Gorkha: A Historical Landmark of Nepal

Introduction :
Gorkha, the birthplace of the founder of the modern Nepal , King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the great, is situated at an altitude of 1135m. above sea level and at a distance of 156km from the capital. Gorkha is the hometown of world famous Gurkha soldiers. The term "Gurkha" denoting those Nepali soldiers in the British and Indian Army and synonymous with the world bravery and honestly, originally came from this place. Only a few decades back most people of the world were familiar with the terms "Gorkha" and "Gorkhalis" rather than " Nepal " and "Nepalese". Before unification of Nepal (1775 A.D.) Gorkha was one of the 24"' principalities known as Chaubise State . It was the youngest principally in the west with poor and small population. Prithvi Naraytan Shah was the king of this principality who founded the present Nepal by uniting albeit by military means to other principality. King Prithvi Narayan Shah was the Chief Architect of the expanded Gorkha State . King Prithvi Narayan Shah and his loyal subjects rose to power and became the founder of Greater Gorkha Rajya (State), which later became Nepal .

Nomenclature
There are different opinions regarding the origin of the name "Gorkha". 1. Gorkha was named after a hermit Gorakhnath who had come from Kathmandu . As he was neglected at Kathmandu then, he went to reside in Gorkha where he swelt in a cave, which still exists within the Gorkha Durbar square. According to the Gorkha Vamshavali (Chronicler), the sage came in vision to king Drabya Shah (founder of Gorkha) and instructed him to take revenge against the Malla kings of Kathmandu The saint further told him that the eleventh generation from him would become the king of Nepal. 2. The term "Gorkha" may have originated from the Sanskrit word "Goraksha" which means country where cows are protected later "Gorksha" turned into "Gorkha" 3. The word Gorkha might have come from the world "Kharka" (grasslanf) which was pronounced as Garkhi then Garkha. With time it became Gorkha. In the far western region of Nepal "Garkha" is still used to mean "an area" of the land.

Historical Background
The principality of Gorkha was founded by king Drabya Shah, son of Yasho Bramha Shah the king of Lamjung who ruled for 11 years from 1959 to 1970 A.D. He has quarrels with his elder brother Narhari Shah, who inherited the throne of Lamjung. It is said the he marched from Lamjung and conquered Gorkha. So he is credited as the founder of the Shah dynasty in Gorkha. Lamjung and Gorkha became enemies and fought many wars. The constant wars between the two principalities through many generations and the need for physical and mental ever readiness for defence on the part of younger and weaker Gorkha led, in the long run, to the development of the military psyche and martial habit which made the people brave warrior not only in their homeland but through out the world.

Drabya Shah was succeeded by his son Puma Shah (Purandar Shah), who ruled for 35 years i.e. from 1570 A.D. During his period, trade with Tibet was opened. Chhatra Shah succeeded his father. His region was the shortest in the Shah dynasty. According to a chronicler the king made two huge copper drums to mark the conquest of Simjung. They are one, having the inscription of 1609 A.D. of said king, still lying in the ground floor of Rangamahal of Gorkha Durbar.

His preparation for the conquest was cut short due to his sudden death. Ram Shah succeeded his brother Chhatra Shah who dies without any son. Ram Shah expanded Gorkha from a small village into a big principality. He introduced the measurement system in domestic and trade transaction. This system of measurement was officially and popularly valid till the introduction of metric system few decades ago through out the country. Likewise the money - lenders were not allowed to demand more than 10% interest on cash and were restricted from realizing the interest of more than double the original amount. Ram Shah also introduced many administrative, judicial systems and social customs, some of them valid even up to the modern time. Thus he made not only a good name for himself but also gave birth to a still famous proverb "FOR LEARNING GO TO KASHI (BANARAS INDIA) AND FOR JUSTIC GO TO GORKHA." Dambar Shah; the son of Ram Shah; ruled from 1636 to 1651 A.D.

