Durbar Square

Historic site Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal

What to expect

Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantapur Durbar and Hanuman Dhoka, is a historically and culturally significant site in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The square is home to several palaces, courtyards, and temples, including the Taleju Temple, Kumari Temple, Jagannath Temple, and Kal Bhairav. The square is surrounded by palace complexes built during the Malla and Shah periods, and it is known for its intricate wood carvings and rich history. The square is also home to the Nautalle Durbar, a nine-story palace built by Prithvi Narayan Shah to commemorate the Unification of Nepal. A three-story temple called Kumari Chouk or Kumari Bahal is located at the southern edge of the Durbar square, which is used by the resident of the Kumari, a young girl worshiped as a living embodiment of the Hindu Goddess Durga

Plan your family visit to the Durbar Square with these blog insights 👇

Kathmandu with kids: Top 8 things to do | TraveLynn Family

This family's experience:

Activities: We learned about the devastating effect of earthquakes

Highlights: We were surprised to see so much rubble still laying about and walls precariously held up with rotten wooden poles ✨

Spend 24 Magical Hours In Kathmandu With Kid-Friendly Destinations

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Kathmandu Durbar Square, hired a guide and took a tour around the square

Highlights: We enjoyed learning about the history and culture of the square ✨

Kathmandu with kids: 11 kids' activities in a row!

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the square and saw several beautiful old buildings, including the royal palace and several temples

Highlights: The kids enjoyed seeing the street vendors, pilgrims, sacred cows, and street children ✨

Nepal with kids: all info and activities in one place!

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Durbar Square in Kathmandu center, a fun square to visit with kids, where you really see all kinds of things besides the temples

Highlights: Our daughter was impressed by the street children walking around the square ✨