Tallokot

Tallokot — the lower fort — is the watchtower point at the western end of the Gorkha Durbar ridge, the natural counterpart to Upallokot at the upper end. Where Upallokot crowns the high point, Tallokot once guarded the lower approaches to the palace, and together the two forts show how the whole ridge was laid out for defence. Today it is a quiet, breezy viewpoint that most visitors have largely to themselves.

What to expect

Reaching Tallokot is a gentle ridge-top walk from the main Durbar complex, following the path toward the lower, western end. There is little grand architecture — the appeal is the open outlook over the valleys and, on a clear day, the Himalaya beyond, seen from a different angle than at the upper fort. Because it draws far fewer people, it is a peaceful place to sit, take in the view and feel the scale of the old hilltop stronghold.

Walking the full ridge from Upallokot down to Tallokot is one of the best ways to experience the Durbar. You pass the palace buildings, temples and the Gorakhnath Cave shrine along the way, ending at this quiet lower fort.

The contrast between the two forts is part of the appeal. Upallokot is the dramatic high point where most visitors gather for sunrise; Tallokot is the lower, gentler end where you can sit alone with the view and imagine how sentries once watched the trails climbing toward the palace. Seeing both gives you the full sweep of the ridge and a real sense of why this hill was chosen as the seat from which the Shah kings set out to unify Nepal.

Good to know

• The walk: A gentle ridge stroll from the Durbar — no major climb beyond reaching the ridge itself.
• Timing: Mornings give the clearest mountain views; the ridge can be exposed and breezy, so bring a layer.
• Quiet: Expect few other visitors, which makes it a calm spot to pause after the busier palace area.
• Respect: You remain within the historic fort site, so tread carefully and follow any signs.

How it fits your day

Tallokot rounds off a ridge-top morning. Climb from Gorkha Bazaar to the Gorkha Durbar, catch sunrise from Upallokot, then walk the ridge down to Tallokot before descending to the town for a meal. It is the quiet bookend to the high viewpoint at the other end.

For the full sequence, see our Gorkha itinerary and the roundup of more things to do in Gorkha. To plan your arrival, read the Kathmandu to Gorkha route and the broader Gorkha travel guide.