The district of Palpa lies in the 'Middle Hills' region of Nepal, between the Himalayas and the Terai. Hill, forest and farmland predominate, interspersed by numerous villages that continue long after roads stop. Rich vegetation and successions of tree fruits make for a lush and pleasant landscape, occasionally dramatic around the winding Kali Ghandaki river. Shree Karnadhar School sits above the fertile Mahdi Kola valley, also sometimes referred to as the 'White Lake' because of the autumn and winter mists that can envelope it.

The dominant ethnic group in the area are 'Magars'. Their culture is distinctive; their modesty and friendliness typical of the rest of Nepal. Like many other groups they have a separate language, but most speak Nepali, and certainly celebrate fully the numerous festivals that inundate the Nepali calendar.

 

Tansen

The market town of Tansen is the provincial capital of Palpa. Here most facilities can be found: all kinds of shops, internet cafés, restaurants, taxi services, and a hospital. Most villages also have small shops selling fuel and basic foodstuffs. A daily bus passes the school and Sarai village on its journey (about 1 hour) to Tansen, returning late afternoon. En route to Tansen connections can be made with the numerous services north to Pokhara and south to Butwal, where connections by bus and plane can be made to Kathmandu (see map of Nepal).

Visitor attractions

There are many worthwhile attractions in the Palpa district. Tansen itself has a number of historic temples and a mosque, whilst half a day's walk out of the town lies the magnificent derelict palace of Rani Ghat, on the banks of the Kali Ghandaki. On either side of the Mahdi Kola lies the village of Ghorabanda, noted for its pottery, and Madanpokhara, home of Asia's first community radio station. Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, lies just outwith Palpa, but can be visited in a day. For keen walkers, there are numerous remote valleys to be explored, whilst Palpa's highest hill Gaurilek (around 2000 metres) is within striking distance of the school.

Access to trekking and other activities

Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Himal, lies around 4 hours away by bus (Annapurna itself can be seen from the school on a clear day). Butwal is the connecting city for visiting Chitwan safari park in the Terai, and Lumbini. Ravi Tours (email) can offer guiding and trekking services in these regions or any other if desired from its base in Sarai. Trips can range from day rambles and sightseeing in the local area through a few days in the Himalayan foothills to treks such as Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp.