The Chronicles of Thankot
Unraveling thousands of years of Nepalese history. Filter by era to explore Shonitapur and Gorkhali campaigns.
The Legend of Shonitapur: Thankot's Ancient Kirati Origins
Before it was known as Thankot, ancient Kirati legends named this region Shonitapur ("City of Blood"). It is believed to have served as a vital trade hub where travelers and merchants coming from the plains of India rested before climbing the final ridge into the Kathmandu Valley.
Goddess of the Gateway: Mahalaxmi Temple and the Red Chariots
Thankot is a bastion of Newari culture. The Mahalakshmi Temple, built around 1690, is a major cultural anchor. The annual Mahalaxmi Jatra is celebrated with intense energy, featuring wooden chariot processions dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, Lord Ganesh, and Bhairab, invoking prosperity and protection.
The Vision from the Ridge: Prithvi Narayan Shah and Chandragiri
During the 18th century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha used the strategic heights of Chandragiri Hill overlooking Thankot to plan his military unification of the valley's three Malla kingdoms. Legends state that he had a spiritual vision of a unified Nepal while looking down from the ridge.
The Car Porters of Thankot: When Men Carried Automobiles
Before the Tribhuvan Highway opened in 1957, Kathmandu was roadless. Royalty and elites imported luxury cars by hiring teams of 60 to 120 local porters to carry them manually on wooden frames over the steep mountain passes into Thankot, where they were reassembled and driven.
Thankot Heritage Trivia
Expand your knowledge about Kathmandu's ancient western checkpoint. Click on a question below to reveal the answer.
Timeline of the Pass
Shonitapur Kingdom
Early Kirati defensive checkpost guarding the valley pass.
Mahalaxmi Temple
Pagoda construction and origin of the Red Chariot Jatra.
Gorkhali Blockade
King Prithvi Narayan Shah takes Thankot during siege.