Kathmandu Durbar Square: Where to Start Your City Visit

Kathmandu Durbar Square is the historic royal square of the old Kathmandu kingdom, and it's one of three Durbar Squares in the valley (the others are in Patan and Bhaktapur). It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most straightforward attractions to visit from Thamel, being roughly a kilometer away.

What you'll see

The square is a dense cluster of temples, courtyards, and palace buildings, including the former Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace and the Kumari Ghar, home of Kathmandu's Living Goddess. Much of the square was damaged in the 2015 earthquake, and restoration work has been ongoing since - so expect a mix of original structures and active reconstruction.

Getting there from Tritara Apartment

It's an easy walk from Thamel - no need to arrange transport for this one. Plan for at least an hour or two to look around properly, more if you want to explore the surrounding lanes of the old city as well.

Good to know

There's an entry fee for foreign visitors, payable at the square. Fees and opening hours can change, so it's worth confirming the current rate when you arrive rather than relying on an old number online.