The chronicler writes that Dambar Shah was given Tika of coronation after the death of his father Ram Shah by his mother in the presence of all officials. She declared him the king before self-immolation. She gave him some instructions which are as follows: "Do not reduce the status of great persons; do not raise any mean persons to a high post all of a sudden, do not cut jokes at other's expenses, do not make to be too simple or too crude, do as the situation demands, do not keep company with untrustworthy, sinful and treacherous persons". Dambar Shah was succeeded by his son Krishan Shah, who in turn was succeeded by Rudra Shah. Prithvi Pati Shah was the successor of Rudra Shah. He was highly impressed by Malla art and architecture during his visit to Kathmandu, he constructed temples of goddess Kali, Lord Pashupati, Hanuman (Monkey god) and foot prints of sage Gorakhnath from whom Gorkha derived its name. The image of Pashupati nad hanuman are exactly the same as that of Kathmandu valleys.

The temple of Goddess Manakamana was also constructed by him. Prithvi Pato Shah ruled from 1673 - ­1716 A.D. According to Gorkha Vamshawali (chronicler) the death of the Crown Prince Bir Bhadra Shah led to confusion regarding the succession. Dal Shah, one of the sons of Prithvipati Shah claimed the throne on the ground of his seniority. Udyot Shah, another son demanded the throne on the ground of popularity. On the other hand, the birth of Narbhupal Shah, the son of Bir Bhadra in Tanahun was unknown to many of the courtiers except a few. For the succession of Narbhupal Shah, there was much intrigue but because of the loyalty of Chandra Rup Shah and courtiers, he became the king without bloodshed. Narbhupal Shah, waged wars against the Chaubise and Mallas of Kathmandu Valley but in vain. May be because of this he became insane towards the end of his rule. The poor insane king died in 1743 A.D. He failed to achieve anything. King Narbhupal Shah had four wives. The second queen dreamt one night that she has swallowed the sun. She told this to the king. He, however, only abused her. In the morning, the king told her that it was merely to keep her awake that he had abused her because if she had slept again, the effect of the dream would have been lost. After this event, the queen became pregnant and after 7 months, she gave birth to a son on 1722 A.D. who was named Prithvi Narayan Shah. One day, as the legend goes, when six year old Prithvi Narayan Shah was playing around Gorkhanath's cave, the sage came out from the cave and ordered the prince to bring the curd. Prince Prithvi Narayan Shah brought the curd and gave it to the sage. The sage ate the curd and asked to beg hand to the prince. The innocent Prince Prithvi Narayan Shah did as sage asked him to do. After the sage then vomited the curd in his hand and gave order to eat but he hated to eat and threw it down which spilled all over his feet. And the sage told him that if he has eaten the vomited curd the prince would have succeed in conquering any principality he wished to win. Since he did not eat and threw out at his feet he would conquer any principality he set his foot in.

The founder of modem Nepal , king Prithvi Narayan Shah was enthroned in 1743 A.D. At that time, Kathmandu valley itself was divided into three kingdoms - Kathmandu , Patan and Bhaktapur. In the west, there were 22 principalities in the Karnali region and 24 principalities in the Gandaki region. Likewise there were at least 3 small states in the East. On the eve of Vijaya Dasami, when the goddess Navadurga was being taken to the Mul chok, King Ranjit Malla and Prithvi Narayan Shah stood together at the door of Kumari Chowk.

When passing, the Bhairab gave the prasad to Prithvi Narayan instead of Ranjit Malla. In like manner the Kumari prensented him a blue lotus also. A few days after this, prince Prithvi Narayan took leave and returned to his home town of Gorkha. Prince Bir Narsingh Malla died suddenly at the age of 32 and with the dynasty of the solar race in Bhaktapur became extinct. King Prithvi Narayan Shah set his eyes and heart on the conquest of Kathmandu valley kingdom. His campaign began with the conquest of Nuwakot which lies between Kathmandu and Gorkha in 1744 A.D. After Nuwakot, he occupied the strategic points in the hills surrounding the valley of Kathmandu. The capture of Makwanpur enabled him to further strengthen the blockage of the valley. The valley's communication with outside world was thus cut off. The occupation of Kuti pass in Prakash Malla of Kathmandu sought help from the British.

