Sankhu Village
Sankhu Village
4.5
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Richard M
Varna, Bulgaria11 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
Where do I begin?
I cast my mind back some 70 years or so, ( I'm now 76 ). As a young lad, growing up in Willesden NW London, my mother would sometimes quote the first few lines of a poem, ' There is a one eyed yellow Idol, to the north of Kathmandu '.
To me, then, the name Kathmandu, had a magical sound to it, and it still does.
Having first come to this magical city in 1997/8, and several times since, it's only this last couple of months that I be learnt that the poem, (written in 1911), is actually based on a real idol, still worshipped by the local people, in the temple way above the village of Sankhu.
Having read this, I thought that I would like to visit it for myself. Having eventually found the correct bus, with the help of a kindly Nepalese man, amongst the many busses around Ratna Park, I boarded, and it soon departed on the 2 hour bumpy and dusty journey, through mainly built up area.
It's about 20 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu, and is a typical busy village.
After a lunch of veg momos, I set off for the temple, due north of the bus park.
After about a kilometre of fairly easy going, I was directed to a path which dipped between broadleaved trees, then started ascending. After crossing a metalled road the stairs began.
All 600 or so. I counted them on the way back.
The temple is not visible until you are almost up to it, being surrounded by many trees, with plenty of small monkeys to keep you company.
Upon my arrival, there were a couple of ladies sweeping the grounds, a security guard and a Buddhist priest there.
The temple is used by both Buddhist and Hindu worshippers.
The priest kindly unlocked golden doors so that I could view the Goddess, and to her right, a smaller Hanuman idol.
Noon is allowed in or allowed to take photos of them.
Both idols were dressed in red garments, full length.
I was allowed to take photos of the outside of the temple, tho.
So, from my mother's quotes, seventy years ago, I was at the actual place mentioned in poem.
Much to my great satisfaction 😁🙏🐒
I cast my mind back some 70 years or so, ( I'm now 76 ). As a young lad, growing up in Willesden NW London, my mother would sometimes quote the first few lines of a poem, ' There is a one eyed yellow Idol, to the north of Kathmandu '.
To me, then, the name Kathmandu, had a magical sound to it, and it still does.
Having first come to this magical city in 1997/8, and several times since, it's only this last couple of months that I be learnt that the poem, (written in 1911), is actually based on a real idol, still worshipped by the local people, in the temple way above the village of Sankhu.
Having read this, I thought that I would like to visit it for myself. Having eventually found the correct bus, with the help of a kindly Nepalese man, amongst the many busses around Ratna Park, I boarded, and it soon departed on the 2 hour bumpy and dusty journey, through mainly built up area.
It's about 20 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu, and is a typical busy village.
After a lunch of veg momos, I set off for the temple, due north of the bus park.
After about a kilometre of fairly easy going, I was directed to a path which dipped between broadleaved trees, then started ascending. After crossing a metalled road the stairs began.
All 600 or so. I counted them on the way back.
The temple is not visible until you are almost up to it, being surrounded by many trees, with plenty of small monkeys to keep you company.
Upon my arrival, there were a couple of ladies sweeping the grounds, a security guard and a Buddhist priest there.
The temple is used by both Buddhist and Hindu worshippers.
The priest kindly unlocked golden doors so that I could view the Goddess, and to her right, a smaller Hanuman idol.
Noon is allowed in or allowed to take photos of them.
Both idols were dressed in red garments, full length.
I was allowed to take photos of the outside of the temple, tho.
So, from my mother's quotes, seventy years ago, I was at the actual place mentioned in poem.
Much to my great satisfaction 😁🙏🐒
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roshan K
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates5 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
There is no doubt Sankhu is one of the beautiful Newari village.The residents of Sakhu are credited for maintaining their traditional ways of life and the rich culture they have inherited. There is a temple call Vajrayogini it's above the beautiful village of Sankhu. If you are planning to go nagarkot this is the best way from sankhu Village. It's good to go by walking you will see one of the beautiful Landscape call Palubari Village.
