Nepal is best known for three things around the globe. The first is that Nepal is home to eight of the world’s fourteen tallest peaks, the second is that it is the birthplace and residence of Lord Gautam Buddha, and the third is that it is the homeland of the ferocious troops known as “Gurkhas.” The word “Gurkha” comes from the Nepalese district of Gorkha. The first step toward Nepal’s unity was taken here. Nepal was united from tiny quarreling nations to a great and powerful nation under the leadership of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Also during Western Invasion, these valiant soldiers fought off all the western fleet and cemented their reputation as the best military in history. The western army became so amazed by the Nepalese troops’ bravery that they decided to enlist them in their military.
The Gurkha Memorial Museum is a must-see attraction in Pokhara that you should include on your Pokhara sightseeing itinerary. You can get here by first seeing all of Pokhara’s prominent sights, such as Fewa, Tal Barahi, and the Peace Pagoda. After viewing these areas, you may travel to Rupa, Begnas, and the Gurkha Memorial Museum on Pokhara’s outskirts. This is an excellent location for viewing historical treasures and monuments. If you’re looking for adventure, want to learn about Nepal’s great heritage, and want to see it in all its grandeur, then this museum is the place to go. The Gurkha Memorial Museum is a tribute of appreciation or a symbolic depiction of the Gurkha troops’ heroic devotion and bravery throughout the disastrous World Wars 1 and 2. It also commemorates the accolades that Gurkhali warriors have earned throughout the years, as well as their commitment to international peace and prosperity.
History of Gurkha Memorial Museum: The museum was founded in 1994 AD to recognize Gurkhali warriors’ achievements to the globe. During that period, it was mostly a data archive with a few military artifacts on exhibit. The museum was originally constructed in Kathmandu’s Lainchaur area. They received several grants and contributions throughout the years, allowing them to expand their exhibition space. After obtaining a large funding from the Uk government, the museum built three more chambers to its armory between 1998 and 2000. The museum’s exhibitions improved with new layouts and the addition of surplus military artifacts from the United Kingdom. The Gurkha Museum was given property well outside the Pokhara valley by Commander Colonel Peter Sharland in 2004. The museum grew in size throughout the years, and the very first floor was finished and opened to the public in 2005. By 2008, more tales had been added and the museum had been opened to the public. The completion of a parking lot in 2015 signified the end of the museum’s full-scale development.
The Gurkha Memorial Museum is a memento of heroic british soldiers. The melody of Nepali music greets you as you reach the main area. It will demonstrate the Gurkha soldiers’ basis. Who, for the most part, dwell on the incline and have a harsh existence. As a result, they are perhaps the finest combatant on the globe. As you come into the first floor, you can hear the renowned Gurkha infantry brigades doing their ceremonial walk. The exhibits here focus on each infantry regiment’s traditions and customs. Several photographs of regimental life in the sleeping shelter, including games and family life, support them. The professionals, such as designers, signals, and transport regiments, are housed on the 2nd floor. Then there are others, such as the Group of the Unit of Gurkhas and the Singapore Police Force’s Gurkha Unforeseen. Gurkha Autonomous Parachute Organization, Gurkha Military Police, and Gurkha Pooch Organization are also part of the Gurkha family.
How to reach Gurkha Memorial Museum: The Gurkha Memorial Museum is situated on Pokhara’s Lamachaur Road. There are a variety of options for getting to the museum. A bus ride from Lakeside will set you back about 25 rupees. The distance travelled is 6.6 kilometers, and getting there would take at least 20 minutes. If you wish to travel in privacy, you may book a cab or a private vehicle at Lakeside. If you want to appreciate the splendor of nature, we suggest renting a bicycle and heading there.
Entrance fees at Gurkha Memorial Museum: Tickets must be purchased at the counter in order to access the museum. The cost of a ticket is determined on your nationalities. A non-Nepali ticket costs Rs. 200, whereas a SAARC member ticket is Rs.100. The cost of a ticket for a Nepalese is Rs. 20. Children can take advantage of special discounts.
-By: Saru Niraula for Land Nepal