The East India Company sent a contingent of soldiers under major Kinlock in 1767 A.D. The English force was defeated at Sindhuli, this defeat of the English completely shattered the hopes of king Jaya Prakash Malla and paved the way for the victory of king Prithvi Narayan Shah. After many successful and unsuccessful wars finally he entered the valley after glorious vistory of Kirtipur. The capture of Kathmandu in 1768 A.D> was dramatic. The people of Kathmandu were celebrating the festival of Indra Jatra. Prithvi Narayan Shah and his men marched to the place where the jatra was being celebrated in full swing. A throne was put on the courtyard for the king of Kathmandu. King Prithvi Narayan Shah sat on the throne as the king of Kathmandu. King Jaya Prakash Malla escaped and took asylum in Patan. When the principality of Patan was captured some says after both Jaya Prakash Malla and Teja Narsingh Malla (king of Patan) took refuge in Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). After one year, Prithvi Narayan Shah attacked Bhaktapur (Bhadgoan). The Gorkhalis entered the town but met great resistance at the durbar which they surrounded. After some fighting, the golden door of the mul chowk was broken open.

Then the Gorkhali troops entered the Durbar. Jaya Prakash Malla fought for three or four ghans (approximately 1 hour) but he was disabled by a bullet in his foot. Everyone then yielded. Ranjit Malla set the place on fire. Anyway, the three Raja's could not defeat the Gorkhalis. Thus Bhaktapur was also captured and Kathmandu became the capital of modem Nepal. Once the foundation of kingdon of Nepal was laid, he turned his attention towards the east.

The Sen kingdom of Chaudandi was acquired by 1733 A.D. Another Sen kingdom of Bijayapur was annexed shortly after. King Prithvi Narayan Shah the great passed away in January 1775 A.D. at the age of 52. He was sagacious, farsighted, and lion hearted. Not only have his social and economic directives guided the country's socio-economic strategies but he was also given the farsighted policy of neutrality under the dictum "A yam between two boulders" in Nepal's gee-political context formed the principal guideline of the country's foreign policy through centuries.

The district of Gorkha is culturally, historically, and environmentally one of the world's most interesting and a beautiful areas. With stunning scenery, numerous historical , landmarks, exotic flora and fauna, traditional rural Nepali architecture, ancient cultural traditions and customs, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and an almost untouched countryside, it seems to embody everything that is most desirable in Nepal. Indeed, Gorkha -the country's former capitol - can well be regarded as a microcosm of Nepal. Like Nepal, the district encompasses elevations ranging from near sea level to some of the highest Himalayan peaks.

To accompany its varied geography, the district-like the country as a whole - has incredibly diverse flora and fauna. Almost every ethnic group residing in Nepal can be found in Gorkha, and as a result, a multitude of cultural and religious traditions are observed across the distsrict. Gorkha, then, would seem like an obvious tourist destination. Yet few of the 400,000 foreign tourists, who flock to Nepal each year visit the area. Trekking routes in Gorkha are not well developed, information about the district's attractions is lacking, and local authorities are doing very little to promote tourism in the area. Nonetheless, Gorkha clearly has great potential. Gorkha is Nepal's best-kept secret.

Tourism Development in North Gorkha  
The objective of tourism development in Nepal, as stated in the Tenth Plan is to:
"Establish Nepal as a distinctive tourist destination in international market for increasing income and foreign exchange earning from this sector and to disburse such benefits up to the village level". It clarifies the benefit of tourism to be measured in income and the government is effortful to distribute the benefits up to the village level. The purpose of tourism development in Gorkha district is 4 fold:
1) Create alternative employment opportunities for the local people,
2) Generate income for the locals and revenue for the government,
3) Preserve natural, cultural and historical values which are tourism assets, and
4) Reinstate the image of Gorkha in the national and international arena.

Gorkha district offers 4 distinct tourism products, namely:

a)	Mountain tourism in north Gorkha for trekking around Manaslu and expeditions to the different peaks in Manaslu and Ganesh Himal.
b)	Soft Adventure/ Cultural treks in the middle Gorkha, south of the Himal,
c)	Pilgrimage to Goddess Manokamana, Gorakhkali, Bakreswori etc;
d)	Educational/ historic trips to Gorkha museum, Gorkha Palace of king Prithbi Narayan Shah, Ligligkot of king Ram Shah, Siranchowk of Amar Singh Thapa, Barpak of Major Gaje Ghale, Borland the birth place of Gen. Bhimsen Thapa etc.

