmerising view all around from the top. We bought lots of oranges there. Our students got an opportunity to explore the Bhimsen Thapa park which is one of the major attractions of the unification trail. After the light snacks, we returned to the hotel. Later in the evening, a delicious dinner awaited us. It was great fun.  

On the second day, we visited the Gorkha Museum after having breakfast. We observed historical artefacts, mannequins with clothes worn by various indigenous people, oil paintings, musical instruments, and portraits of kings of the Shah dynasty spanning from Drabya Shah, and Prithvi Narayan Shah to the last king of Nepal. We can see the Gorakhkali and Gorakhnath temples from the museum. Our students learned about an ancient glimpse of old Nepal and the religious and architectural monuments of Nepal. We had lunch at Royal Home Resort at Aabu Khaireni. Soon, we embarked on our destination towards Bandipur. It took us around 3 hours to reach Bandipur. 

Bandipur, a charming little town in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Tanahu district, is well known for its cultural activities with plenty of beautiful landscapes and Himalayan sceneries. It is about 7 km from Dumbre Bazaar on Prithvi Highway. We reached Bandipur Village Inn. Our students visited temples like Bindabasini, Ganesh and Khadga Devi and roamed around Bandipur bazaar for about an hour. Bandipur Bazaar is the main attraction of Bandipur for its rich heritage and architecture. It is like a living cultural museum of Newars. It is adorned with age-old houses and temples crafted artistically. We returned to the hotel. Joy filled the whole day together with the food and excitement. Some students were tired. So, they went to bed after dinner. Some of us enjoyed a bonfire from the daybreak till 10:30 P.M. It was relaxing and warm in the cold night. Hence, the day ended with an overnight stay there.

On the last day of our trip, we went for a village tour after breakfast. We visited temples around Bandipur. The crimson bougainvillaea flowers cascade off wooden balconies, and ancient temples peek out from every street junction. We enjoyed the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal vis-a-vis the neighbouring peaks and Mountains. We were very fortunate to relax and enjoy the reprieve from the bustle of Nepal and explore such a popular tourist destination. Then, we departed from Bandipur carrying lots of memories and learning. On the way, we enjoyed a heavy lunch at Kurintar Retreat and returned to Kathmandu.

This trip provides our students a platform for collaborating with friends and teachers, enhancing effective learning initiatives in a hands-on environment. Such a tour means going out, exploring new places and having fun, deepening social, historical and practical knowledge, building relationships and knowing the outer world better. Thanks a lot to Rajarshi Gurukul for such a great opportunity.