Gorkha-Jitgadhi Unification Trek begins

By Narendra Dhakal,Gorkha, Apr.11: The third historic Gorkha-Jitgadhi Unification Trek has officially commenced. Organised annually by the Nepal Army, the trek aims to promote the routes and historical sites significant to Nepal’s unification.

A farewell programme was held on Thursday at Hanuman Chautara within the historic Gorkha Durbar complex, where participants were seen off with a traditional ceremony.

During the programme, the dignitaries handed over symbolic flags and torches representing five companies of the Nepal Army from its founding era. The trek commenced from the Gorkha Durbar premises and will proceed to Jitgadhi via Tanahun and Palpa.

According to Ganapati Ashok Kumar Chhetri of Ripumardan Gana Gorkha, the procession includes the Bajagaja flag, the national flag, and the flags of the five original military companies that played key roles in the Jitgadhi battle: Srinath, Sabuj, Purano Gorakh, Bardwani and Kalibox.

The team that departed from Gorkha Durbar on Thursday will ceremonially hand over the flags and torches to successive army units along the route. The first handover will be to Rudra Bhairav Dal Gana of Tanahun, followed by transfers to Kazi Bhanjan Gana (E) Shri No. 3 Rajdal Gana, Kali Bhanjan Gana, Shri Di Famous Mahendra Dal Gana of Palpa, and finally to Shri Taradal Gadhali Gana in Rupandehi. The torch and flag, initially set out from Gorkha, are scheduled to reach Jitgadhi on Baisakh 7 (late April), completing the 11-day journey.

The Nepal Army states that the initiative was launched with the objective of safeguarding and promoting Nepal’s historical heritage particularly forts, battle routes and other sites of national importance to foster a greater spirit of national unity.

“This trek aims to revive the historical trail used by King Prithvi Narayan Shah during Nepal’s unification campaign,” said Lieutenant Karki, Vice-President of the Western Pokhara Region. “The route from Gorkha to Jitgadhi spans 203 kilometres. This initiative serves as a long-lasting tribute in the collective memory of the Nepali people regarding the country’s unification history,” he said.

Gorkha Municipality Mayor Krishna Bahadur Rana expressed his belief that the trek contributes not only to historical preservation but also to tourism promotion. “Jitgadhi is a fort symbolising our nation’s heroic victories it's a proud chapter in Nepali history. This trek, tracing the route from Gorkha to Jitgadhi, underlines its historical and cultural significance,” He said.

Deputy Mayor Masalimaya Thokar echoed similar sentiments, noting that the programme plays a vital role in protecting history while inspiring future generations.

The event was jointly organised by the Nepal Army, Gorkha Municipality and Palungtar Municipality. Chief District Officer Punya Bikram Poudel, Chief of Gorkha Durbar Care Station Bishnu Pathak and other dignitaries addressed the gathering during the farewell programme.

The Nepal Army has been conducting the Gorkha-Jitgadhi trek annually as part of its heritage preservation efforts.

Among those present at the event were Lieutenant Madhukar Singh Karki, Western Regional Commander of the Nepal Army’s Pokhara Division, District Coordination Committee Chief Mohan Bahadur Thapa, Assistant Lieutenant Colonel Nurendra Malla of Shri No. 3 Battalion, Gorkha Municipality Mayor Krishna Bahadur Rana, Deputy Mayor Masalimaya Thokar, Chief District Officer Punya Bikram Poudel, Working President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (Gorkha Chapter) Narendra Dhakal, Chief of the Gorkha Durbar Caretaker Office Bishnu Pathak and Gorkha Museum Chief Jayanarayan Karki, among others.