A destination so rich in its culture and history, Palpa has often been overlooked by travelers as a pass-by destination. Some may know it as the Dhaka capital of Nepal. For those that are not aware, we’re not talking about Dhaka - the capital of Bangladesh, but we’re talking about Dhaka - the fabric used to create the national cap of Nepal; also known as the Dhaka Topi. Located in the western side of the country, Palpa is an off-the-beat destination offering everything that Nepal has to offer; from natural landscapes to historically rich monuments.
Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa, is home to many ethnic groups of Nepal but its name originally comes from the previous Magar rulers of the kingdom. Tansen translates to ‘northern settlement’ in the Magar language. Due to its proximity to the Indian border, the town mostly welcomes Indian and local tourists. However, in recent times, the town has been welcoming guests from all around the world thanks to its community homestays.
The Story of Tansen, Palpa
As Mr. Dhaniswar Bashyal proudly adorns his Dhaka topi while guiding Tanguy Dai through the streets of Tansen, he shares how the kingdom of Tansen was previously ruled by the Magar clans followed by the Rana regime. Now often known as the Dhaka capital of Nepal, Tansen got its name from its previous Magar rulers. The word ‘Tansen’ itself is a Magar word that translates to ‘northern settlement’ in their language.
Historically, Tansen was previously known as the capital of Tanahun. The Magars, who were then the supposed rulers of Tanahun, were considered as one of the most powerful rulers in Nepal before the rise of the Shah dynasty. They even came close to conquering Kathmandu in the 16th century. However, it would be the newars that would populate the city later on as the Magar kings lost their influence in the kingdom in the 18th century. Hence, Tansen became a major market area connecting Nepal to India and Tibet as a trade route via the Kaligandaki river.
How to Get to Tansen, Palpa?
Tansen is accessible to all travellers via Kathmandu, along with other popular destinations, Lumbini and Pokhara. Flight options from Kathmandu are available to Pokhara and Bhairahawa followed by another taxi or bus drive to Tansen. Direct bus options are also accessible from Kathmandu from Balaju.
What can Visitors Expect to do at Tansen?
While Tansen is famously known for its rich history and Dhaka production, it also offers beautiful mountain views with many hiking routes to viewpoints that are bound to leave you awestruck with its picturesque beauty.
Here are a few things that you can do as a traveler in the picturesque town of Tansen, Palpa.
A Full Day Hike to and fro Ranighat
Famously known as the Taj Mahal, or Tej Mahal, of Nepal - the Rani Mahal is one of the most well known destinations of Palpa. Located in the banks of Kaligandaki river, the Rani Mahal is built on a single huge stone in 1893 AD, under the leadership of Khadga Shamser Rana. The palace once built in the memory of his youngest wife, Tej Kumari Devi, is now a national jewel making it a must visit destination for travellers.
This hike will take you around 6 to 7 hours to complete. Explore the history, immerse yourself in the beauty, and plan your visit now. Your next adventure awaits.
A Thrilling Hike from Tansen to Bhairav Temple
The half-day hike will take you through local villages to the abode of the powerful deity, Bhairav. It is said that this temple has the largest Trishul (trident) - one of the main symbols associated with Shiva in Hinduism, in Asia. Along with that, the original statue of Bhairav, here, is said to be so powerful that catching a glimpse may cost you your life.
If you’re a supernatural enthusiast, you might want to explore this part of the town and learn more about this sacred pilgrimage.
Stroll through the Medieval Towns while Hiking to Aryabhanjyang
Starting in Bagnaskot, this full-day hike will take you through the eastern ridges of Gorkhekot. Admire the panoramic view as you make your way to the hilltop followed by another stretch to Aryabhanjyang via Naya Bazaar. Often quoted by travelers and locals as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, this trail will give you that vibe as you explore the panoramic views of Western Nepal.
Add Flavour to Your Trip: Explore Palpal's Decades of Coffee Heritage
If you consider yourself a connoisseur of caffeine, then this experience is bound to make your trip to Tansen worth it. Learn about the town’s rich coffee heritage that dates back to more than 36 years. Get a chance to visit a privately owned coffee farm and learn about the organic productions of coffee in Nepal.
Discover Palpa by staying at a Community Homestay in Tansen
While exploring new destinations and immersing in new experiences may be the fundamentals of travelling, we here at CHN believe in taking a more sustainable and responsible approach towards travelling. Our network of community homestays in Tansen, offers you a full round experience of exploring Palpa with the authenticity of pure Nepali culture. Explore Tansen and get ready to immerse yourself in the culture of the Palpa-lians.
