Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square
4
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Monuments, temples and wandering animals dot this bustling town square, which is also where Nepal kings are crowned.
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The area

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  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, District of Columbia6,618 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Many temples to visit for 1,000 INR
    There are series of short roundabout areas that I saw before finally reaching the Durbar Square. Entrance fee is 1;000 NPR and was given a green ID card to wear. There are several temples to visit here, all unique in their own different exteriors, shapes, sizes, etc. Noted some locals offering flowers and other stuffs to their Gods. Because the Holi just happened the previous day, local cleaning people were busy cleaning the streets, washing off the stuffs they used for the Holi. Results = wet and muddy streets. Also noted shops, restaurants, other commercial buildings on both sides of the street leading to this Square. Watch out for the motorcylists who drive very fast here!
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written March 31, 2024
  • Dr R M Thapa Syangja
    Putalibazar, Nepal435 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Calm place in the middle of the city
    There is the hustle and bustle of the city. It looks like everyone is live here cheek by jowl. You might also think this is a chaotic place. It is not. What seems like all the madness around this temple complex is in an order. There are married couples taking photos with their nuptial entourage, people just going about their business, hoards of tourists taking photos and people like us: soaking in the magnificence of this calming place. The temples and the work that went in making them a grandure of wood craftsmanship is unmissable and strikes you with their craftsmanship. Awesome place.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 15, 2024
  • George S
    Miami Beach, Florida1,629 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historical Complex
    This is a historical, cultural and religious complex in Kathmandu consisting of temples, shrines and monuments that are key part of Nepalese identity. The site is old dating as far back as the 13th century. Many buildings are very interesting and historical. One of them is the palace of the current living Kumari Goddess. We happen to see her at 4:30 from her balcony “audience” inside her garden. The square is very busy, a bit dirty and often times chaotic. Tickets for foreigners are 1000 NR for the day. You probably will need a guide since there is no signage or sparse literature to explain the sites. Personally, I found the Durbar Squares at Patan and Bhaktapur to be more interesting and pleasanter to visit. But this one should be visited nevertheless.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 1, 2024
  • Rajib Bala
    Dhaka City, Bangladesh282 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kathmandu Durbar Square also known as "The Museum of Temples"
    Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historically and culturally significant site in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square is an old durbar square in Kathmandu. Also known as "the Museum of Temples" because there are over 50 temples in the square.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 6, 2024
  • Marge
    Birmingham, United Kingdom562 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating
    Fascinating place. Need to pay 1000 rupees to access - can do online or on arrival. You get issued with a lanyard to show payment. There are guys who insist you need a guide for 1000 rupees- you absolutely don’t. There are street hawkers but to be honest the stuff is so cheap that we made a few purchases. Seeing the Kumari ( living goddess) and reading about her I found totally fascinating and intriguing. Purchase a drink at any of rooftop cafes. Get great views of the melees below and can use clean toilets while there.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 17, 2024
  • PunPra
    Kathmandu, Nepal1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Peaceful place in a crowded ambience.
    It is a great place to visit in the evening. Sitting in one of the corner and watching the people around you, their activities. It feel satisfying and soothing. The monuments and structure huge, perfectly designed and protected. I suggest you too visit place late afternoon and enjoy the ambience in the evening by sipping a tea brought by a tea seller.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written July 22, 2024
  • Marcus W
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kathmandu Durbar Square 2024
    After visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, I’m truly impressed. The intricate temples and palaces are even more stunning in person, with their detailed carvings and historic charm. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the Taleju Temple are standouts, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of the past. The square’s vibrant energy, with locals going about their daily lives and vendors selling everything from snacks to souvenirs, adds to the experience. While some parts are still being restored from the 2015 earthquake, it’s clear that a lot of effort is going into preserving this cultural gem. Overall, it’s a memorable visit and a fascinating glimpse into Nepal’s rich history and vibrant present.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written August 28, 2024
  • Shalini K
    Gurugram (Gurgaon), India146 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    A glimpse of ancient buildings
    It's another durbar square in kathmandu with ancient buildings. If u have seen bhaktapur then this is a smaller version. It's next to the main mkt naya bazaar and easy to reach. Not many good places to eat atound.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 9, 2024
  • BTV2002
    South Burlington, Vermont138 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Unesco site in Kathmandu with large market in the square
    Another Unesco site with a beautiful market full of gorgeous pieces of art. Make sure you bargain. Based on your nationality they increase prices, but most vendors have similar items. Some items are traditional Nepali I have not seen in other places. The site is beautiful to walk and explore.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written October 25, 2024
  • Melissa M
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia50 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating Kathmandu Durbar Square
    Kathmandu Durbar Square is a must-visit for history lovers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with stunning temples, palaces, and statues, all showcasing the amazing craftsmanship of the Newar artists. Walking through the square feels like stepping back in time, with each building telling its own story. From the grand Hanuman Dhoka Palace to the impressive Taleju Temple, every corner of the square is filled with history. The lively atmosphere, with locals and visitors enjoying the sights, makes it even more special. It's the perfect place to experience Nepal's rich culture and heritage.
    Visited December 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written January 14, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles4,787 reviews
Excellent
2,087
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1,582
Average
775
Poor
230
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113

