The Durbar Squares in Kathmandu are a living, breathing tapestry of the culture and history of Nepal. The rich architecture of these durbar squares would transport you back in time with its vibrant colours and texture. The Durbar Squares in Kathmandu come under UNESCO World Heritage sites and are a wonder to every visitor. These places were used by the Malla dynasty for their administrative work and served as their residence, too. With several temples, palaces and beautiful architectural monuments throughout the area, these Durbar Squares in Kathmandu are a must-visit for every traveller.
How Many Durbar Squares In Kathmandu?
Kathmandu has three Durbar Squares nestled in its valley, all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal. Each of these squares—Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square—offers a unique glimpse into Nepal’s royal past, with its stunning temples, palaces, and intricate carvings.
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
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Also known as Basantapur Square and Hanuman Dhoka, the legacy of Kathmandu Durbar Square dates back to the 4th century. Bult with the efforts of the Licchavi dynasty and King Pratap Malla, this square covers a large area filled with palaces, courtyards and temples. The square houses magnificent wooden structures, each with intricate carvings and iconic designs. This place is also known as the Museum of Temples due to its many temples. Kathmandu Durbar Square has over 50 temples and the maximum concentration of the oldest buildings in Nepal. Many vendors sell handicrafts that are perfect souvenirs for friends and family.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 5 PM (every day except Saturday)
Time duration: 3 to 4 hours
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2. Patan Durbar Square
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Built in the 17th century, Patan Durbar Square’s beauty is surreal. Filled with ancient palaces, temples and exquisite courtyards, Patan Durbar Square is a haven for all the history and architectural buffs. Although the 2015 earthquake destroyed the majority of the area, restoration efforts have been made. Each temple has a unique structure defining the religion in its way. The Krishna Mandir of Patan Durbar Square is a major tourist attraction. The square had 136 courtyards and 55 temples, with only a few open for visitors due to the earthquake damage. Walk through the lanes with fragrant flowers, smell and vibrance of people at Patan Durbar Square.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Time duration: 2 to 3 hours
3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
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Another heritage UNESCO site of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is built in Newari style of architecture. This square was once the abode of the royal family of Nepal and is sprawled with palaces, temples and beautiful courtyards. Each building is worth admiring due to its delicate designs and structure. Bhaktapur Durbar Square has four parts: Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square and Dattatreya Square. The famous five-storeyed Nyatapola temple houses goddess Lakshmi and blesses the visitors with prosperity and success. Each building of Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a piece of art with vibrant colour and architecture against the serene backdrop of the valley.
Visiting hours: 7 AM to 7 PM
Time duration: 3 to 4 hours
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Entry Fees Of Durbar Squares In Kathmandu
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The entrance fee collected goes to the maintenance and development of the Durbar Square in Kathmandu. You will see a ticket counter at the entrance of Durbar Square in Kathmandu. The entry fees have different rates for different nationals. Here is a list of the entrance fees for the tourists:
- Foreigners: NPR 1000
- Chinese Tourists: NPR 1000
- SAARC citizens: NPR 150
- Nepalese: Free
Best Time To Visit Durbar Squares In Kathmandu
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The best time to visit Durbar Squares in Kathmandu is the winter season. Kathmandu has the best season from October and November. With clear skies, breezy days and moderate temperatures, you can enjoy the lush green scenery of Kathmandu. The temperature ranges from 18 degrees to 22 degrees Celsius. The summer months from June to September have humid, sunny days. Frequent showers cool down and rejuvenate tourists. The temperature ranges from 19 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius. It is the best time to explore Nepal with minimal crowds.
The monsoon months bring heavy downpours, which make transport difficult throughout the country. The winter months of December and January are extremely chilly, with most parts covered in snow. If you want winter adventures, this might be the best time to visit. The temperature in winter ranges from 3 degrees to 19 degrees Celsius.
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Nearby Places To Visit
All the Durbar squares in Kathmandu are living history pieces each with a tale of glory, destruction and royalty. You would find yourself enchanted by the monuments of these squares. You would be lost in their glory with each Durbar square housing multiple legendary buildings. To help you, here are our top places to visit in the Durbar squares of Kathmandu:
1. 55 Window Palace
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Located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, this three-storeyed building was built under the Malla dynasty. King Jitamitra Malla built it as a monument of love and affection for his 55 wives. As the name suggested, this building has 55 intricately carved wooden windows which makes it a gem of the square. With a golden gate and several temples within it, the royal families used this temple on special occasions.
Timings: 5 AM to 5:30 PM
Ideal Duration of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
2. Hanuman Dhoka
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Hanuman Dhoka is a magnificent structure attracting tourists to the square, located in Kathmandu Durbar Square. It was a royal palace and had multiple temples, courtyards, museums and palaces. It comprises Mul Chowk (the central courtyard), Basantapur Durbar and Hanuman Dhoka Palace. With its legacy dating back to the 4th century, each structure displays ancient wooden works, stone carvings and statues from Hindu mythology. Even after the earthquake damage, most of the Durbar square remains undamaged.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Ideal Duration of Visit: 2 to 3 hours
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3. Krishna Temple
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In Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Temple is a sprawling beauty of Newar architecture. It was built in 1637 by King Narsingh Malla. He built it solely due to a dream he had seen and participated in the construction work. The three-storeyed temple structure is embellished with deities and mythological creatures. The ground floor is adorned with an idol of Lord Krishna with Radha and Rukmini on either side. The second floor has the divine deity of Lord Shiva, and the third floor has the idol of Lokeshwara.
Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Ideal Duration of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
4. Kumari Ghar
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Located in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kumari Ghar is the resistance of Kumari, the living goddess. The Kumari is a prepubescent girl of the Shakya community selected as an incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Built during the 18th century, this building is made of red bricks and wooden pillars. The structure resembles the Buddhist viharas and has several doors and windows. The chosen Kumari stays in this building during her tenure. There is a grand chariot within the palace where the Kumari can take a tour during Indra Jatra celebrations in Durbar Square.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Ideal Duration of Visit: 30 to 45 minutes
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All the Durbar squares in Kathmandu are significant architectural and cultural marvels. Their beauty and surroundings transport the visitors back in time. Immerse yourself in this cultural heritage and make rich memories. If this guide about Durbar Square in Kathmandu motivates you, then here are some of the best packages for a trip to Kathmandu Experience the vibrance and craftsmanship of Kathmandu.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Durbar Squares In Kathmandu
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Most foreign visitors need visitors. Indians do not need a visa and SAARC nationals get a free visa for a 30-day trip. The tourist visa can be easily obtained at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
Are there guided tours in Durbar squares in Kathmandu?
Yes, several guided tours are available in all the Durbar squares in Kathmandu. You can explore without a guide as well.
Who built Kathmandu Durbar Square?
Kathmandu Durbar Square was built successfully under the reign of the Malla dynasty. They contributed generously and shaped this cultural magnet in Kathmandu.
What festivals are celebrated in the Durbar squares in Kathmandu?
The Durbar squares in Kathmandu are a hub of Nepalese festivals. People come together to celebrate Indra Jatra and Dashain with processions.
Is Kathmandu famous among tourists?
Kathmandu is a popular tourist destination and safe for all. However, it is important to always keep an eye on and be alert to the surroundings.
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