While traveling from Lumbini to Pokhara, we unexpectedly encountered with such a scenic sight of the valley cutting through by a little green flow of stream. The water runs amidst the rocky hill deep in the valley but the hue of emerald green captured travelers' eye sight from far and continued for some distance stretching towards Palpa District.
This should be part of Madi Valley.
We wished we have leisure time like the young couple down there ..go close and get a personal contact with the crystal water.
A simple security check point of the zone.
Salute to the bus drivers but sweat for the passengers.
Meadow at the valley.
Palpa District locates just 125km south of Pokhara city and 75km north away from Lumbini in Nepal, on the crest of Mahabharat Range at 1371 meters above sea level. Traveling to Pokhara from Palpa needs a driving time of 3-4 hours.
The ancient town Tansen perched high up above Kali Gandaki River on the road between Butwal and Pokhara, is situated at the lap of the picturesque Shreenager Hill.
Palpa's administrative headquarter, Tansen is a fascinated small historical hill town. The unique geographical position, religious heritage and the charm of its culture have made it another tourists attraction in Nepal. It was the capital of one of the most powerful kingdoms in Nepal, Magar Kingdom of Tanahun in 16th century before the rise of the Shahs Dynasty. It became a Newari trading post on the route between India and Tibet in 18th century, after Magars lost influences in the nation. Due to its abundant history in the past, many Nepalis refer the town Tansen as Palpa.
The culture of Tansen is greatly influenced and enriched by Newari migrants, particularly in its architecture and religion sectors. There are few 18th century pagoda or stupa-styled wooden temples within the town dominating to Newari Gods, like Bhimsen Mandir and Amar Narayan Mandir. The white octagonal pavilion at the center of the town was built to use for functions in olden days during the rule of Shah Governors. The square where it stands was named after it as Sitalpati and it is now a common meeting place for all the locals.
Majority of the inhabitants in Tansen are Newar people. They are good in trades and also well known for their tradition metal works plus hand-making Dhake which is a special fabric material used for making Nepalese traditional jackets and topi (cloth hat).
The intricately carved windows of Newari wooden houses are beautiful.
Tanzen Bazaar is garnished with lines of Newari little shops and stalls. The red building located at the center of the town is a modern bakery shop with a tradition chain restaurant named Nanglo West behind it, offering Nepalis delights especially the Newari dishes Choyla Chiura (chilli and ginger seasoned dried buffalo and duck meat with flattened rice.)
The pedestrians are maze of steep, narrow, winding alleys that lined up with Newari shop houses and temple shrines.
Strolling down its zigzag steep cobbled streets, walking through the attractive Newari buildings, sharing the serene living atmosphere of locals were a great experience to us. The district medieval feel with infection of Newari charm was wonderful.
All kinds of groceries are obtainable in their little shops. The emerald-green local vegetables and herbs, blood-red pomegranate and translucent grapes are all so fresh. Olden times weighing scales are still being used in all shops.
The local common snacks
The most sorrowful incident in Palpa was Nepal Maoist Rebels happened on 31st January 2006, when Tansen was targeted and attacked again. Many historical buildings were burnt down and destroyed, including its 64 rooms Durbar(palace) which had been a representative symbol of Palpa's ancient arts and crafts.
Cars have problem to drive through the winding alleys but there are side roads surrounding the town allowing large vehicles to drive pass.
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