Tourism Activity in North Gorkha North Gorkha, covering 1,663 sq. kms. area of 7 villages (Samagaon, Lho, Prok, Bihi, Chumchet, Chhekampar and Sirdibas) feature Budhi Gandaki, Siringi and Syar khola valleys called Numbri, Kutang and Tsum in the north of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The area is covered with rocks (35%), grassy meadows (23%), snow (23%), forest and shrubs (17%) and human settlement (2%). The census 2001 reported only 1,836 houses hold with 7,569 people living in the area and the population has declined over a decade.

North Gorkha has great tourism potentials for wilderness trek in the Tibetan cultural setting with its diverse eco system and rich cultural heritage. These Trans-Himalayan valleys have attracted more foreign tourists for trekking and mountaineering adventures. Manaslu area is approachable by trekking along Budi Gandaki river on the east and Dudh Khola on the west. The Bun Gandaki trail goes up north from Aarughat to Samdo/ Larke La via Jagat, Nyak, Deng, Bihi, Gap, Bamrung, Lihi, Lho and Sama Gaon. The trail to Manaslu area north of Lokwa/ Nyak in the Budi Gandaki trail and Thomja/ Bagarchhap in the Dudh Khola trail is restricted area requiring special trekking permit to enter.

Although Manaslu peak was first climbed in 1956, the Numbri and Kutang region was opened for 'Controlled' tourism activity in 1991. Since then, trekking permits have been issued to organized trekkers and mountaineering groups, with a limit of 1,000 visits per annum. In the last 10 years, some 7,300 visitors traveled to the region who were mostly French (28%), US/ Canadian (16%), German (12%), Dutch (8.4%), Swiss (5.3%), Australian (3.9%), Austrian (3.6%), British, Italian Spanish, Japanese, and others. Mountaineering expedition in Manaslu and Ganesh Himal area in north Gorkha is attracting a sizeable number of teams every year.

There were 4 expeditions each to Manaslu in the year 2000 and 2001 and 6 in 1999 relative to 11 expeditions in 1998, 7 in 1997 and 11 teams in 1996 to scale Mt. Manaslu (including 2 for Ganesh III). The expedition teams are mostly from Japan (9 teams), Korea (3), Austria (3) Swiss, German, Spanish etc. Japanese who first conquered Manaslu I in 1956, are patronizing Manaslu region regularly and their knowledge of the area is authoritative guide for others.

These mountaineering activities are creating direct job opportunities for about 550 people and generated Rs. 7.5 million towards of Royalty to the government in 1998. Due to heavy snow - fall in deep winter and landslide trail damages during rainy summer months, over 90% of visitors to Manaslu region travel in March - April and September - ­November months. The volume of 800 visitors in 5 months means 5 visitors or one group every day during season. Given the limited carrying capacity of the area (very narrow trail, no camping site, no health/communication/ rescue facilities, no food supplies), the number of visitors can be increased only after improvement of basic infrastructure under the eco-tourism project now under implementation.

Manaslu region, north of Jagat was declared as "Conservation Area" in December 1998 and the area is managed by King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation (KMTNC) under a10 year contract to implement an Eco-Tourism project called Manaslu Area Conservation Project (MCAP) designed under the loan assistance of Asian Development Bank. Tourism Assets of North Gorkha North Gorkha comprises massive Himalayan ranges, deep river valleys, unique forest coverage rich in wildlife (snow leopard, musk deer, Red Panda, Danfe Munal pheasants), valuable medicinal herbal plants (Yarchagumba, Panch Aunle, Taxus Bacata etc); meadows, lakes, waterfalls and innumerable Buddhist monasteries in the settlements there.

