Kakrebihar (काक्रे विहार)
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No additional description is available.
Province 6 · Karnali
Surkhet (सुर्खेत)
District headquarters: Birendranagar
gateway cityculturenaturebase for Karnali
👥Fact
Population
415,126
📏Fact
Area
2,451 km²
⛰️Fact
Reference elevation
958 m
🏙️Fact
Density
169/km²
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Plan your visit
Start with the essentials below, then use the full guide to build a route that matches your time and interests.
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Birendranagar
Birendranagar is the administrative headquarters of the district and a useful reference point for planning local travel.
Check the map →Best time
Choose your season carefully
October-March is comfortable for city and valley travel; spring is warm and green.
Read seasonal guidance →Getting there
Check the route before you leave
Surkhet Airport and the major road network make Birendranagar one of Karnali’s easiest gateways. Exact transport schedules, road conditions, domestic flight operations and permit rules should be checked shortly before travel because these can change.
See transport details →Build your day
4 places featured
Start with the featured places, then connect them using the map and nearby attractions sections.
Start exploring →Introduction
Surkhet (सुर्खेत) Overview
Surkhet is the capital district of Karnali Province, with Birendranagar serving as the provincial headquarters and one of the most rapidly developing cities in western Nepal. The district features the remarkable Kakrebihar Temple, a 12th-century Hindu temple complex with erotic sculptures similar to Khajuraho, representing the golden age of the Karnali region. The fertile Surkhet Valley produces abundant rice, wheat, and vegetables, while the surrounding hills offer diverse ecosystems. Surkhet is ethnically diverse, with Tharu, Magar, Chhetri, Kami, and Newar communities, creating a vibrant cultural mix. The district's strategic location, the Karnali Highway connection, and the proposed Surkhet Airport make it a key regional hub. Birendranagar, named after the late King Birendra, hosts the Karnali Province's government offices, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. The district's economy is driven by agriculture, services, trade, and remittances. Surkhet represents the new face of Karnali, with significant infrastructure development and modernization efforts underway.
Find your way
Location & Map
Coordinates
28.60000, 81.63330
Open in Google Maps ↗Worth the journey
Places to Visit
Bulbule Lake (बुलबुले ताल)
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No additional description is available.
Deuti Bajai Temple (देउती बजै मन्दिर)
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No additional description is available.
Badaichaur and hill viewpoints (बडैचौर तथा पहाडी दृश्यावलोकन स्थलहरू)
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No additional description is available.
Experiences
Things to Do
Explore the ancient ruins of Kakrebihar (a 12th-century Buddhist/Hindu stone temple), stroll around Bulbule Lake, pray at Deuti Bajai Temple, climb Badaichaur viewpoints, and eat local yogurt and regional Karnali food.
Plan your route
How to Get There
Surkhet Airport and the major road network make Birendranagar one of Karnali’s easiest gateways. Exact transport schedules, road conditions, domestic flight operations and permit rules should be checked shortly before travel because these can change.
Choose your season
Best Time to Visit
October-March is comfortable for city and valley travel; spring is warm and green.
Continue your journey
Nearby Attractions
Dailekh, Jajarkot, Salyan, Bardiya, Banke (neighboring districts / route ideas)
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More from Karnali
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Surkhet (सुर्खेत) District?
Surkhet (सुर्खेत) District is in Karnali. The district headquarters is Birendranagar.
What is Surkhet (सुर्खेत) District known for?
Surkhet (सुर्खेत) is highlighted for gateway city, culture, nature, base for karnali, along with its local landscapes, communities, culture, and places to explore.
How do I get to Surkhet (सुर्खेत) District?
Surkhet Airport and the major road network make Birendranagar one of Karnali’s easiest gateways. Exact transport schedules, road conditions, domestic flight operations and permit rules should be checked shortly before travel because these can change.
When is the best time to visit Surkhet (सुर्खेत) District?
October-March is comfortable for city and valley travel; spring is warm and green.
Does Surkhet (सुर्खेत) District have a map?
Yes. The Location & Map section provides available map information and, where available, an interactive map or external map link.
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