Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu Airport

Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka or Basantapur Durbar Square, is the historic royal palace square of Kathmandu, with palaces, courtyards and more than 50 temples and shrines. It is one of the seven monument zones of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Foreign visitors pay about NPR 1,000 per person, SAARC nationals pay a lower rate of around NPR 150, and Nepali citizens and children under 10 enter free. Fees can change, so check the current rate at the ticket booth.

Yes. Basantapur is the open square at the southern end of Kathmandu Durbar Square, and both names are commonly used for the same historic royal square.

It is famous for the Hanuman Dhoka royal palace, the Kumari Ghar (home of the Living Goddess), the towering Taleju Temple, the rebuilt Kasthamandap, the Kal Bhairav carving and its role in royal coronations and festivals such as Indra Jatra.

Allow 1.5–2 hours for the square and palace area, or half a day if you also explore the nearby bazaars of Asan and Indra Chowk.

Yes. It is about a 20–25 minute walk from Thamel through Asan and Indra Chowk, passing temples and old market streets on the way.

You can visit the courtyard of the Kumari Ghar, and the Kumari sometimes appears briefly at an upper window. Photographing the Kumari is strictly not allowed.

Early morning is best for soft light and fewer crowds, and late afternoon for golden light. October–November and March–April have the best weather, and festivals such as Indra Jatra and Dashain are spectacular but very busy.

Yes. Several buildings were damaged and some collapsed, including the Kasthamandap. Many monuments have since been rebuilt and reopened, while restoration of some palace sections continues.

Yes. It is one of the best places in Nepal to see Newar architecture, royal history and living religious traditions in one place, and it is easy to combine with other Kathmandu sights in a day.

A guide is optional but helps you understand the square's history, temples and legends. Licensed guides are available near the entrances — agree the price and duration before you start.

Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and comfortable shoes that are easy to remove at temples.

No. The Kathmandu Valley has three historic royal squares: Kathmandu (Hanuman Dhoka), Patan and Bhaktapur. Each was the palace square of a separate Malla kingdom, and each has its own entry ticket.

Start with Swayambhunath at sunrise, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square in the morning, then Pashupatinath and Boudhanath in the afternoon. A private car with driver makes this easy.