Overview

For both domestic and foreign tourists, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a modest place to see Nepal’s architectural and cultural heritage. The landmark, which recognizes Nepal’s rich history and aesthetic qualities, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The durbar square is known locally as Basantapur or Hanuman Dhoka. The palace is an architectural masterpiece from the Middle Ages. Kathmandu Durbar Square is spelled as follows in Nepali: काठमाडौं दरबार क्षेत्र. If talking especially about the Hanuman Dhoka Palace inside Durbar Square, it is written as follows: हनुमानणा दरबार.
Using local resources and technology, Durbar Square was constructed thanks to the skill and diligence of the local builders and artisans. Additionally, the Kathmandu Durbar Square’s distinctive design, arrangement, and embellishment reflect its architectural philosophy and aesthetics, have a distinct personality, and exude alluring artistic beauty.

The religious architecture of Durbar Square is described in every detail, achieving the religious concept of harmony. It is a stunning example of Nepali medieval art. As a result, it is among the city’s top attractions. In this blog, we will now provide interested tourists with information on the top seven attractions in Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Why is kathmandu Durbar Square Famous for? Places to Visit.

Hanuman Dhoka Durbar

Hanuman The Malla and Shah Dynasties ruled Kathmandu, Nepal, and their royal palaces, quadrangles, towers, temples, monuments, and other structures are all part of the Dhoka Durbar complex. Durbar means “the palace,” and Dhokha means “door.” The palace sits at the heart of the historical and cultural district of the Kathmandu Valley. The stone statue of the Hindu deity “Hanuman,” who the Malla and Shah kings said shielded them from their foes and misfortunes, is the source of the name Hanumandhoka Durbar.

Near the main entrance gate of the palace are enormous statues of Hanuman. In 1672, Pratap Malla erected a statue of the god at the Durbar’s entrance. The palace is currently a museum under the control of the Nepali government. Inside the palace, guests can explore the several chowks (courtyards) that surround it and learn about the lengthy history of the Malla and Shah Dynasties. Mohan Chowk, Nasal Chowk, Sundar Chowk, and Mul Chowk are a few of the prominent chowks within the palace. These chowks display the best examples of medieval art in a variety of mediums, including paintings, metal, stone, and wood.

Kasthamandap

A short distance from the main royal palace is the three-story public shelter known as Kasthamandap, which also houses a shrine dedicated to Gorakshanath. Kasthamandap experienced a number of improvements, changes, and renovations over time. Additionally, Kasthamandap is the most noticeable building ever built using the common triple-tiered roofing design. Despite having a number of shrines, Kasthamandap was mostly used for a variety of secular purposes, including a marketplace, a council hall, a rest house, and a social center.

Temple of Taleji

In terms of architectural and cultural significance, Taleju Temple is regarded as the most notable temple in the grounds of Hanumandhoka Palace. The importance of the goddess to the Malla rulers is demonstrated by the fact that no other structures, including the palace monuments, were permitted to be constructed in the valley that were more significant than the temple. With its rich architecture in particular, it has succeeded in creating a majestic grandeur around itself. An extension of the Kathmandu Hanumandhoka Durbar complex is the Taleju Bhawani shrine. It is situated in a large courtyard on a base-mound.

Ghar Kumari

Overlooking the south side of Durbar Square, the three-story brick Kumari Ghar is lavishly decorated with wood-carved engravings of gods and other figures. The living goddess of Kathmandu is housed in Kumari Ghar. Constructed in 1757, the temple is renowned for both its holy occupant and its exquisite carvings. Visitors can access the Kumari Ghar’s courtyard. More intriguing illustrations adorn the windows, pillars, and entrance as well as the entire building. While taking pictures in the yard is acceptable, taking pictures of the Kumari is strictly prohibited.

Mohan Trailokya

In 1680, the Trailokya Mohan temple was constructed in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu/Narayan. The Kumari Ghar is a few miles from the temple. It is a three-story temple situated on a red platform. A huge statue of Garuda stands in front of the shrine. Temple uses ornamental carved medallions to embellish the window screens and carved roof struts.

Tower of Basantapur

The Basantapur tower, which is situated on the south side of the Nassal Chowk, is rectangular in shape. Because of its nine levels, it is known locally as the “natural” Durbar (9 floors). The structure has a copper pinnacle at the top and a roof with four levels. Known as Basantapur Tower, this thirty-meter-tall structure was constructed to create a comfortable pavilion. The tower’s tiny wooden structure offers a panoramic perspective of the city and one of the tallest structures.

