Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley in 22 photos

Durbar Square are places near the royal palaces in Nepal, which consists of temples, open courts, idols, statues, fountains and many other structures. It is equivalent to modern town squares in the western countries. These Durbar Squares were used for any religious events and even the coronation of the Kings used to be held at these squares. In the old times Nepal consisted small kingdoms. The Durbar Squares are feast for photographers. The most prominent are located in Kathmandu Valley. The three famous Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley that are included in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO are :

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square : Also known as Basantapur Durbar Square, the most important site here is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, which served as the Royal residence for many kings of Kathmandu. Other places if interest are Kumari House, which is the residence of the Living Goddess of Nepal.
  • Patan Durbar Square : The history of this Durbar Square is not clear, but it is believed that Malla Kings have established it. The notable temples are Krishna temple, Bhimsen temple, Vishwanath temple and Taleju temple.
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square : The most impressive of the three Durbar Square is the one at Bhaktapur. It is located in the town of Bhaktapur which is 13 kilometers far from Kathmandu. The major sites at this square are 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Lions’ Gate and Vatsala temple. The nearby Taumadhi Square where the festival of Bisket Jatra is held, is also famous for the Nyatapola temple and Bhairavnath temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square

People playing drums in Kathmandu Durbar Square

People playing drums in Kathmandu Durbar Square

Taleju Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square

Taleju Temple

View of Kathmandu Durbar Square from Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple

View of Kathmandu Durbar Square from Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple

Door leading into Taleju Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square

Door leading into Taleju Temple

Nasal Chowk, Kathmandu Durbar Square

Nasal Chowk

Durbar Square, Kathmandu

Durbar Square

Puppets for sale, Kathmandu Durbar Square

Puppets for sale

Sadu near Mahendreshwar Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square

Sadu near Mahendreshwar Temple

Patan Durbar Square

Shop selling artifacts near Patan Durbar Square

Shop selling artifacts near Patan Durbar Square

Krishna Mandir from the 17th century at Patan Durbar Square

Krishna Mandir from the 17th century

View of Patan Durbar Square from the Golden Gate

View of Patan Durbar Square from the Golden Gate

Another view of Patan Durbar Square

Another view of Patan Durbar Square

A statue in Mul Chowk, Patan Durbar Square

A statue in Mul Chowk, Patan Durbar Square

Taleju Bell, Patan Durbar Square

Taleju Bell

View of Patan Durbar Square from Si Taleju restaurant

View of Patan Durbar Square from Si Taleju restaurant

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Char Dham Temples, Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Char Dham Temples

Siddhi Laxmi Stone Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Siddhi Laxmi Stone Temple

Courtyard in Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Courtyard in Bhaktapur Durbar Square

National Art Gallery, Bhaktapur Durbar Square

National Art Gallery

Hindu deity carved on the Golden Gate, Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Hindu deity carved on the Golden Gate

Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur

Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur

Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur

Nyatapola Temple in Taumadhi Square

At the time of writing there was an entrance fees to these Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square – NPR 750 • Patan Durbar Square – NPR 500 • Bhaktapur Durbar Square – USD 10 . The citizens of SAARC pay less.

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Sai Karthik Reddy Mekala

Karthik Reddy has been traveling around the world since completing his M.B.A in 2012. He is passionate about photography, trying out new food, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and explore places solo.

3 Responses

  1. Mahynder says:

    Awesome work!! Splendid!

  2. komal kaur says:

    Awesome place with beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Good job!!!

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