Gorkha lies almost midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. After traveling from Kathmandu towards Pokhara for 118 kilometers, the diversion to Gorkha is on the intersection at Abu Khaireni, and from there it is a short 18 kilometers drive northward to the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the first ruler of the Shah Dev Dynasty.
Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya are the beautiful Gorkha Durbar, a fort, palace, and temple complex. It was built during the reign of King Ram Shah (1606-1636).
It was from this very palace that King Prithvi Narayan Shah began his campaign to unify the kingdom of Nepal. It is connected historically with the creation of modern Nepal and the name of the legendary Gurkha soldiers. The attractive point in Gorkha is the royal palace which lies on the top of the hills. Inside the premises of the palace, there are two attractive temples of Gorhakhnath and Kali within the outstanding examples of Nepali architecture. It is the location of the Manakamana Temple. Treks to Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Treks begin from here.