Above photo: View of Tansen

Tansen is a hill town with a long history: Sen dynasty and empire, exiled aristocrats from Kathmandu and regal regional governors; enterprising Newar traders and craftspeople and the rich culture of the Magar people and other groups who make up the town and area's population combine to make Tansen unique in Nepal. The town is situated on the southern slope of Shreenagar Hill at an elevation of 1372 metres. From its perch on the hill, the town looks out to the Madi Valley, surrounding hills and the Tarai. With views of the Himalaya from Shreenagar and rich natural environment all around, Tansen is one of the most scenic places in Nepal. As a gateway to Palpa and surrounding areas, it offers access to Palpa's variety and character of rural life, small towns, religious and historical sites. Though it boasts a busy market and is a centre in Western Nepal and the headquarters of the Palpa district, Tansen is quiet and pollution free. 300 kilometres west from Kathmandu, the two are much closer in their character: Newari houses, cobbled streets, Rana buildings, pagoda temples and tundikhel, shrines and stupas.

Palpa

Of Nepal's fourteen zones, Palpa is in Lumbini, named for the birthplace of Guatama Buddha. Bordering the flatlands of the Tarai to the immediate south, Palpa's high hills command an impressive view of Nepal in all directions. With the great Madi Valley in the west and the powerful Kali Gandaki along its northern border. Palpa is made up on sixty-five VDC areas and a population of some 236 thousand people. The district headquarters are at Tansen with roads leading to Butwal, Pokhara and Ridi.

Above photo: Mustard Mnt