Written May 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nepalwatcher
Kathmandu153 contributions
Dec 2011 • Couples
Sankhu, situated in the NE of Kathmandu is the oldest known urban settlement in the Kathmandu Valley. Its name means 'close to Tibet' and it was a major trading station between Nepal and Tibet in the past (hence the wealthy looking houses). Of course, there is modern development here, too, but there are still lots of very old houses, squares and temples and the people are very friendly, as they don't get to see that many foreign tourists. Above the town, high on the wooded hillside, sits the beautiful Buddhist temple of Vajra Yogini. I thought it well-worth the effort of the drive through the crazy traffic.It's probably best to get your taxi to take you straight to the temple and then to stop off in the town on the way back for a good hour.
Written December 16, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimi O
Kathmandu, Nepal14 contributions
Jul 2012
Sankhu used to be flourishing as beung connected to a trade route but now is a dreamy little village where old architecture and woodcarving reveal the gone glory. Also while you are there visit the Hamro Gaun project a model eco village just 200 meters down the lapsephedi road from the old town square
Written December 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Astrid41
Copenhagen, Denmark123 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
It is absolutely worth visiting. Busses between Bhaktapur and the village, as well as between the village and Nagarkot. However, walking provides good views. At least two different routes from the village to Nagarkot. Both very beautiful. Takes 4-5 hours, but there are small places to buy drinks and food on the way.
Written January 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NepaliMutu
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates48 contributions
Apr 2014
I have visited this place 3 times, once in April and twice in June. I liked it better in June since there was some rain and it made for a pleasantly cool walk. If you can handle it I definitely recommend walking all the way up the hill from the gate. It is peaceful, not that strenuous, lots of places to rest along the way, and you really get a feel for the nature of Nepal outside of KTM. - great if you do not plan any trekking but don't want to spend your time stuck in the city. The temple is classic Newari style and is one of the four Vajrayogini temples located in the KTM Valley. The priests are very kind and helpful and do not bar anyone from taking darshan of Maa Vajroyogini. Along with Bungamati and Pharping this is one of my favorite day trips from KTM.
Written January 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MARKOLA111
Seattle, WA78 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
This town is on the old trade route to Tibet so it has a long history. A 20 minute uphill walk from town is an ancient temple where pilgrims and traders on their way to Tibet asked for divine blessings for their journey. The Temple is well maintained and the view from there is wonderful. From Sanku I walked the back way to up the hill to Changu Narayan Temple in about 90 minutes.
Written May 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
toursinnepal
Lalitpur14 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
Sankhu is the ancient small beautiful newar village located just 17 km from Kathmandu valley. It is famous for its sankha shaped town structure. It is one of the best attraction place for both national and international tourist and also good for hiking too. Bajrayogini is one of the identity of the sankhu which stands on the hillside north of the village where goddesses are worshiped with high beliefs. Also it is famous place for celebrating the shalinadi festival where goddesses are tribute through fasting, meditating and bathing by both men and women too.
Written March 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jliets w
Kathmandu, Nepal33 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
Sankhu is little far from the Kathmandu city but it worthy to visit .Sankhu temple is located on a high hilltop surrounded by the forest and there are lots of monkeys around the temple.
Written February 5, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gaos
Bussum, The Netherlands209 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
If it's only to spend some money in local shops, coz this historic settlement was severly damaged by the earthquakes. The Vajrayogini temple is still standing, but squares and houses were devastated...people are so resilient, trying to survive and make something of their lives. Even 2 years after the quakes almost nothing has been done here. There is still a group of people who get hardly any food. Locals will help eachother, but it's almost unbearable for the community. Government and most (or all?) NGO's have left.
Written April 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
I'm hoping to him from sankhu to Nagarkot. Can I hire a local guide in sankhu village?? Or does anyone have a contact. I will take a tootle or public bus out to sankhu village but am hiking alone so would like a guide (reasonable price but to support the locals).
Written March 10, 2019
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