Located on green hills above Bhaktapur, Nepal, Bokacho Gadi is both historically and architecturally appealing in a lush setting. Often not noticed by travelers, as it is less explored than Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the ancient fort offers a serene escape into the past, where people can feel history. It is ideal for both history and nature lovers.
A Glance into the Past
The term “Gadi” in Nepal Bhasa means a fort, and “Bokacho” comes from “Bokā” in Nepal Bhasa, meaning “hill.” Bokacho Gadi is thus called “Hill Fort.” Strategically located at about 2,100 feet in elevation, aiming south west, Bokacho Gadi is at a vantage point overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and the mountains beyond it.
Historical interpretations reveal that during the unification of Nepal in the 18th century, King Prithvinarayan Shah used the fort as a standpoint for plotting his military attacks against Bhaktapur. Legend has it that King Prithivinarayan Shah was creating a bunker, oversaw the city, and guided his troops from the fort, which is still largely unexplored and still stands as a historical extension of that moment.
Architectural and Cultural Significance
Bokacho Gadi is a fine example of Newar architecture that encompasses wooden carvings, pagoda-style structures, and stonework. The fort’s architecture embodies the design sensibilities and workmanship of the Newars, the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley. The surrounding area contains many remnants of old bricks and stones, demonstrating the architectural capabilities of an earlier age.
Culturally, the fort is significant because it symbolizes the Newar people and their longstanding connection to the land. The ongoing efforts to preserve the existence of the fort, including the building of the Vindhyavasini Temple next to the tower, illustrate the importance of preserving this heritage beyond today’s audience.
Scenic Beauty and Hiking Trails
Bokacho Gadi is a great opportunity to see old history amidst nature. The hike from Bhaktapur to Bokacho Gadi is about 9.4 kilometers. It would require about a 39 minute drive from Bhaktapur to get to the trail head. Walking the trail leads to beautiful forest trails, accompanied by terraced fields, and past wonderful Newar villages. This all adds up to an experience sound proof to the hustle and bustle of everyday Kathmandu.
Once you reach the fort, you will be treated to superb panoramic views of Bhaktapur, Bhaktapur valley, and the rise of the majestic Himalayan range. The sunset was particularly breathtaking from this vantage point, a top location for late afternoon photography and a chance to reflect on your day.
I’ll have to add-on about the camping in the Bokacho Gadi. Since, there are comparatively less travellers you can have one of the best moments camping at the top of the Gadi. Just make sure to bring all the necessary foods and camping equipment by yourselves and make sure to clean them before you leave the next day..
The Bokacho Gadi View Tower
Built to augment the visitor’s experience is the relatively new Bokacho Gadi View Tower. Although it was built relatively recently, it further adds to the visitor experience and provides for a sharper, even more dramatic, 360 degree panoramic management view of the surrounding landscape. The view tower adds depth to the site by providing a visitor’s means to record their experience about the historical site much better. The view tower stands quite close to the old fort and is a popular location with tourists and locals from which to take in sweeping vistas and charges of Bhaktapur, the Kathmandu Valley, and on clear days, parts of the Langtang Himalayan range beyond.
The tower was built from traditional and modern materials designed to withstand the weather and to aesthetically blend into the surrounding heritage site. Also, the climb is not too strenuous, and while the trip to the tower may be simple, it is worth the trip for photographers, enthused nature lovers, or anyone that appreciates quiet time with nature above the clouds. The sunrise and sunset are stunning and can provide a phenomenal visual experience.
Local Cuisine and Cultural Immersion
If you are visiting Bokacho Gadi, your trip would not be complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Things like local dishes and indigenous chicken are normally a hit among visitors. A Little taste from the region is the cultural layer in the food which comes with deep flavors and interesting ingredients.
By engaging the local community, your cultural experience gets deepened. The local community are very welcome and normally willing to share their stories on the fort’s importance and history.
Preservation and Future Opportunities
The Municipality recognizes that Bokacho Gadi has social and cultural significance and is currently working to preserve its actuality. In connection with the build of the Vindhyavasini Temple next to the fort, the Municipality sees this build as an opportunity to also restore and preserve their local cultural tourism site and continue to develop and expand local tourism.
The next step involves excavating the bunker located within the fort potentially allowing us to gather further evidence in considering the role of the fort and its overall importance for the unification of Nepal as well as highlighting some military history of the region. Finally, if parts of the fort at Bokacho Gadi are of regional military significance then glimpses of Bhaktapur past may now also be seen.
How to Get There
Getting to Bokacho Gadi is relatively easy. If you’ve private vehicles then you can reach the Gadi in your private vehicles. These are the paths you can follow to reach the Bokacho Gadi:
- Suryabinayak – Doleshwor – Aashapuri Road – Bokacho Gadi
- Suryabinayak – Pilot Baba – Ghyampe Danda – Aashapuri Road – Bokacho Gadi
- Sanga – Aashapuri Road – Bokacho Gadi
You can also ask the locals if you’re confused about the way in the Aashapur Roads.
The journey has some beautiful views of the countryside along the way and offers a look into daily life in rural areas of the Kathmandu Valley.
Consider wearing good walking shoes or hiking shoes. The trail has some uneven bits and you want to be comfortable! Bring enough water and snacks with you. There are limited facilities around the fort and you will want refreshments after returning.
A local guide will make your experience richer by providing historical information and helping facilitate contact with locals in the community.
Conclusion
Bokacho Gadi is a silent observer to centuries of history in Bhaktapur. The site is a unique destination because of its military significance, world-class architecture and rich cultural heritage. A visit to this fort will not only bring you back in time but also expose you to the living undercurrents of the Newar community.
Whether you enjoy history, nature or quiet reflective retreats, Bokacho Gadi offers something special to take away long after the visit is over.
