The township of Gorkha situated on the lap of a hill is the headquarters of the district by the same name. King Prithvi Narayan Shah the great whi unified the Kingdom of Nepal during the 18th century was born here. The historic Gorkha palace is situated on the top of a fortified hill above the township about one hour's walk uphill from the bus station. The Gorkha Durbar is also a holy shrine for Goddess Kali, the goddess of velour, whom no mortal is allowed to pay homage. On every 8th day of the lunar calendar sacrifices are offered to the Goddess. There is a famous cave sheltering the statue of Goraknath Baba (sage) on the premises. From the top of the hill above the Gorkha Durbar and from a saddle east of the bazaar, a spectacular view of Manaslu and Himalchuli peaks is possible. On a beautiful ridge southeast of the township of Gorkha lies the holy temple of Manakamana, the goddess of aspirations. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus where animals and birds are sacrificed for the goddess. Manakamana is 4 hour's walk uphill from Anbu Khaireni on Kathmandu Pokhara highway. There are a number of good lodge at the Manakamana hill and the Gorkha bus park is a government recognized hotel.