The Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of Nepal's best tourist destinations, in the heart of Kathmandu. The most touristic places, Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square, are close by, and they are just within walking distance, passing by the traditional local market, Aasan. Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantapur Durbar Square, is one of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nepal. The Kathmandu Durbar Square represents the beautiful historic site, Nepalese civilization, royal legacy, spiritual sites, and ancient architectural heritage with arts and crafts. The heritage is surrounded by the traditional architectures, vibrant Newari cultures, traditional markets, amazing ancient arts, and the beautiful Kamasutra. The Square is not just the monuments; it’s a living museum, cultures, ancient heritages, and spiritual gems, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The vibrant street, photogenic moments, surroundings with historic architecture, and a spiritual, sacred shrine will draw attention. Hence, the Kathmandu Durbar Square visit is one of the most popular tourist destinations, where you will explore peace, spirituality, beautiful culture, and ancient architecture.
Highlights of Kathmandu Durbar Square Tour
- Explore the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Beautiful Newari architecture with ancient arts and crafts
- Experience the living goddess Kumari and get a blessing from her
- The best tourist destination in the Kathmandu Valley and a heritage site
- Explore the amazing arts and crafts of the Goddess and the ancient Kamasutra
- Best place for peace and spiritual vibes; explore the Nepalese civilization's history
- Best photogenic places: You can capture the beautiful memories of your Nepal tour
- Ancient museum, sacred entities like Kumari Ghar, Kal Bhairav, and Taleju temple
- Kathmandu Durbar Square offers the best tours for couples, loved ones, and family trips
Kathmandu Durbar Square Overviews
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of Kathmandu, which is close to Thamel and New Road. The importance of the Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in its role as the royal palace of the Malla and Shah dynasties. The Square was developed in the 4th century, and till the 8th century, it was developing as a beautiful place. However, the Kathmandu Durbar Square's construction began in the 3rd century. From the 12th to the 18th centuries, the Kathmandu Durbar Square became the popular cultural and political hub of Nepal. In the 16th century, the Malla kings reconstructed and beautified the square. The Newari traditional architecture, adorned with meticulously curved facades with Kathmandu Durbar Square-style pagodas, looks amazing. The most beautiful among the temples are Nautale Durbar and Kumari Ghar. The Nautale Durbar, which is a nine-story palace built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The first Shah dynasty king, Prithivi Narayan Shah, stayed in Hunuman Dhoka Durbar after the unification of Nepal over the Malla dynasty.
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is about 5 kilometers away from Tribhuvan Airport, 1 kilometer from Thamel, and 3 kilometers from New Baneshwor. The area covered by the Kathmandu Durbar Square is about 167.37 hectares. In Kathmandu Durbar Square, there are 50 temples in the vicinity. The Tajeju Bhawani, Kumari Ghar, Hunuman Dhoka Durbar, Shiva Parvati Temple, Kastamandav, Nautale Durbar, and others lie in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Travelers can visit beautiful handicraft shops, souvenir shops, and vibrant hotels and restaurants during the Durbar visit. The Kumari Ghar offers you the worship of the live Hindu goddess Kumari, beautiful ancient surroundings, and blessings from the goddess. The Kathmandu Durbar Square visit took about 2 to 3 hours, during which you can explore the beautiful Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square Travel Guide
The Kathmandu Durbar Square travel guide is crucial to understanding the surroundings and ancient heritage to be explored. There are various heritages, histories, cultures, and traditions, which are the symbols of Nepalese civilization's history. In 1979, Kathmandu Durbar Square was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, the Durbar has come to know its importance and historical significance in the outer world. There is Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, Taleju Temple, Kumari Ghar, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, Kasthamandav, and other historical surroundings. Travelers can hire a tourist city guide who will explain the overall history, cultures, and significance of the Kathmandu Durbar Square. There will be a ticket for the tourist before you enter the sites. You will be exploring the beautiful surroundings, museum, and sacred temples, including Kumari Ghar and other heritage sites. Majorly, you will have peace of mind and spiritual vibes and explore the ancient history, cultures, and beautiful Newari architecture during your Kathmandu Durbar Square visit.