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Mashajo
Kaliningrad, Russia4,048 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the country, you must visit this square. We went here with a guide to listen to the history of each building. There is an entrance fee - about 1000 rupees, but there are several entrances from different sides; as they say, you can get in for free. We paid because the tour included entry into some of the buildings. The square is quite crowded - a lot of merchants, tourists, many locals including beggars. And also just a huge number of pigeons - specially trained women throw food to them. It all looks very atmospheric. Many buildings are still under reconstruction, and there is scaffolding.
Google
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nell D
Long Buckby, UK66 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
Definitely worth a visit when in Kathmandu. So much to see and would recommend getting one of the local tours, ours cost us approx €10 and the information was excellent. Interesting to see the cremation sites and lots of local history
Written January 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fazal Mahmud Roni
Dhaka City, Bangladesh802 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Solo
One main point where all tourists give a visit. The place has number of temples around. Shops, restaurants, cafes are all nearby.

The place has some floating shops as well. Do bargain heavily if you really buying something. There are couple of bakery nearby who are selling authentic Nepali items like sel roti, yomari etc.

You will find youngsters are seating around of the temples and gossiping and a lots of pigeons. You can buy some corn and feed them.

Though its written to get around you need to buy tickets (for tourist from SAARC it is only 150nrp) but honestly no one is checking tickets unless you want to visit the museum.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Danielle B
2 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
This was my least favourite site in Kathmandu. Got shouted at repeatedly by officials because you have to pay to enter, and this was while standing in the one spot trying to work out what you could see and whether we wanted to pay. Couldn't even stand at the perimeter of the paid area. I felt unwanted unless I had money. We left and visited one of the nearby rooftop cafes and spent out money there.
Written May 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marcus
Lomma, Sweden539 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Solo
I dont have anything against paying visitors fee - and I understand tourists should pay more than locals but i dont understand why SAARC tourists pay less...

And still after you paid you are still sort of mistrusted youve paid. That sort of actually bad manners make you feel unwelcome.

However. The museum is actually pretty ok with some sort of storytelling explaining the nations history. Well worth a visit.
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hilary H
Cheshire, UK63 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
Disappointing visit really. Many of the temples are in a state of disrepair and overgrown, at least in Patan there is active repair going on. We couldn't access higher points to have good views ( you can in Patan) and the museum is very closed, not sure what we paid our 1000 npr entry fee for.
Once inside the palace you have some calm in the inner squares to admire the carving and gilt features. Yes it is amazing but as a UNESCO heritage site there is sadly little active reparation . Continuously hassled for guiding.
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Angelo B
Bergamo, Italy6,715 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Friends
Of the three Durbar squares it is probably the most visited as it is located a few hundred meters from the tourist area of Thamel. You would have to pay a price of 1000 rupees to enter but passing through freak street you can very well avoid spending it. Meeting place for many Nepalese during the day and evening
Google
Written January 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

duhoz
Beroun, Czech Republic7,593 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
Unfortunately still visible damages after the earthquake (2015). This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers ancient palaces and temples. Steep entrance fee of 1000 NPR even when you just need to cross the square if you are foreigner, after 6 pm free. You will be constantly bothered by number of young men offering to be your guide. The major Interesting thing to see here is "Kumari (The Living Goddess). Taleju Temple is the landmark of the square unfortunately is not open to public. What I detested were motor bikes operation on the square in the evening.
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Toru O
Setagaya, Japan3,252 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
A former palace site and a must see tourist site located not far from Thamel. The old buildings are marvelous and definitely worth checking out. Luckily, most of the buildings weren't damaged by the 2015 earthquake. I came around 4-ish and was lucky to see the Kumari. Be advised that you are not allowed to take a photograph of her.
They charge tourists 1,000 NPR just to enter the site, which is only valid for a day. However, there is only one ticket gate that charges you for admission. You can access the site through other unpopular entrances if you want to enter the site free of charge.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dr.Bhardwaj
New Delhi, India16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The place was amazing. The temples were fascinating.
we reached around 5:30 PM. Saw the Kiosk selling entry tickets. Asked the Ladies if we had to buy tickets, she said yes and we bought 6 tickets.
Latter we came to know the tickets were for museum entry and the museum closes at 5:00 PM.
The Ladies sold us tickets at 5:30 knowing fully that we could not use them.
CHEATING at Official Level.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Kathmandu Durbar Square - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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