Gurkha Memorial Museum
- Pokhara
- Museum
Description
The Gurkha Museum in Pokhara, Nepal, near Mahendra Pul, is a tribute to the illustrious history and contributions of Gurkha soldiers. This three-floor museum features extensive exhibits on the Gurkhas’ roles in the British and Indian armies, as well as other military units.
Ground Floor: Visitors are welcomed with Nepali music and exhibits detailing the harsh origins of the Gurkha soldiers. Displays cover their enlistment in the British Army in 1815, the 1857 Indian Mutiny, campaigns on the North West Frontier, and World War I. Artifacts include uniforms, medals, khukri knives, and photographs. The World War II section includes citations for 10 Victoria Cross winners. Further exhibits cover post-WWII conflicts and peacekeeping missions, and the emotional withdrawal from Hong Kong after 47 years of Gurkha presence.
First Floor: This floor showcases the customs and traditions of each Gurkha infantry regiment, with hundreds of photographs depicting regimental life, including sports and family activities.
Second Floor: Dedicated to specialized Gurkha units, this floor features exhibits on engineers, signals, transport regiments, and more, including a gallery for Gurkha regiments now part of the Indian Army, with displays of uniforms, medals, and flags.
Additional Features: The museum enhances the experience with sound effects and offers free parking, a DVD film on Gurkha history, and a library for on-site research. The shop sells various souvenirs, such as khukris, T-shirts, and regimental ties.
Despite being slightly off the beaten path, the Gurkha Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in military history, offering a comprehensive and engaging look at the valor and legacy of the Gurkha soldiers.
Things to know before you go
- Pottery Classes– Wonderful experience to get your hands dirty with and end up making your own clay crafts.
- Juju Dhau– Bhaktapur is renowned for its Juju Dhau, also known as the King Curd, sweet and delicious yougurt made in earthen cups.
- Peacock Window– Located at the old Pujari Math, showcases intricately adorned peacock at its center and tail feathers form an elegant lattice window design.
How to get there?
For the most convenient travel to Bhaktapur, many sightseeing tours provide round-trip car transfers, typically with private hotel pickup. Additionally, some Nagarkot tours, including trekking expeditions, include sightseeing stops at Bhaktapur along the way.
Best time to visit Gurkha Memorial Museum?
Spring and Autumn, that’s when the vibes are just right, with clear skies and those majestic Himalayas popping up like magic. The best time to visit Bhaktapur is during the spring (March to April) and Autumn (October to November). During these seasons, the weather here is pleasant as the sky is clear and the Himalayas are visible.
Whats nearby Gurkha Memorial Museum?
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are basically four different squares i.e. Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square and Dattatreya Square.
To get to Bhaktapur Durbar Square from Kathmandu, you have a few options. You can opt for a taxi or private car, which takes about 40 minutes from Thamel, covering around 16km. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from Ratna Park Bus Stand in Kathmandu or Lagankhel Bus Park in Patan. While local buses take longer due to frequent stops, they follow the same route and traffic conditions, so expect the journey to take around an hour.
Our tour experts and from recommendations of our guests we have handpicked Bhaktapur Day trips.
Attractions near Bhaktapur Durbar Square are 55 Window Palace, Taumadhi Square, Nyatapole Temple, National Art Gallery, Dattatreya Temple, Pottery Square.
The best outdoor activities to do in Bhaktapur are:
- Four Squares of Bhaktapur, Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur.
- Heritage Tour of Bhaktapur UNESCO Sites.
- Private Bhaktapur Sightseeing and Nagarkot Day Trip
- Panauti Village and Bhaktapur Sightseeing Day Tour
There is an entrance fee for international tourists. The fee goes towards the maintenance and conservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s advisable to check current rates, as they may vary.