Hanuman Dhoka Palace
The Hanuman Dhoka Palace is known as the royal residence of the Malla and Shah dynasties in the contemporary era of Nepal. Before the unification of greater modern Nepal, there was the Malla dynasty in Kathmandu and 22 and 24 small kingdoms before the period of King Prithivi Narayan Shah. On 25 September 1768, Gorkhali king Prithivi Narayan Shah conquered the Kathmandu Hunuman Dhoka Durbar, which was the palace of king Jaya Prakash Malla. There was a battle on the occasion of the popular Newari festival, Indra Jatra. In 1769, Bhaktapur was conquered, and then finally the Kathmandu Valley became part of the Gorkhali Kingdom, which later became great Nepal. The beautiful Hanuman Dhoka Durbar used to be an administrative center of the Kantipur Kingdom. The venue for coronations, cultural and religious ceremonies, functions, and other governmental programs used to be the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar in the contemporary Malla era of Nepal.
Taleju Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square
The Taleju Bhawani temple is one of the most famous heritages of Kathmandu Durbar Square. The temple was built in 1564 AD, and it is dedicated to the goddess Taleju and represents the power of the kings. The Talaju Bhawani temple will open every year on the occasion of the Dashain festival in Nepal. King Mahendra Malla, who built the Taleju Bhawani temple. Inside the Taleju temple, you can explore the shrine of Taleju Bhawani, her Hanuman embodiments, a statue of the goddess, and beautiful art. The Taleju Necklace is very historical; the beautiful necklace represents the beauty of the goddess Taleju and her ornaments. Hence, the Taleju Temple is one of the best heritage sites to explore in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Ancient Architecture A Masterpiece of Newari Arts and Crafts
The pagoda-style temples and Newari-influenced architecture make the Kathmandu Durbar Square beautiful. There are beautiful arts and crafts of goddess statues, ancient Newar cultures, and the ancient Kamasutra. The intricate wood carving, contemporary culture, and rituals are represented by the wooden art on the temple walls. There are stone sculptures, carvings, and metalworks in the surroundings of temples. Furthermore, travelers will be exploring the temple courtyards, Kumari Ghar, Kal Bhairav, the living goddess Kumari, and the one-tree wooden building Kastamandav. The artisan displays their art and craft in the surrounding temple. Travelers will be exploring the beautiful museum and feeling spiritual peace during the Kathmandu Durbar Square visit.
The Kumari Ghar House of Living Goddess
Kumari is known as the living goddess of the Newari Hindu culture, where Kumari residents will be in Kumari Ghar. The Kumari will be selected from the Newari community and worshipped as a living deity in Basantapur. The Kumari is elected as the Newari community's baby girl, whose term can only be before her menstruation. The Kumari tradition is unique in the world and reflects Nepal’s deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and the rich cultural unity of the Hindu Newari community. Every year in Indra Jatra, the Kumari will be presented in chariots, carried by the young Newari representatives. During the Indra Jatra, there are three chariots that will be carried by the locals. In Jatra, it will be human deities Ganesh, Bhairav, and Kumari, accompanied by musical bands that are pulled along the festival route through Kathmandu on three days. Travelers will have a chance to meet with the living goddess Kumari in Kumari Ghar. So, the Kumari Ghar is one of the best places to visit during the Kathmandu Durbar Square tour.
Kal Bhairab Temple
During the Kathmandu Durbar Square visit, you will visit the Kal Bhairav temple. Kaal Bhairav is a massive carved stone statue of Shiva in his fierce form, historically used for oath-taking and justice. According to legend in Hindu mythology, the shrine was found in a paddy field and later brought to the Kathmandu Durbar Square by the Malla king, His Highness Pratap Malla. The Kal Bhairab statue is made from a single stone. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The wonderful Kaal Bhairav represents the destructive and protective aspect of Lord Shiva, who will guarantee justice, better times, and salvation from unnatural death. The legend believes that it provides justice for people accused of crimes and brought before the idol to swear their innocence. Hence, it is believed that Kaal Bhairav will save the devotees from bad times and death and bless them with a long life and better times in life.
Photography Spots of Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Kumari Ghar windows and surroundings
- Temple Courtyards during Sunrise
- Basantapur Tower viewpoint
- Street life and local markets, including Aasan
- Kal Bhairav and the surrounding area
- Museum entrance and Nautale Durbar area
- Kastamandav and surroundings
Basantapur Durbar Square Experiences
Visiting the Basantapur Durbar Square gives you the best city tour experiences. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the best travel destinations in the Kathmandu Valley. Most tourists will visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square every year. Travelers will have panoramic cityscape views, traditional rooftops, temple clusters, museums, Kumari Ghar, and ancient palaces. Travelers will be exploring the beautiful arts and crafts, erotic wooden carvings, courtyards, and the best souvenir shopping in the square. For the spiritual or peace-seeking and history-enthusiastic travelers, Basantapur Durbar Square is the best Kathmandu sightseeing destination. The Kathmandu Durbar offers you peace, solitude, and vibrant surroundings.
