GURKHA’S
TRAIL TREK
There were many tiny kingdoms scattered
and divided here and there before the King of Gorkha “Prithvinarayan Shah”
amalgamated them into his kingdom during the expansion movement. The King conquered all Kingdoms of Kathmandu valley in 1768/69 A.D overtaking the Malla dynasty and started his administration from Kathmandu. This incident is taken as beginning of the history of modern Nepal. From that period onward, people from Gorkha played vital role and contributed vigorously be it in the central politics and government or demonstrations and sacrifice. Among them are Lakhan Thapa – the first martyr against tyrant Rana rule, Bhimsen Thapa – the then Prime minister who is regarded as worthy social reformist, Janga Bahadur Rana – the then Prime minister and popularly known for his courage and bravery, Gaje Ghale – the prestigious Victoria cross recipient, Dil Bahadur Ramtel – the first martyr of the Peoples war of Nepal ( though not accepted as People’s war by some group) which overthrew the same royal Shah dynasty coined by Prithvi Narayan to convert the country into Republic of Nepal.
amalgamated them into his kingdom during the expansion movement. The King conquered all Kingdoms of Kathmandu valley in 1768/69 A.D overtaking the Malla dynasty and started his administration from Kathmandu. This incident is taken as beginning of the history of modern Nepal. From that period onward, people from Gorkha played vital role and contributed vigorously be it in the central politics and government or demonstrations and sacrifice. Among them are Lakhan Thapa – the first martyr against tyrant Rana rule, Bhimsen Thapa – the then Prime minister who is regarded as worthy social reformist, Janga Bahadur Rana – the then Prime minister and popularly known for his courage and bravery, Gaje Ghale – the prestigious Victoria cross recipient, Dil Bahadur Ramtel – the first martyr of the Peoples war of Nepal ( though not accepted as People’s war by some group) which overthrew the same royal Shah dynasty coined by Prithvi Narayan to convert the country into Republic of Nepal.
The Gurkha War of 1814 – 1816 A.D.
between the then British East India Company and Gurkha Army was ended in
stalemate and treaty. After that war, British people influenced by the courage
and bravery of Gurkha Army during the war and started to recruit young Nepalese
boys from the interior mountainous parts of Nepal as mercenaries. These days
abide by the international law, Gurkha’s are not treated as mercenaries any
more but as a fully armed and integrated Army. Throughout the 50 years after
they started to serve in British Army there was much active service of Gurkha’s
in Burma, Afghanistan, the North-East and the North-West Frontiers of India,
Malta, Cyprus, Malaya, China (the Boxer Rebellion of 1900) and Tibet (Young
husband's Expedition of 1904) along with France, Italy, Palestine, Egypt,
Tunisia, Malaysia, Singapore and many others.
Today, the word Gurkha is well-known identity of Nepal equally as Mt. Everest
and Buddha
TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal ) in
co-ordination with SNV Nepal had conducted exploration of various tourist
destinations of the lower Manasalu region. The exploration team has suggested a
trek route starting from the famous Manakamana area
leading to Gorkha Durbar and Museum - Bhacchek and Sirandanda – Barpak – Laprak
– Dharche Lake – Sita Gufa ( cave ) – Ghyampeshal and then drive back to Gorkha
to Kathmandu or other destination. The trek trail offers unmatched
experience with numerous attractions such as the thrilling cable car ride
experience in the midhill mountain, the most famous religious temple of goddess
Manakamana for entire Hindus, the birthplace of Lakhan Thapa - the first martyr
of Nepal who opposed the then tyrant Rana regime and killed by Ranas in around
1877 A.D. in his own home, the palace of the King Prithvi Narayan Shah and the
temple of Gorakhkali with Gorakhnath Cave, Gorkha Museum, Tea garden of
Sirandanda, Barpak Village – home of famous Victoria Cross medal recipient Gaje
Ghale, Dharche Lake ( 3220 m. above sea level ) from where the panoramic view
of majestic Himalayas can be seen in the 180 Degree including Annapurnas,
Fishtail, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and others, Sita Cave situated in the dense
forest, the Gurung Culture, lifestyle of various other ethnic and indigenous
people.
The
mysterious and surprisingly effective people’s revolt of previous decade in
Nepal attracts attention of every individual interested about the war and socio
– economic condition of Nepal. The
country freed from the feudal autocratic monarchy and turned into the Federal Democratic
Republic amidst the people’s revolt (2062/63) and the spillover of blood from
thousands of Nepalese lives. The spillover
of blood and martyrdom to change the entire spectrum society began from the Gorkha (Pandrung – 3, Jarang) by contributing
the life of young school student named Dil Bahadur. It must be the Mekka for
all who wish to salute the revolt and romantic place for those all who are
curious to know about the initiation and development of the war.
Thus, we believe including this
village (Jarang) with the proposed
Trek route of TAAN would be the most suitable, so the trek route will reflect
and cover the Gorkha district’s standing of heroism, sacrifice, history and natural
heritages.
Proposed Trek Route:
Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Gorkha Bazar which
takes approximately 5 hrs. Explore the town in the late afternoon - visit
Museum, Gorakhkali Temple and surrounding and overnight stay in the Hotel.
Day 02:
Drive 2 hours in the morning till
Ghyampeshal and then trek to Jarang which takes approximately 2 hours.
Overnight stay in the village.
Day 03: Trek to Sita Gufa (Explore the surrounding
of the cave) , Thotneri / Thala which is roughly 6 -7 hours trek.
Day 04: Trek Thala to Dharche Lake. The view point of
Dharche Lake can be compared with Poonhill from where the view of mystic
Himalayan ranges in 180 degree can be viewed.
Day 05: Trek Dharche Lake to Laprak village.
Day 06: Trek Laprak Village to Barpak Village which
is the most popular village in Gorkha as the birthplace of Gaje Ghale (honoured
with Victoria Cross).
Day 07: Rest day in Barpak to explore the village.
Day 08: Drive back to Gorkha and then to
Kathmandu.
The trek can be started as per the
proposal of TAAN from Manakamana or Bhachek or Barpak and end the trek from
Jarang / Ghyampeshal as well.
The construction of community
centre is being processed in the village of Jarang which will serve as a guest
house as well for the visitors in future. The library which will contain the
books and literature of the revolution, war and transformation of the world
would add the attraction to all interested visitors of this trek. Other parts
of trek route are being developed as tourist and visitors friendly.
Thus, we urge the concerned
authorities to take part in developing this trek route as mentioned. The trek route reflects and serve as the
convergence of the brave history of Gurkhas, history and sacrifice to unify Nepal
and then to transform it into republic Nepal, beautiful natural scenario,
religious importance, majestic Himalayan ranges etc and make this route the best trek route in
the country.
The End
The End
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