Tansen is one of the most impressive towns of Nepal, which, still untouched by many tourists, is located on a large plateau at an elevation of 1,350m (4,430 ft). This bazar in the middle of town was set up by Newari merchants from the Kathmandu to take advantage of the trade route between India and Tibet.
Narrow stone-paved streets are lined with old brick buildings and filled with simple village life. Tansen is a great place for walking, too. Maps and a brochure guide for walking tours of the town are available at the tourism office.
The picture above is one of old brick buildings along the bazar streets. A Nepali restaurant was across from it and I sketched this from there. From the very left, shoe shop(closed), grocery store, stationery store, and electric appliance shop.
Regular buses leave for Tansen from Kathmandu (8-10 hours). Tansen lies 40 km north of Butwal. Lumbini, the sacred birthplace of Buddha, lies 40 km southwest of Butwal. Belahiya( referred to as Sonauli in India side), the most popular border village crossing between Nepal and India is very close to Lumbini.