The Trans­Himalayan valley bordering with Tibet of China is surrounded with massive Himalayan peaks in all directions:

East side	: Ganesh Himal (7,429m)
	: Siringi Himal (7,187m)
North	: Larke Himal (Himlung 7,123m)
	: Manaslu North (7,154m) and Naike Peak
West	: Manaslu I Peak (8,156m)
	: Nyadi Chuli/ Peak 29 at 7,871m)
South	: Himalchuli (7,895m)
	: Boudha Himal (6,672m)

Manaslu, area ranging from 3,300 feet to 26,600 feet altitude offers a mosaic of different climatic and life zones within a short stretch of distance thus offering a magnificent natural scenic beauty as afforded by high mountain peaks visible in the area, a wealth of beautiful glaciers flowing down the Himalayas, glacial lakes, scenic waterfalls, hot spring, and cultural attractions of diverse ethnicity, uniquely un-spoilt Tibetan culture around innumerable Lamaist Gompas:

Main Glaciers :
Larke Glacier visible from Samdo and Larke Bahu, Pungen glacier in the north east to the main Manaslu peak flowing down close to Samagaon visible from Syala and Sama area, Lidanda Glacier flowing down east of Ngadi peak approachable from Li.

Glacial Lakes
Chhonak Tal (11,000ft) crystal blue lake covering about a hector area, 4 hours walk up Deng village along Der Khola which originate from this lake, · Kal Tal (3,500 m) about 5 hours walk uphill from Prok village The greenery and tranquility surrounding the lake makes the area suitable for meditation, · Tinala Tal (about 13,000ft), half the size of Kaltal and hours walk Namrung village. There are two lakes on the two sides of Subjang Khola. · Hinang Tal, the source of Hinang River flowing between Uh and Shyo villages of Lho is surrounded by green meadows with abundant wildlife, · Birendra Tal (11,700ft) about 2 hours walk from Samagaon, originates from Manaslu glacier near the Manaslu base camp and covers 3 to 4 hector in area.

Water Falls:
The steep river basin of Budi Gandaki offers numerous waterfalls, which can be enjoyed along the trail. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls along the trail are:
· Kharkhande Khola on the other side of Bun Gandaki form an interesting waterfall opposite Liding village,
· Nauli Khola waterfall about 1,000 feet in 5-6 steps is about 20 minutes walk from Lyapubesi,
· Koya Khola waterfalls (at 7,000 feet) near Rana village about half an hour before Chhetenpok gompa forms a spectacular waterfall and a small pool,
· Tarang Khola waterfall (at 7,750ft) about 20 minutes walk ~, before Prok village is a spectacular sight with rainbow visible most of the day,
· Chhutaha Khola waterfall near Prok village,
· Theran Khola waterfall, just 15 minutes walk from Namrung village is huge cascade on the left side of the trail.

Hot Springs
· Tatopani hot water spring site (at 3,300ft) half an hour from Khorlabensi,
· Machha Khola village hot spring on the other side of Bun Gandaki.

Cultural Attractions :
The multi- ethnic composition of the area feature HindusticAryans in the lower reaches of Sirdibas/ Philim and the Tibeto- Bhotia ethnicity practicing Buddhism in the north Gorkha, Bihi village upwards. Buddhists in Northern Gorkha belong to Ningmapa and Kagyupa sects. Many of the six dozen plus Buddhist Gumbas (monastery) in north Gorkha belongs to Ningmapa sect. These Gumbas are rich in cultural heritage and are of great tourism value.

Village Development Committee	Number of monasteries
Chhekampar, VDC	23
Chumchet	10
Bihi	14
Sirdibas	1
Prok	17
Lho	7
Samagaon	7
Total Number of Gumbas	79

Gumba Survey Booklet, Ministry of Local Development, 2048 B.S. North Gorkha Manaslu region is culturally rich with 79 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the 7 Village Development. Committees and a population of some 1,562 Lamas including 43 Monks and 170 Nuns. 61 of the monasteries are accessible to the public for Buddhist ceremonies, religious sites etc. Five of the monasteries are said to be older than 1,000 years:

Many of the Gumbas located close to the main trekking trail can accessible to foreign visitors with the permission of the main Lama. Tsum area in Shyar khola valley north of Ganesh Himal is also now open for controlled trekking activity. The area is rich in bio-diversity. World Conservation Union (IUCN) has proposed Kalung valley to be designated as Wildlife Sanctuary and Mathung forest area as Biodiversity Sanctuary, both in Chhekampar area.