Quadrangles and Courtyards

There are numerous courtyards and quadrangles inside the palace. Among the prominent squares are Mul Chowk, Lahan Chowk, Sundar Chowk, and Nasal Chowk. The best examples of medieval art, utilizing a variety of mediums from paints to metal, stone, and wood, may be seen in these courtyards.

History of Kathmandu Durbar Square

More than just an architectural wonder, Kathmandu Durbar Square—also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar—is a living reminder of centuries of Nepalese history, artistry, and religious tradition. One of the most significant cultural landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the center of the old city.

The Royal Legacy and Early Foundations

Although the square’s history dates back to the third century, it rose to prominence during the Licchavi period, which lasted from the fourth to the ninth century. But its most important changes occurred under the Malla dynasty (12th to 18th century), when Kathmandu became a hub for art, religion, and power.

Temples, shrines, and palaces were added to the plaza by the Malla monarchs, who created an architectural complex that served as a ceremonial area and a center of authority.
The palace complex was later used by the Shah dynasty, ensuring its status as a royal residence and coronation site well into the 19th century.

The center of the square is Hanuman Dhoka Palace.

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which is located at the center of the square, gets its name from the statue of the Hindu monkey god Hanuman that King Pratap Malla erected at the entrance in the 17th century. The Malla and early Shah kings used to call this complex their royal palace.

Crucial elements include exquisitely carved wooden balconies, lovely courtyards (chowks), and halls of worship that were used for state rites and coronation celebrations.

Richness in Architecture and Culture

With significant Tibetan and Indian architectural influences, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a patchwork of Newari architecture.

Among the square’s notable landmarks are:

• Taleju Temple: Constructed in 1564 and devoted to the royal goddess Taleju, this temple is the tallest in the square.
• The home of the Kumari, Kathmandu’s living goddess and a key character in the city’s religious customs, is known as Kumari Ghar (Kumari Bahal).
• One of the oldest temples in the compound, Jagannath Temple dates back to the 16th century and is well-known for its sensual carvings.
• Kasthamandap: Originally constructed from a single tree’s wood, this building gave Kathmandu its name and functioned as a place of worship and public refuge.
• The brickwork, gilded roofs, and exquisite wood carvings seen in each of these buildings showcase the inventiveness of Newar craftspeople.

Damage from Earthquakes and Repair Activities

The square sustained significant damage from the disastrous 2015 Gorkha earthquake, which caused temples to collapse and old buildings to crumble.

A number of buildings, including Kasthamandap and Trailokya Mohan Temple, were severely damaged.

Since then, Nepal’s Department of Archaeology has been in charge of restoration efforts, which have been supported internationally (most notably by China, India, and the US) and have attempted to reconstruct using traditional methods and original materials.

While some temples and buildings are still undergoing meticulous reconstruction, many have been successfully restored.

Status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Due to the Kathmandu Valley’s exceptional historical and cultural value, Kathmandu Durbar Square was included in the 1979 UNESCO World Heritage List.

Its standing emphasizes how spirituality, monarchy, and urban life interact to shape a large portion of Nepal’s past. Under UNESCO’s guidance, post-earthquake rehabilitation efforts continue, guaranteeing the preservation of cultural authenticity.

The Experience of Today: An Insight into Living History

As you stroll through Kathmandu Durbar Square today, you are surrounded by centuries of history and see a city that respects the past without stagnating. Devotees offer prayers, locals congregate in the courtyards, and the occasional view of the Kumari at her window contributes to the atmosphere of living mysticism. Visitors can delve into the more profound stories that have molded Nepal’s royal and religious character through museums, galleries, and guided walking tours.

Kathmandu Durbar Square Location

In the center of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, Kathmandu Durbar Square—also called Basantapur Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka—is situated in the center of the historic city of Kathmandu. It is an important historical and cultural landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is a well-liked tourist site and is conveniently located.

The heart of Kathmandu (which is not in India) is where you will find Kathmandu Durbar Square. Known for its old palaces, temples, and courtyards, it is one of Nepal’s most important historical and cultural landmarks.

How to reach Kathmandu Durbar Square?

There are several convenient ways to get to the square. It takes about ten to fifteen minutes to walk from Thamel to Durbar Square, making it the most convenient option. Basantapur Durbar Square may be reached by traveling via Tahiti to Ason, then on to Indra Chowk. Along the trip, you have the opportunity to see the traditional Newari architecture and the bustling local markets.

