Palpa lies at the western part of Kathmandu. With Tansen as its headquarters, Palpa boasts quiet villages, charming locale and simple lifestyle. Tansen distinctly looks like a small Kathmandu with its easy-pace life, which is why tourists like to stay a night or two and enjoy the brief detachment with noise. With its cobbled streets, temples & shrines, and Newari houses, Tansen reflects the Newari architecture typically found inside Kathmandu valley. Historically, Palpa was a separate kingdom ruled by The Sen.
Located at an altitude of 1,350 meters, Palpa offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range throughout the year. Srinagar Hill, a comfortable 30-minute walk from Tansen, is a unique viewpoint in itself. From the top, you can view an extended panorama of the Himalayas on one side and wide views of Tarai plains on the other side.
Tansen is at close proximity to the popular Ranighat Palace and notable Satyawati lake. Tansen can also be an attraction en route to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions, to Jomsom or Ghorepani. Other distinct attractions in Palpa are Tansen Durbar, the octagonal Shitalpati, a large gate called “Baggi Dhoka” and the intricate Amar Narayan Temple among others. The huge Ranighat Palace was built by Khadga Shamsher Rana in 1989 in the memory of his beloved queen Tej Kumari. The location of the palace at the banks of Kali-Gandaki river lends an air of romance and beauty to visitors.