Kathmandu Durbar Square Entrance Fees for Tourist
Kathmandu Durbar Square incurs entrance fees for tourists, yet Indian nationals, SAARC nationals, and foreigners have different tariffs. Nepali nationals will be free of cost, but entrance to the Basantapur Tribhuvan Museum will cost NPR 100 each. There is an entrance where you can purchase a ticket. If you are travelling alone, you need to get a ticket at the entrance counter, but when travelling with a guide and agencies like Touch Planet Treks, we will arrange the ticket from the counter representative. The entrance fees for Kathmandu Durbar Square are given below in the list.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square Entrance Fees for Foreign Nationals NPR 1000 (USD 8)
- Kathmandu Durbar Square Entrance fees for SAARC Nationalities: NPR 500 (USD 4)
- The entrance fee for Chinese nationals at Kathmandu Durbar Square is NPR 1000 (USD 8)
- For children below 10 years old, the entrance fee to Kathmandu Durbar Square is free
Cultural Experience During the Kathmandu Durbar Square Visit
- Meet the living goddess Kumari and live a glimpse.
- Daily rituals and worship: there will be butter lighting.
- Indra Jatra in September every year
- Holi festival in February or March
- Gaijatra festival in August or September
- Newari folk music, Bhajan, and worshiping
- Explore the Tribhuvan Museum.
- Dashain and Tihar in October or November
- Occasional local festivals and Jatras
Best Time to Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square
The best times to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square are in the morning and evening. Travelers can visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square in any season of the year; there is no particular off-season to visit. However, in the autumn season, there will be lots of local festivals, which you can explore in the square. Likewise, Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, Dashain, and Tihar will occur in the autumn season, and Holi, Buddha Purnima, and other festivals will fall in the spring season. Indeed, enthusiastic travelers can visit in the morning, when they can participate in worship and ritual performances and explore peaceful moments. Visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square in the late afternoon, you can explore the beautiful surroundings; different types of visitors will crowd, like a shopping festival, and it will be photogenic, and you can explore the colorful surroundings in the sites. Therefore, the best times to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square are all seasons, yet autumn and spring would occur with more festivals and cultural activities.
Things to do in Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Explore the Tribhuvan Museum.
- Join a guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour.
- Guided Durbar Square tour and explore the surroundings.
- Besh handicrafts and souvenir shopping
- Chances to meet the living goddess Kumari
- Worship and get blessings from the Hindu goddess.
- Unlimited photography, witnessing beautiful backgrounds
- Stay relaxed in the temple’s Falcha, explore the surroundings, and read a book.
- Experiencing the amazing peace, spiritual vibes, and ancient Newar architectures
- Explore the ancient arts and crafts, the erotic Kamasutra, and beautiful statues of gods
Kathmandu Durbar Square Tour Itinerary
- Wake up in the morning and have breakfast
- After breakfast, the Hanuman Dhoka tour
- Explore the Tajeju temple and the surrounding areas
- Kumari Ghar visits and explores the surroundings
- Visit Kaal Bhairav and take a beautiful picture
- Visit the Tribhuvan Museum and explore the ancient culture
- Explore the Basantapur Tower, Nautale Durbar, and the surrounding area
- Stay at the Falcha of the temple and explore the beautiful surroundings
- Around 12 to 1 pm, have lunch in a vibrant Newari restaurant
- Explore the local market and shop for souvenirs
- Get back to the hotel and stay relax
Conclusion of Kathmandu Durbar Square Visit
The Kathmandu Durbar Square visit is one of the best tourist destinations in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Square is the national identity and legacy of the national heritage of Nepal. Kathmandu Durbar Square is also a witness to the ancient Licchavi, Kirat, Malla, and Shah eras. You will be exploring the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites, historical museums, the living goddess Kumari, and beautiful arts and crafts during the Durbar Square tour. Moreover, the marvellous architecture, cultural hub, living traditions, resilience, and history will make your Kathmandu Durbar Square tour beautiful. There will be the seasonal festival, rituals, and different programs in the surroundings of the square. The festivals like Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra, Holi, Dashain, and Tihar make the environment of Kathmandu Durbar Square lively and vibrant. Indeed, the Kathmandu Durbar Square Tour is one of the best and most popular Kathmandu sightseeing tour destinations.