You can take a taxi from Thamel if you would rather go faster; depending on traffic, it will take 5 to 10 minutes and cost between NPR 150 and NPR 300. For a hassle-free travel, it is also convenient to use ride-sharing apps like Pathao or InDriver. Local busses or microbuses are accessible for those on a tight budget from Balaju or Sorhakhutte to Sundhara (RNAC region). Durbar Square is around a four to five minute walk away. For up-to-date instructions, you can also look up Kathmandu Durbar Square on Google Maps

What is the entrance fee to enter Kathmandu Durbar Square?

International visitors must pay Rs. 1000 per person to enter Kathmandu Durbar Square. And admission to the Kathmandu Durbar Museum for visitors from SAARC nations costs Rs. 150 per person.

The catastrophic 2015 earthquake destroyed the majority of the cultural site’s monuments. The government is renovating the heritage sites piecemeal. With the exception of a few temples and monuments, the majority of the reconstruction is now finished. As a result, visitors can continue to enjoy the historic performances at these historical locations.

What happened to Kathmandu Durbar Square?

The 2015 earthquake severely damaged Kathmandu Durbar Square, causing several towers in the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex to collapse and six temples to collapse. Much of the square has been restored or is still intact despite the fact that several buildings were damaged.

Damage: With a magnitude of 7.9, the 2015 earthquake caused significant damage, including the collapse of the tallest temple in the square, the Trailokya Mohan Narayan temple, and Kasthamandap, a centuries-old wooden building.
Reconstruction: Kasthamandap’s reconstruction was finished in 2021, and it reopened in 2022. Early in 2024, the Trailokya Mohan Narayan temple underwent reconstruction as well.
Ongoing Efforts: Although a large number of buildings have been repaired, some are currently being renovated, such as the Shiva-Parvati Temple.
Influence on the plaza: Despite the ongoing restoration operations, the plaza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a thriving cultural center and popular tourist destination.
Basantapur Tower : Although the outside of the Basantapur Tower, which is a part of Hanuman Dhoka Palace, was rebuilt in 2023, inner improvements are still being done.
Gaddi Baithak: Rebuilt in 2022, this neoclassical palace functioned as a coronation hall.

How many temples are in Kathmandu Durbar Square?

There are more than fifty temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square, popularly called Hanuman Dhoka. In addition to being a historic palace square with many temples, including well-known ones like Kumari Bahal and Kasthamandap, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the age of Durbar Square in Kathmandu?

The Licchavi dynasty established the groundwork for Kathmandu Durbar Square’s development in the third century. Although the square’s foundation work started at that time, the Malla and Shah dynasties later erected significant structures, such as the outer complex with temples from the 16th century. However, much of the square’s existing structure dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and numerous reconstruction projects were undertaken following the 1934 earthquake.

• The Licchavi dynasty began building the square in the third century.
• Temples were constructed in the outer complex by Malla kings in the sixteenth century.
• The square’s current design was shaped by major expansions and changes conducted in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• 1934: Reconstruction operations were prompted by a significant earthquake that caused substantial damage.
• 2015: Additional damage was brought on by another earthquake, which also destroyed other temples from the 17th century.

What is the another name of Kathmandu Durbar Square?

Hanuman Dhoka and Basantapur Durbar are other names for Kathmandu Durbar Square. The historic Durbar Square in the center of Kathmandu, Nepal, is also known by these other names.

Basantapur Durbar Square was constructed by whom?

During the Licchavi era (4th to 8th centuries AD), Basantapur Durbar Square—also called Kathmandu Durbar Square—was constructed. In the 17th century, King Pratap Malla made major improvements to the property. The Nautalle Durbar, a nine-story palace constructed by Prithvi Narayan Shah to honor the Unification of Nepal, is one of the numerous palaces, courtyards, and temples that can be found in the area.

How to spend time in Kathmandu Durbar Square?

Explore the several palaces, courtyards, and temples in the vicinity to get the most out of your stay at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Think of going to the Kathmandu Museum and Hanuman Dhoka, the residence of the Living Goddess (Kumari Bahal). Exploring the history of the region, particularly the structures that were formerly utilized for royal festivities, is another enjoyable activity.

Experience with Culture:

Discover Freak Street, a well-liked hangout for both locals and visitors that is well-known for its live music and street cuisine.
Savor a Meal: Both traditional and fusion cuisine are available at many cafés and restaurants.
Get a Deal at the Market: Stop by the street sellers who are offering singing bowls, trinkets, and other mementos.
celebration season: The Holi celebration in Kathmandu is a must-see if you are visiting Nepal in March. Experience the customary Holi festivities in Nepal, which include dances, cultural performances, and the symbolic burning of Holika to symbolize the triumph of good over evil.