Start at the foot of the stairway near the bazaar early in the morning. The steps climb about 300 m through scrub forest and past small shrines, with resting points and views back over the town. Fit walkers reach the top in 45 minutes; most people take about an hour. If the climb is too much, your driver can take you up the newer road part of the way, leaving 10–15 minutes on foot.
Gorkha Durbar stretches along the ridge as a series of brick and timber buildings around courtyards. Look for the carved peacock and lattice windows, the wooden roof struts with deities and the thick defensive walls. Your guide shows you the area associated with the birth of Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1723, the royal quarters and the platforms from which, according to tradition, the young king looked east towards the Kathmandu Valley he would later conquer.
Parts of the complex were badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake and have been restored using traditional materials; some sections may be under repair. From the terraces, the view north on clear mornings takes in Manaslu, Himalchuli and Baudha Himal. Walk another 20–30 minutes up to Upallo Kot for a wider panorama, then descend by the steps, passing the Gorakhnath cave. Allow about three hours for the climb, the palace and the descent, and carry water, as stalls on the stairway are few.
Good for
- Families
- Photographers
- Groups
- First-timers
Questions travellers ask
How many steps are there to Gorkha Durbar?
Roughly 1,500 stone steps lead from Gorkha Bazaar to the palace, gaining about 300 m. The climb takes 45–60 minutes at an easy pace with rests. A road now reaches part of the way up the ridge, so visitors who cannot manage the full stairway can drive up and walk the last 10–15 minutes.
What is the entry fee for Gorkha Durbar?
A modest entry fee is charged for foreign visitors, roughly NPR 200–500, with lower rates for SAARC and Nepali visitors. Fees are set by the local authority and can change, so check current status before you travel. The Gorkha Museum in the bazaar charges a separate ticket.
Was Gorkha Durbar damaged in the 2015 earthquake?
Yes. Gorkha district was the epicentre area of the April 2015 earthquake, and the palace suffered serious damage. It has since been restored using traditional brick and timber, and the complex is open to visitors. Some sections may still be closed for work, so expect occasional scaffolding.
