Gurkha Memorial Museum
A tribute to Nepal's legendary Gurkha soldiers, showcasing their valor, history, and iconic khukuri knives through engaging exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Gurkha Memorial Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tribute to Nepal's legendary Gurkha soldiers, showcasing their valor, history, and iconic khukuri knives through engaging exhibits.
"An incredible tribute to the bravery and history of the Gurkha soldiers, offering an in-depth look at their storied past."
Authentic Khukuri Purchase
Looking for a real khukuri? The museum offers them at fixed prices, a great souvenir! :shopping_bags:
Combine with Other Sites
Easily pair your visit with Mahendra Cave & Bindhyabasini Temple. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Khukuri Knives
Weapons Exhibit
See the legendary Gurkha khukuri knives, symbols of courage and skill, alongside other historical weaponry.
Victoria Cross Recipients
Galleries
Learn about extraordinary acts of bravery through detailed accounts of Gurkha Victoria Cross recipients.
Multimedia Galleries
Three Floors
Experience history brought to life with immersive sound and lighting across three floors of engaging exhibits.
Uniforms and Medals
Exhibition Halls
Admire the diverse uniforms and prestigious medals earned by Gurkha soldiers throughout their service.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Gurkha Legacy
Location and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Authentic Khukuri Purchase
Looking for a real khukuri? The museum offers them at fixed prices, a great souvenir! :shopping_bags:
Combine with Other Sites
Easily pair your visit with Mahendra Cave & Bindhyabasini Temple. :world_map:
Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least an hour to explore the three floors and absorb the history. :clock1:
Camera Fee
There's a small fee if you plan to take photos inside. :camerawithflash: [^Reviews]
Tips
from all over the internet
Authentic Khukuri Purchase
Looking for a real khukuri? The museum offers them at fixed prices, a great souvenir! :shopping_bags:
Combine with Other Sites
Easily pair your visit with Mahendra Cave & Bindhyabasini Temple. :world_map:
Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least an hour to explore the three floors and absorb the history. :clock1:
Camera Fee
There's a small fee if you plan to take photos inside. :camerawithflash: [^Reviews]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Gurkha Memorial Museum for its informative and meaningful exhibits that honor the bravery and legacy of Gurkha soldiers. The museum is well-organized, offering a deep dive into military history with artifacts, multimedia, and details on Victoria Cross recipients. While some note its small scale and basic facilities, it's widely considered a must-visit for its historical importance and the pride it instills.
"Gurkha Memorial Museum located in Pokhara—an institution dedicated to honoring the valor and legacy of the Gurkha soldiers।
Overview of the Gurkha Museum in Pokhara,
What the Museum Highlights?
The museum exhibits the rich military history of the Gurkha soldiers who have served in the British and Indian armies since 1815. It showcases uniforms, weapons (including the iconic khukuri knives), medals, photographs, and campaign memorabilia.
Inside, you'll find three gallery floors enhanced with multimedia elements like sound and colored lighting. Notably, it features details on Gurkha Victoria Cross recipients, highlighting extraordinary acts of bravery.
It forms part of Pokhara’s cultural scene, appearing alongside other noteworthy institutions such as the International Mountain Museum.
Visiting Details
Location: Near Mahendra Pul in Pokhara—easily accessible and central.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Entry Fees:
Foreign visitors: NPR 200
SAARC nationals: NPR 100
Nepali citizens: NPR 50
Camera fee: NPR 20 (optional)
Feature Details
Focus Gurkha soldiers’ legacy, military campaigns, awards •
Hours Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission Foreign: NPR 200; SAARC: NPR 100; Nepali: NPR 50; Camera: NPR 20
Highlights Uniforms, medals, galleries with sound/light, VC citations, research library
Visitor Notes Informative and meaningful; small in scale; basic facilities•"
Tulasi Ram Paudel
"Very Nice and historical importance of this place.Gorkha Regiment history and Achievements were nicely displayed in Musium.Army culture and Discipline with Different dress code was also displayed.."
Prasann Jha
"It's a great prevlease to have this kind of Museum in Pokhara 16 near KIC bridge. That makes us proud to be गोर्खाली सेना Gurkha and also remind our responsibilities & loyalty for the Nation..."
Suresh Thapa magar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gurkha Memorial Museum is conveniently located near Mahendra Pul in Pokhara, making it easily accessible by local taxi or on foot if you're staying nearby. It's often visited as part of a broader sightseeing tour of Pokhara's attractions. 
