6 days
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Valley · UNESCO World Heritage
Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Basantapur or Hanuman Dhoka, is the old royal heart of the city. Kings were crowned and ruled here until the late 19th century, and the square is still busy with temples, shrines, market stalls and daily worship.
It is an easy walk from Thamel and the natural place to start exploring the Kathmandu Valley. Several temples fell in the 2015 earthquake; some have been rebuilt and others are still being restored, so you will see craftsmen at work alongside centuries old buildings.
What to see
- Hanuman Dhoka palace. The former royal palace, entered through a gate guarded by a statue of the monkey god Hanuman. Its courtyards and museum show where Nepal's kings were crowned.
- Kumari Ghar. The home of the Kumari, a young girl worshipped as a living goddess. Visitors may enter the courtyard and sometimes see her at the window. Photographs of the Kumari are not allowed.
- Kasthamandap. The wooden pavilion said to have given Kathmandu its name. It collapsed in 2015 and was rebuilt by local craftsmen, reopening in late 2021.
- Kal Bhairav and Taleju Temple. The fierce stone figure of Kal Bhairav is one of the most photographed sights in the square, while the tall Taleju Temple rises above the palace walls.
Tips for your visit
- Keep your ticket: it is checked at entrances around the square and for the palace museum.
- If you stay several days, ask at the ticket office about a visitor pass for repeat entry.
- Freak Street, the old hippie trail hangout, runs off the south side of the square.
- During Indra Jatra in late summer, the Kumari is carried through the streets in a chariot and the square fills with masked dancers.
Multi-day tours that visit Kathmandu Durbar Square
Every tour here includes Kathmandu Durbar Square in its itinerary. Best rated first.
6 days
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10 daysCombine it with
Swayambhunath
UNESCOThe hilltop stupa known as the Monkey Temple, reached by a long stairway and offering wide views across Kathmandu.
Visitor guide →Patan Durbar Square
UNESCOThe royal square of Lalitpur, packed with fine Newar temples and home to the Patan Museum, one of the best museums in South Asia.
Visitor guide →Rather have a trip to Nepal made just for you?
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Kathmandu Durbar Square: questions
How much is the entry fee for Kathmandu Durbar Square?
Foreign visitors pay NPR 1,000, which includes the Hanuman Dhoka palace museum. Fees change from time to time, so check at the ticket booth.
Can you see the Kumari, the living goddess?
Sometimes. Visitors can wait in the courtyard of the Kumari Ghar, and she occasionally appears briefly at an upper window. Photographs of her are not permitted.
Was Kathmandu Durbar Square damaged in the 2015 earthquake?
Yes, several temples collapsed and the palace was damaged. Many buildings have since been rebuilt, including the Kasthamandap pavilion, and restoration continues on others.
How far is Kathmandu Durbar Square from Thamel?
About 1.5 kilometres, an easy 15 to 20 minute walk through the old market streets of Asan and Indra Chowk.