FAQs of Kathmandu Durbar Square
Why is Kathmandu Durbar Square popular?
Kathmandu Durbar Square is so popular with tourists, and it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. The beautiful Newari architecture, Kumari Ghar, the living goddess Kumari, the Tribhuvan museum, Kal Bhairab, the nine-story palace, and Kasthamandav make the Kathmandu Durbar Square a popular travel destination. Visiting the Kathmandu Durbar Square will be understanding the Nepali cultures, traditions, Newari rituals, and the ancient civilizations of Nepalese societies.
Where is Kathmandu Durbar Square?
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in central Kathmandu city, a 15-minute walk away from Thamel, about 1 kilometer away, approximately 4 kilometers from Tribhuvan Airport, and close to New Road. Travelers can explore the ancient heritages and surroundings, beautiful temples, Kumari Ghar, and the historical museum.
Where is the best tourist Destination in Kathmandu Located?
The best tourist destination in Kathmandu is Kathmandu Durbar Square and its surrounding heritages. However, in Kathmandu, there are lots of tourist destinations; according to personal perspective, there are Pashupatinath temple, Bouddha, Swayambhu Nath, Budha Nilkantha, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Chandragiri, the Jamacho hike, and many more.
Can I see Living Goddess in Kathmandu Durbar Square during tour?
Yes, during the Kathmandu Durbar Square visit, you will have a chance to see the living goddess Kumari in Kumari Ghar. There is a Kumari resident in Durbar Square, called Kumari Ghar. Travelers will have a chance to meet Kumari and see the living Hindu god Kumari.
When the Indra Jatra festival occur in Kathmandu?
The Indra Jatra festival falls in August or September every year in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The living god in Kathmandu Durbar Square will be charioted in a procession in the town during Indra Jatra. Indra Jatra is also known as the festival of rain and the celebration of the Hindu goddess Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
What are the Importances of Kathmandu Durbar Square?
Visiting the Kathmandu Durbar Square palace is a beautiful ancient world heritage site; explore the ancient museum, architecture, the living goddess Kumari, Kal Bhairav, and the surrounding palaces. Travelers visiting the Kathmandu Durbar Square can understand the local culture and civilization of Nepali society and experience spiritual peace and wonderful artworks. Travelers can also visit Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square; these are the best UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu.
What is the Kathmandu Durbar Square Ticket cost?
The Kathmandu Durbar Square ticket costs Rs 1000 for foreigners and Rs 500 for Chinese and SAARC nationalities. Children below 10 years will have free entry, and also for Nepali nationals. The Kathmandu Durbar Square entry ticket cost in dollars is approximately USD 8 for foreigners and USD 4 for SAARC nationals and Chinese citizens.
Is Kathmandu Durbar square worth to visit?
Yes, the Kathmandu Durbar Square is perfectly worth visiting on a short-day tour in Kathmandu. You will have experienced the beautiful UNESCO world heritage site visit, where you explore the living Hindu goddess Kumari, Kaal Bhairav, the live museum, Kasthamandav, the Nautale palace, and beautiful pagoda architectures. Moreover, you will be immersing yourself in ancient local cultures, exploring deep spiritual peace, and vibrant surroundings.
What time does Kathmandu Durbar Square open?
Kathmandu Durbar Square welcomes tourists from 7 am to 7 pm. The ticket counter opens at 7 am and closes at 7 pm, but you can still stroll around the square even when the counter is not open. However, please note that the museum will shut down after the ticket counter closes. During the winter months, the ticket counter will close earlier, around 5 pm, because of the shorter daylight hours.
How to get entry tickets for Kathmandu Durbar square?
Visitors can purchase the Kathmandu Durbar Square entry ticket at the ticket counter located in Basantapur. A representative for Kathmandu Durbar Square will be present. You can pay the required amount for the ticket at the counter and receive it there. Alternatively, your travel guide or a representative from Touch Planet Treks can obtain the ticket on your behalf.
What are the temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square visit?
During the Kathmandu Durbar Square tour, you can visit Kumari Ghar, the living goddess; Tajeju temple; Jagannath temple; Shiva Parbati temple; Kasthamandav; Kaal Bhairav temple; and others. The Kathmandu Durbar Square itself looks like an ancient pagoda-style temple. Moreover, there are Nasal Chowk, Gaddi Baithak, Hanuman Dhoka, Maru Ganesh Temple, Shree Kalicharan Gauri Shankar Temple, etc.