Yes, it's centrally located and often mentioned alongside other popular Pokhara sites like Mahendra Cave and the International Mountain Museum, so it's well-integrated into tourist routes.
Taxis are readily available in Pokhara and can take you directly to the museum. For a more local experience, you could inquire about local bus routes, though taxis are generally the most straightforward option.
Depending on your exact location in Lakeside, it might be a pleasant walk, or you could opt for a short taxi ride. It's a good idea to check a map for the most direct route.
The museum is situated near Mahendra Pul and is often visited in conjunction with Mahendra Cave and Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, serving as good reference points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore its exhibits. [^Reviews]
Entry fees vary: NPR 200 for foreign visitors, NPR 100 for SAARC nationals, and NPR 50 for Nepali citizens. There's also an optional NPR 20 camera fee. [^Reviews]
Advance booking is generally not required for the Gurkha Memorial Museum. You can purchase tickets upon arrival. [^Reviews]
Yes, there is an additional NPR 20 fee if you wish to take photographs inside the museum. [^Reviews]
The provided information lists specific rates for foreign, SAARC, and Nepali visitors. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter for any potential student or senior discounts. [^Reviews]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features three floors of exhibits detailing the history of Gurkha soldiers, including uniforms, weapons (like the khukuri), medals, photographs, and multimedia displays highlighting their bravery and service.
Most visitors find that an hour is sufficient to explore the museum's exhibits thoroughly and appreciate its historical significance.
The museum offers an educational experience about military history. While it's informative, younger children might find some exhibits more engaging than others. Parents can gauge their child's interest.
Yes, the museum utilizes multimedia elements, including sound and colored lighting, to enhance the visitor experience and bring the exhibits to life. [^Reviews]
The museum is known to sell authentic khukuri knives, which make for a unique and meaningful souvenir.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is allowed inside the museum, but there is a separate camera fee of NPR 20. [^Reviews]
The exhibits showcasing the iconic khukuri knives, historical uniforms, and displays of medals are particularly photogenic and capture the essence of Gurkha heritage.
While photography is permitted with the fee, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography if it might be disruptive to the exhibits or other guests. [^Reviews]
Yes, you can freely take photos of the museum's exterior. The building itself is part of the Pokhara landscape.
You can capture detailed shots of historical artifacts, portraits of Gurkha soldiers, and the overall presentation of the museum's galleries, offering a glimpse into military history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
[^Reviews]Consider framing the visit around the stories of courage and the unique Gurkha identity. The museum's central location in Pokhara also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities, ensuring a balanced day of exploration. Remember to factor in the camera fee if your family enjoys documenting their travels.
[^Reviews]🏛️ History Enthusiasts
+1 [^Reviews]Pay special attention to the exhibits detailing Victoria Cross recipients, which highlight extraordinary acts of bravery. The museum's collection offers a tangible connection to the legacy of these legendary soldiers, making it a truly rewarding experience for anyone seeking to understand this significant aspect of Nepalese and world military history. [^Reviews]
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Beyond the khukuri, the museum itself offers a rich visual experience that can inspire your own photography or journaling. The historical artifacts and displays provide a deep appreciation for the Gurkha legacy, making any item purchased here a reminder of that profound connection.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Gurkhas
+1 [^Reviews]Visitors can explore exhibits featuring authentic uniforms, weapons (including the iconic khukuri), medals, and photographs that narrate tales of courage and sacrifice. The museum's three floors are enhanced with multimedia elements, such as soundscapes and atmospheric lighting, creating an immersive experience that brings the past to life. A significant highlight is the detailed information on Gurkha Victoria Cross recipients, recognizing the highest acts of valor. [^Reviews]
Beyond the military achievements, the museum also touches upon the cultural significance of the Gurkhas and their deep connection to Nepal. It serves as a vital institution for preserving and promoting the heritage of these revered warriors, offering a profound and often emotional insight into their contributions to global security and their unwavering spirit.
[^Reviews]Visiting the Museum: Practicalities and Experience
Many visitors describe the museum as informative and meaningful, despite its relatively small scale. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing a deep dive into the army culture, discipline, and the distinct dress codes of the Gurkhas. The inclusion of sound and colored lighting in the galleries adds a unique dimension to the presentation, making the historical narratives more engaging. [^Reviews]
While the facilities are described as basic, the overall experience is highly recommended for anyone interested in military history or seeking to understand the pride and respect associated with the Gurkha legacy. It's a place that evokes a sense of pride in being associated with the Gurkha heritage and reminds visitors of their responsibilities and loyalty to the nation. [^Reviews]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit