Durbar Squares In Kathmandu: Must-Visit Gems on Your Nepal Adventure
The Durbar Squares (palaces) at Kathmandu are the most colourful and textured corner of Nepal culture and its history books. A visit to the Durbar Squares at Kathmandu will transport you back in time and give you the overview of the city’s grand history. These Durbar Squares were used by the Malla dynasty for their administration. They were also their residences. Not to mention there are many temples, palaces and architectural monuments in the region making this place to visit for every traveller. Durbar Squares (palaces) at Kathmandu are part of UNESCO world heritage sites.
How Many Durbar Squares In Kathmandu?
It has three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu valley, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal: Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, each with different architectural glimpses into Nepal’s royal past.
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
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Commonly known as Basantapur Square and Hanuman Dhoka, the rooted tradition of Kathmandu Durbar Square goes back to the 4th century. This square was briskly built by the Licchavi dynasty and King Pratap Malla. Kathmandu Durbar Square has a large geographical area which is dominated with palaces, courtyards and temples.
The square consists of grand wooden buildings with numerous carvings and designs. Due to its hordes of temples, this place is also known as Museum of Temples. Kathmandu Durbar Square is comprised of more than 50 temples and it has the highest amount of the oldest buildings in Nepal.
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, the beauty of Patan Durbar Square is surreal. This monument holds many ancient palaces, temples and beautiful courtyards, which attracts all the historic and architecture lovers from across the world. The earthquake of 2015 destroyed the entire area. But the restoration is on it’s way.
The main yard has many temples. Each temple is beautifully crafted in its own way defining the religion. The Krishna Mandir. Photo by the author Krishna Mandir — Patan Durbar Square is a major attraction for the tourists. There were altogether 136 courtyards in the hall and 55 temples. Due to the earthquake four years ago, only very few open. Photo by the author Photo by the author Photos by the author.
Visiting hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Time duration: 2 to 3 hours
3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
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The Newari style of architecture is used to built the another heritage UNESCO site of Kathmandu which is Bhaktapur Durbar square which is the former capital of Nepal royal family. There is more than two dozen of palaces , temples and courtyards. Each of the building is spectacular architecture and design for its delicacy. There are total four part of Bhaktapur durbar square ; Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Mukundeshwar or Pottery Square and Dattatreya Square.
The five story wooden pagoda temple called Nyatapola is dedicated for Godess Lakshmi is one of the significant attractions for prosperity and success. Each of the building of Bhaktapur durbar square are a piece of art with exquisite colour and architecture with scenic valley behind the back.
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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(To see the list of nationals charged for this attendance, you have to present your passport at the entrance of Durbar Square in Kathmandu. You will find a ticket counter at the entrance). Note: The entrance fees are different for each nationality. The list of entrance fees to Durbar Square is shown below. (N.B Simak nama natusia isi video pendirian Devalaya)
- 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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Visit durbar Squares during the winters on Kathmandu are best in winter especially for the month from October to November where get opportunity to trek without any modification during this time clear sky, windy weather and moderate temperature makes Kathmandu more greenish colour.
Temperature ranges from 18 C to 22 C in this season in summer time that is getting started from June to September temperature remain sunny and humid days but in between frequent shower fresh up. Temperature ranges from 19 C to 27 C
This is the best season for tourist in Nepal with very less crowd.
Beingon month it downpours hardly, transport once in a while have a hold up. December and January are super( extra) chilly months, nearly wherever is sprinkled with snow (in the event that you are searching for winter experiences in India, at that point this is the season for you). Temperature varies from 3 to 19 degrees Celcius in winter.
Related Post: Heritage Places In Nepal
Nearby Places To Visit
All the Durbar squares of Kathamndu are history mixed energy spiced up with beauty and classic art followed by destruction. The monuments of the Durbar will leave no footprint to your eyes, but you will be in a trance with beauty, glory of ancient engineering, royalty in their creations. Here are our top places to visit in kathmandu Durbar squares:
1. 55 Window Palace
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The third one of the building is situated in Bhaktapur Durbar Square this three storied above ground level temple was built during the reign of the Malla Dynasty by king Jitamitra Malla as a symbol o’ their love and affection for their 55 wives.As the enormous wooden windows were decorated partly with ram, serpent, elephants, lions and chandeliers (55 of them).it is a golden statrted wooded windows building gem of the square with golden gate many temples within it and royal families used to live in this temple on special functions.
Timings: 5 AM to 5:30 PM
Ideal Duration of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
2. Hanuman Dhoka
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Tourists from all over the world come to see this Square attractively portrayed with the pride of the tourists by taking its photographs and recording through mobiles. Consists of many courtyards, museums, palaces and Temples, Hanuman Dhoka is the place which was a royal palace. It also enlisted in the world inheritance site under WHO. The Square name is named after this royal palace and is divided into 3 parts: Mul Chowk (the centre courtyard), Basantapur Durbar and Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
The Hanuman Dhoka legacy dates back to the 4th century and the damages made by various rulers are preserved with its initial establishment. It continues to be surrounded by the concept of the Pura. Conventional wood work and carved stone and statues of Hindu mythologies are found in each structure of the Square.
Majority of the Durbar square remains untouched by earthquake but many of them are damaged with its remarkable structure.
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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The sprawling beauty krishna Temple of Newar arts n crafts at Patan Durbar Square is a 3 storied ancient architecture. This historical building is initiated by King Narsingh Malla in 1637 by means of his dreamy encounter and observed this work piece by himself.this temple is adorned by idols and mythical creatures. At the ground floor there is an idol of lord krishna with their friends Radha on left side and Rukmini on right side of the idols.
There is the divine god of lord shiva at the second floor and on the third floor there is 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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Kumari Ghar (Kumari resistance) is located within Kathmandu Durbar Square encompassing the residing animal of Kumari, the living goddess. Kumari is a Shakya community’s virgin girl chosen as an incarnation of the goddess Taleju. It is a large building built with red brick, timber, and wooden pillars, featuring a number of doors and windows resembling the Buddhist viharas. After selection, the Kumari lives in this building until she matures. There is also a huge chariot inside the palace that carries her for the tour around Durbar Square during the Indra Jatra festivals.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Ideal Duration of Visit: 30 to 45 minutes
You May Also Like To Read: Museums In Kathmandu
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Frequently Asked Questions About Durbar Squares In Kathmandu
Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
Nearly all foreign tourists require a visa. Indians do not, and SAARC visitors get a free visa for up to 30 days. The tourist visa is handed out easily at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Are there guided tours in Durbar squares in Kathmandu?
Yea, Guided Tour Are Available Of All Durbar Squares Of Ktm. As I Understand You Can Also Do It Without A Guide.
Who built Kathmandu Durbar Square?
The architects managed to build Kathmandu Durbar Square prosperously under the feudal rule of the Malla dynasty, who gave generously and cultivated this mark of Kathmandu’s culture.
What festivals are celebrated in the Durbar squares in Kathmandu?
The Durbar squares in Kathmandu are filled with festivals for Indra Jatra or Dashain and any other celebration that brings the city’s residents together in processions.
Is Kathmandu famous among tourists?
Kathmandu is a place of tourism famous but safe for any, but it’s good keep in one’s your mind to watch in grass and in the contribution of the person.
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