Sankhu
An introduction
Sankhu, one of the oldest Newar village of the Kathmandu valley holds pristine natural surroundings and offers a galore of culture and heritage of the Goddess Vajrayogini and Newar people. As the name suggests, it was once a small but vibrant Newar city before it lost its prominence as the trade route to Tibet following construction of the Aarniko Highway connecting Kathma
ndu to the Chinese border in 1960s. According to the ancient manuscript Manishaila Mahabadan, Sankhu city was founded by the order of the Goddess Vajrayogini 3,300 years ago. It is situated 17 km east of Kathmandu and holds rich cultural heritage that include Biharas, temples, fine wood carvings and lots of traditional dance and music. The Goddess Vajrayogini and her temple complex situated about 2 km north to Sankhu is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites for both Hindus, Buddhists all over the world. The week-long festival of the Goddess Vajrayogini during April and the month long festival of Madhav Narayan and Swasthani during February –March each year brings hundreds of thousands of devotees and visitors to Sankhu. Sankhu is surrounded by the Manichud Hill (the eastern ridge of Shivapuri mountain range) in the North, Nagarkot Hill in the East and Changu Narayan Hill in the South. It is a favourite destination for the tourists, hiking and bicycling enthusiasts who wish to escape Kathmandu to taste the unspoiled natural and cultural heritage. Sankhu (Sakwo:) festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural surroundings as well as the antique and mesmerizing culture and heritage of the Goddess Vajrayogini, Sankhu and surrounding villages of Ghumarichowk, Lapsephedi, Paluwari and Indrayeni.
