Tribhuvan Museum in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a unique piece of architecture that contains the personal artefacts of Nepali King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah. It is said that the king used to keep an eye on every problem of the people through the museum windows. If you are a history lover, this site is of great significance, featuring a wide selection of all the artefacts used by the king in the 19th century. This museum offers visitors an excellent opportunity to delve into the rich history of Nepal’s monarchy and to experience the grandeur of Nepal’s royal past.

History Of Tribhuvan Museum

Artefacts at Tribhuvan Museum in Kathmandu.

Image Credit: Nyeta for Wikimedia Commons

The Tribhuvan Museum is dedicated to showcasing the life and times of King Tribhuvan, who played a significant role in Nepal’s modern history. One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of coins from Nepal during King Tribhuvan’s reign. The museum also showcases several artefacts used by the king at that time.

It also contains photographs depicting significant events that provide a visual journey through time and offer a great chance to witness the historical movements that shaped Nepal’s history. The museum provides us with knowledge about Nepal’s political history, and if you’re curious about Nepal’s past and want to learn about its journey to democracy, visiting the Tribhuvan Museum is a great way to do it.

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Tribhuvan Museum Opening Timings And Entry Fees

Painting in Kathmandu.

Image Credit: Nyeta for Wikimedia Commons

The museum is typically open to visitors from 10:30 AM to 3 PM except on Tuesdays and from 10:30 AM to 2 PM on Fridays. These extended hours allow visitors to cover all the artefacts and photographs on display.

The Tribhuvan Museum ticket price is a nominal fee of NPR 150 for citizens of SAARC countries and NPR 1000 for other foreign Nationals. This fee contributes to the preservation of the artefacts and the maintenance of the place. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the museum’s entrance gate.

Other Museums In Kathmandu

There are many museums in Kathmandu that are worth visiting to learn about Nepal’s rich cultural tapestry. Each of these museums and galleries sheds light on the country’s heritage, making them essential stops for all travellers, especially history lovers.

1. National Museum Of Nepal

National Museum Of Nepal near Tribhuvan Museum.

Image Credit: Shoestring for Wikimedia Commons

The National Museum of Nepal glorifies Nepal’s remarkable history and culture, depicting the heroic acts of veterans in the battles fought in the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum consists of essential artefacts such as weapons, paintings, and sculptures that showcase the rich history of Nepal. The museum is divided into 3 buildings – the first (main building) includes the natural history section of flora and fauna, old coins and stamps, and the cultural section. The second and third buildings of the museum are Juddha Jayatia Kalashala and Buddha Art Gallery.

Location: Museum Marg, Kathmandu
Entry fees: NPR 50 for SAARC nationals / NPR 150 for foreign nationals
Timings: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM from Wednesday to Sunday/ Monday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM/ Closed on Tuesdays and all public holidays

Related Post: Heritage Places In Nepal

2. Taragaon Museum

Taragaon in Kathmandu Nepal.

Image Credit: Nms2014 for Wikipedia

Taragaon Museum, designed by Carl Pruscha, an Austrian architect, was initially built as a hostel for artists and scientists visiting the region. It was later turned into a museum in 2014. The museum spans 35,000 square feet and features striking red-faced brick construction. Taragaon Museum is a unique architecture piece that contains photos, drawings, paintings, topographic maps, and sketches of Nepal’s architectural styles. It is a place that includes precious artefacts of Nepal’s history. The Taragaon Museum allows us to witness all these artefacts and learn more about the history of Nepal.

Location: Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu
Entry fees: Free for all
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Sunday to Friday / Closed on Saturdays and all public holidays

3. Nepal Military Museum

Nepal Military Museum in Kathmandu Nepal near the Tribhuvan Museum.

Image Credit: रमेश सिंह बोहरा for Wikimedia Commons

The Nepal Military Museum is focused on preserving and displaying the history of the Nepal Army. It includes a collection of photographs and documents related to the country’s military past and a small library. One of the museum’s highlights is the display of the Gurkha regiments and the famous Queen Elizabeth’s gifted Rolls Royce. Oil portraits of Queen Rajendra Laxmi Devi Shah, a statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah and paintings of battle scenes from the World Wars are other major crowd-pullers. The place is a must-see destination for anyone seeking to know more about the military legacy of Nepal.

Location: Chhauni Road, Kathmandu
Entry fees: Free entry for SAARC nationals and NPR 100 for foreign nationals
Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Wednesday to Sunday / Mondays 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM / closed on Tuesdays and public holidays

Related Post: Festivals Of Nepal

4. Aviation Museum

Aviation Museum in Kathmandu, a popular spot.

Image Source: Pexels
The Aviation Museum was built using the crashed A330 Aircraft belonging to Turkish Airlines. In 2015, before being active for only eight months, the crashed aircraft met with an unexpected accident at the runway of Kathmandu airport. The explicitly designed museum incorporates around 200 aircraft miniatures, including the fighter planes used in the First World War. The museum also includes the first aircraft built by the Wright brothers, and a documentary is also shown for the people having a great interest in exploring aircraft of different times.

Location: Ring Road, Sinamangal, Kathmandu
Entry fees: Varies from NPR 150 to NPR 300
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM during the summers / 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM during winters

5. Narayanhiti Palace Museum

Narayanhiti Palace, a must see attraction near Tribhuvan Museum Kathmandu.

Image Credit: Suraj Belbase for Wikipedia
This historic palace-turned-museum features grand halls, lavish rooms, and intricate art pieces, reflecting the magnificence of the royal era. Among its most fascinating exhibits is the Gold State Coach British Queen Elizabeth II gifted to King Mahendra Shah in 1961. Another captivating exhibit is the royal crown of 730 diamonds and 2000 pearls, which the kings of Nepal have proudly used for centuries. Additionally, there are large courtyards, a vast and lavish reception hall and a royal garden.

Location: Narayanhiti Path, Kathmandu
Entry fees: NPR 100 for locals, NPR 20 for students, NPR 250 for SAARC nations and NPR 500 for foreign nationals.
Timings: Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays / Open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Thursday to Monday.

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A visit to the Tribhuvan Museum is a rewarding experience for history buffs interested in exploring Nepal’s remarkable past. This enchanting destination promises to delight history buffs, offering a treasure trove of well-curated exhibits, mesmerising artefacts, and invaluable historical documents. Plan a trip to Kathmandu and add this museum to your itinerary for a rich historical expedition.

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Cover Image Credit : Clemensmarabu for Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions About Tribhuvan Museum

Is photography allowed inside the Tribhuvan Museum?

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Tribhuvan Museum to protect the artefacts, but it is advised to check with museum officials.

Are tourist guides available at Tribhuvan Museum?

Yes, tourist guides are available to provide detailed information about the significance of the artefacts, but they are chargeable.

How long will it take to cover the overall Tribhuvan Museum?

It may take at least 1 to 2 hours to explore all the important artefacts in the Tribhuvan Museum. However, you can take more time to explore each part of the museum.

Is there a gift or souvenir shop in the Tribhuvan Museum?

Yes, the museum has a gift shop for visitors to purchase books and replicas of artefacts displayed in the Tribhuvan Museum.

Can children visit the Tribhuvan Museum?

Yes, the museum is suitable for children as it includes various educational exhibits that will help children learn more about Nepal's history.

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