Tansen, the beautiful town, standing tall in the western hills of Nepal. It’s the administrative headquarter of Palpa District. Although small by area but it has more to offer. The ancient town with cultural and historical importance has breathe-taking scenery with pleasant climate which welcomes you wholeheartedly. So, explore this gorgeous hill station which lies between Pokhara and Lumbini. Here are the lists of top 7 things to do in Tansen.
1. Stroll Around Tansen
Tansen has some reflection of Kathmandu which can clearly be seen in their buildings and stone paved alleys. Houses built in Newari architecture and celebration of Newari-Jatras (festivals) makes you feel little bit of Kathmandu. Some typical street names and places of Kathmandu such as Basantapur, Asan, Makhan Tole , Ganeshthan, as well as Tudhikhel are also in Tansen. You can just go around the town and have mini-Kathmandu experience. In the middle of main square of Tansen, there is a two-storey white building called ‘Shital Pati’ also known as ‘Ghol Ghar’. This building was used as the place for organizing public functions in early days; now used as locals for meet-up place. You can sit inside this octagonal shaped building: rest, relax and enjoy the hustle-bustle of the town.
2. Walk to Baggi Dhoka and Tansen Durbar
As you walk towards the south of Sitalpati, you can see a big gate known as ‘Baggi Dhoka’. The Newari craftsmanship can be seen on this gate with excellent wood carvings. This gate leads towards the ‘Tansen Durbar’. The history of ‘Tansen Durbar’ dates back to 1927 A.D (1983 B.S) which was built by Pratap Shumsher who was Commander in Chief of Western Region during that period. 3. Enjoy the Scenic View from Shreenagar Danda/ Shreenagar Hill
Shreenagar Danda is located up-hill from main town of Tansen. Almost like 30 minutes walk towards north of Tansen takes you towards this amazing hill surrounded by Pine trees. The town of Tansen and green plains of Maadi Valley can be viewed from Shreenagar Hill. Additionally, one can also have panoramic view of Ganesh Himal , Langtang and Dhaulagiri from Shreenagar hill in a clear day. 4. Visit Pilgrimage Sites of Tansen
There are many temples in Tansen with historical importance. One of them is the ‘Bhagwati Temple’ which was built by Col. Ujir Singh Thapa to celebrate the victory over the British-Indian troops. The Goddess ‘Bhagwati’ is worshiped in this temple. During August, this temple celebrates its biggest festival called ‘Bhagwati Jatra’. People from different parts of Palpa come to visit this temple; they sing, worship and dance in this festival. 5. Hike to Rani Mahal
6. Explore the Mystic Beauty of Bhairabsthan Temple
7. Shop Organic Coffeea and Local Crafts
Palpa is widely known for its organic coffee in recent days. And this organic coffee can easily found in Tansen. Palpa is famous for hand-loomed fabric called ‘Dhaka’. Various products made from Dhaka fabric such as ‘Dhaka Topi’ (Nepali Cap), Scarf, bag, purse, and slippers can be found in local shops in Tansen. So products from ‘Dhaka’ fabric can be good souvenir from Tansen. Besides ‘Dhaka’, Tansen is also famous for metal utensil such as ‘Karuwa’ (Water-Jug) and ‘Aunti’ (Newari Jug – used for serving home-made alcohol). Except these two products; other traditional metal utensils are also manufactured in Tansen.
How to reach Tansen
By Bus : It takes around 8 to 10 hours by Bus from Kathmandu.
By Air: Through Air- there are regular flights from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa which takes 45 minutes. And from Bhairahawa -Bus, Car, Van can be taken for drive to Tansen. It takes around 2.5 hours.
From Pokhara: It takes around 4 to 5 hours of drive from Pokhara to Tansen.
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References: Image Source
· Traditional Nepali Utensils: https://depositphotos.com/63952073/stock-photo-brass-pots-copperware-shop-in.html