Palpa Ranighat Hike - The Queen's Palace

This is a full day hike to Ranighat and back. You will see the Rani Mahal and by the river nearby, a temple that is very popular with pilgrims during their Hindu festival in January. Every year, pilgrims from all over Nepal come here to take a sacred bath in the river and then pay homage at the temple. Local people also come to participate in a 3-day fair that is held during the same occasion. This is where local rugs (‘Kamlo’) brought from Jumla and Humla districts are traded. On the way you will see the local Magar, Newar and Brahmin people, and see rural life in the villages.

The Rani Mahal (Queen’s Palace) is built above a single huge stone beside the Kali Gandaki River. Often nicknamed the ‘Taj Mahal’ of Nepal, the palace was built by Khadga Shamsher in 1894 in memory of his young wife who died a year before. Here too is the second largest suspension bridge in Nepal and Alamdevi Mandir across the river. You can also see Siddapani cave, and Hattidhunga, a big elephant shaped stone, as well as water falls on your way here way form Tansen.

Duration: 6-7 hrs.