Tansen of Nepal is one of the towns which is known for its natural beauty and as well regarded as the cultural hub. Tansen is the center of Newari culture and tradition. It has been developed as one of the tourism areas of Nepal. People visiting this place loves its setting, with the beautiful view around and its rich in culture and tradition.

Where is Tansen located?

Tansen is located in the Palpa district in the highway between Butwal and Pokhara on the crest of the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya overlooking the valley of the Kali Gandaki River in the northern side. Tansen is a municipality and the administrative center of the Palpa. The highway bypasses the center of Tansen on the west side, protecting pedestrian amenities in the central maze of steep, narrow, winding alleys lined with Newari shop-Houses and temples.

What is the history of Tansen?

Tansen has historical importance as well. It was the capital of the Magar kingdom Tanahun. Tanahun was one of the powerful regional principalities before the rise of Shah Dynasty. It was so powerful that it nearly conquered Kathmandu under the leadership of Mukunda Sen in the 16th century. But, as the time passed by the people lost the influence in local Magar kings in the 18th century, and Tansen developed as a Newari bazaar on the important trade between India and Tibet via Kali Gandaki River and Mustang. As Tansen was an important place as a district administrative center of the Kingdom of Nepal, Tansen was targeted several times by Maoist during the civil war.

More about Tansen

Magar and Newar are the main inhabitants of Tansen. Newari people of Tansen is mostly involved in the trade. They are also known for traditional metal work and making dhaka cloth, which is very popular in Nepal for making traditional jackets and topis (hats).

Tansen also has the perfect climatic condition. The climate in this area is usually moderate. It rarely goes over 30 Celsius or goes below the freezing level.

Also, in Tansen, there is a United Mission Hospital which was established in 1954 as a partnership between the people of Nepal and a coalition of 20 Christian organization on four continents. Mission Hospital of Tansen is the oldest project of United Mission to Nepal. In the present, there are more than dozen expatriate medical personnel assisted by more than 300 Nepalese. Mission Hospital has also collaborated with the Tansen Nursing School which is considered to be among the best training program of basic nursing.

Attraction of Tansen

Rani Mahal

Rani Mahal, also known as Ranighat is one of the popular tourism centers of not only Tansen but of the whole country as well. Rani Mahal is also known as the “Taj Mahal” of Nepal. General Khadga Shumsher Rana was forced to drop his royal titles and was sent to the Gauda of Palpa in 1887 as the Western Commander in Chief of Nepal. In 1892, the youngest and beloved wife of Khadga Shumsher, Tej Kumari died. And within a year of her demise, Shumsher built a palace and named it after his beloved wife as Rani Mahal (Queens Palace). Along with naming the palace after his wife, he also named the nearby forest as Rani Ban and ghats as Rani Ghat.

Then, in 1902 Khadga Shumsher Rana and his whole family fled to India abandoning the palace. By the absence of its true owner, the palace was neglected for decades which resulted in the degradation of the palace, and by the end of 20th century, the palace was large rubble.

The palace was visited by few people who kept interest in the History of Nepal. Then after decades, Government of Nepal, finally gave attention on the reconstruction and restoration of the palace in this original state, for not only preserving the national historical properties but to increase the pace of tourists as well.

Rani Mahal is accessible by both foot and motor. You can take a jeep to reach the palace, or you can follow the foot trail.

Rani Mahal

Tansen Durbar

Tansen Durbar is a grand palace located in the town of Tansen. The palace used to be the seat of the Rana governers in the earlier period when Nepal was under the reign of Ranas. Pratap Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana built Tansen Durbar in 1927.

The architectural design of the palace is very impressive. The palace is of four-storey which comprises sixty-three rooms, two meeting halls and two minarets at the two sides. It is built in Rana style and has run-down eastern gate called “Baggi Dhoka”/”Mul Dhoka”, which is also the largest gate in the kingdom. You will see a public square named Sitalpati outside of the fate. It is also called as “Singh Durbar of Palace”. The palace also suffered some damages during the civil war.

Ridi

Among the popular places, Ridi is also one of the popular and historical places. Ridi is located on the north-west side at a distance of 20 kilometers from Tansen. Ridi is also the point where Ridi River and Kali Gandaki River meet. In Ridi, there is also a very popular temple, Rishikesh Mandir which is built in pagoda style. In the Magh 1st as per the Nepal calendar, the temple is visited by many devotees from across the country to pay homage to the deities and to take a holy bath from the river as well as in that day a very great fair is held. The temple is also visited by people from the neighboring districts to witness the fair that continues for three days.

Srinagar

Srinagar is a hill which is located at the height of 1,600 meters in the northern side of Tansen. As it is located on the high hill, you can see the most magnificent view from Srinagar. You can see mountains like Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Manaslu (8,157 meters), Annapurna (8,091 meters), Nilgiri (7,061 meters), Machhapuchhare (6,997 meters) and many others.

Along with the beautiful peaks, you can also witness the delightful forest of rhododendron and pine. The peace and tranquillity along with all those breathtaking views are amazing.

Srinagar

Bahiravsthan

Bhairavsthan is a temple which is very popular in whole Nepal as well. The temple is located in the north-west of Tansen on the Palpa-Gulmi in a distance of about 5 km. The temple is also famous for Trishul (trident), which is the largest Trishul in Asia. During Dashain, the greatest festival of Hindus of Nepal, many people from around the country came to this temple to worship “Bhairav”, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva.