Tansen
Tourism

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is a good base for shorter treks such as the route from Pokhara to Tansen via Dhorpatan or along the Kali Gandaki from Beni.

Tansen is an attractive place in its own right, with winding alleys and some lovely traditional buildings. Folk come in from the mountain villages to stock up with supplies, adding even more color to the bustling bazaar; purchases are carried home in traditional style in frame-baskets (doko).

Equally typical are the long, densely patterned dhaka clothes and the distinctive metalwork.

Tansen used to belong to Barha Magarat, one of a dozen Magar states. In the 15th c. the Sen dynasty, kings of Palpa, distant relatives of the powerful Shahs, made the town their capital. King Mukunda Sen of Palpa extended his domain as far as the River Kosi. He launched several raids on the Kathmandu Valley, carrying off two gilded masks of Bhairava which were installed in a temple near Butwal. Tansen has been part of Nepal since 1806. The Ranas elevated the town to a provincial capital of considerable importance; its governor was reputedly always a member of the Rana family.