Community Tourism: an Introduction
Nepal is one of the world's leading trekking destinations, attracting over 400,000 foreign tourists each year. However, very few rural people actually benefit from this business. Uncontrolled tourism has damaged the environment and induced unwanted social change along Nepal's most popular trekking routes.

Economic, Social, and Environmental Aspects of Community Tourism Economic Aspects :
Instead of simply lining the pockets of trekking agencies or international organizations (as most traditional trekking programs do), the Community Tourism program creates employment and income for people at the local level. Individual income is generated for the families hosting tourists in their houses, for porters, and for a number of individuals selling agricultural products, handicrafts, and services to the tourists. Except for a small number of expert support staff (lead guides, cooks, etc. for group treks), all trekking activities are staffed by local people. Community income is generated through tourism fees paid by the visitors and through benefit-sharing of guestroom fees. This money is utilized for community development activities.

Social and Cultural Aspects:
In preparation for tourists, community members must learn to work together to make their villages neat, clean, and attractive. They must undertake infrastructure improvements (such as drinking water and trail improvement), must acquire management skills, and must learn about health-related issues (such as hygienic food preparation). These advancements are not only necessary in order to properly and safely host foreigners, but are also important steps to making villages better places for the locals to live. Other major social benefits of Community Tourism include empowerment of women and promotion of local culture. Perhaps most importantly, inter-cultural relationships are enhanced. Nepalese, whose world outlook might otherwise be limited to their remote rural community, have the chance to meet foreigners, learn about their countries, and forge international friendships. Not only the local communities benefit from Community Tourism, however - the tourists benefit as well.

They have the opportunity to learn about life in real Nepali villages and about traditional Nepali culture and customs. In addition to being simply interesting, discussing and experiencing different cultures, forming friendships, and sharing experiences and wealth promotes peace and helps create a sense of a "global family."

Environmental Aspects:
Community Tourism is low-volume, not to exceed approximately five to ten groups per year, plus a limited number of individual trekkers. This helps reduce negative environmental impacts. The villagers are made fully aware of potential environmental problems associated with tourism and are informed of environmentally-friendly technologies. Tourists are briefed on ecologically appropriate behavior during the treks, especially in regards to garbage, culture and sharing each other. At present, no negative environmental impacts due to community tourism have been observed.

History of Community Tourism in Gorkha
The Community Tourism program commenced in September 1998 in Gorkha with a trial tourist group. Since then, four other group treks, with a total of 53 participants from the U.S.A., Austria, Germany and Israel, have taken place. A limited number of individual trekkers have also visited Gorkha. Currently, development of tourism products and community preparation for more visitors are underway. Trekking routes in Gorkha are being further developed, trails are being improved, and a Tourism Management Committee (with representatives from each village's community organization) has been formed. The communities are ready to welcome more guests from all over the world !

Facts About "Gorkha"

Latitude	: 27°15' -28°-45' (North)	Female	: 53.24%
Longitude	: 84027'-85185' (East)	Economically Active
Total Area	: 3610 sq. km.(345600 ha.)	Population	: In agriculture 91.54%
Development Region	: Western		Non-agriculture 8.46%
Zone	: Gandaki	Ethnic Groups	: Newar (8.4%), Bramin (20%),
No. of V.D.C.	: 66		Kshetri (12%), Gurung (21.3%),
No. of Municipality	: 1 (Prithivi Narayan Municipality)		Magar (11.3%), Tamang,
District Headquarter	: Gorkha-Pokharithok (1135m.)		Biswokarma (4.6%), Sarki(5.6%),
Road	: 24 km Black topped, some		Damai (2.9%), Others (13.9%),
	fair weather road	Major Mountains	: Manaslu (8163 m.)
College	: 2		Himal Chuli (7895m.)
High School	: 71		Ganesh Himal (7429 m.)
Higher Secondary	: 3		Nyagdi Chuli (7871 m.)
Primary	: 388		Baudha (6672 m.)
V.D.C's Recognized as			Shringi (7187 m.)
Remote area	: 16	Major Rivers	: Daraundi, Budhi Gandaki,
Model VDCs	: 4		Chepe and Marsyangdi.
Hospitals