Guide to Kathmandu Durbar Square: History, Culture & More

Basantapur is the heart of Kathmandu City, and it has a lot of cultural and historical importance for the people of Nepal. The place is a tourist center because it has a lot of different cultures and arts.

Basantapur is where most tourists and visitors go because it is known for its arts and culture. It is also a place where big groups and festivals meet. The 2015 earthquake in Kathmandu caused the most damage to the square. Six temples and several towers fell, and the work to rebuild them is still going on.

The area feels open and friendly because all of the sellers are lined up on one side, facing the exit from Durbar Plaza. You can go to a cultural event or just hang out with your friends in Basantapur. Let us talk about all the places you could see in Kathmandu Durbar Square so you do not miss anything.

Places to Visit in Kathmandu Durbar Square

Basantapur Durbar Square is the center and soul of Basantapur. As a UNESCO cultural heritage site, Durbar Square has attracted a lot of tourists from every part of the world.

Basantapur is a city with many small streets, which are almost like a maze that you will have a hard time getting out of. You can spend the day wandering around and finding new alleyways. I hope you can find your way out and learn a lot about this beautiful city along the way. Below, I will list the places to visit in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square.

The Kumari Ghar

Kumari Ghar of Basantapur is one of the most well-known structures in Kathmandu and likely the prime reason that tourists visit Durbar Square.

The last Malla ruler of Kathmandu, Jayaprakash Malla, built a temple for Kumari and Durga. The name of the temple was Kumari Bahal, and its design was typical of Newari viharas. In his home sits the Kumari, a young woman worshiped as a deity. He also made a chariot for Kumari and tiled the courtyard with terracotta tiles that fit the period.

According to mythology, the spirit of Goddess Taleju takes the form of a young girl from the Newar Shakya caste. It is thought that the goddess resides within Kumaris until they reach adolescence. The Goddess then leaves Kumari’s body, the young girl returns to her normal life, and a new Kumari must be chosen.

You can learn about the selection procedure for the Kumari, as well as a great deal of other information, by reading our blog post titled “Goddess Kumari,” which covers the complete Kumari.

Shiva Parvati Temple

The Shiva-Parvati temple is centrally located in Kathmandu. This structure is located on the southwest side of the Basantapur Darbar Plaza. It is a two-story, south-facing square edifice adjacent to the considerably larger 1690 Maju Dega temple.

This building is sometimes referred to as the Shiva-Parvati temple because the upper level features two statues of Shiva and Parvati gazing south across the square. Nonetheless, the official name of the temple is Navadurga, which refers to the nine statues of the goddess Durga on the ground level.

Taleju Bhawani Temple

Taleju Bhawani Temple is a renowned Hindu temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal. It is one of the city’s oldest and most prominent temples and holds a special position in the hearts of the Nepalese.

The Malla kings, who were in charge of the Kathmandu Valley at the time, built the Taleju Bhawani Temple in the 14th century. The goddess Taleju Bhawani, who was the family god of the Malla dynasty, was honored by the temple.

The temple is constructed from brick and wood, and it has carvings and statues of Hindu gods that are very detailed. The roof of the temple is also shaped like a pagoda and is covered with intricate wood carvings.

Navaratri is one of the most significant festivals in Nepal, and the Taleju Bhawani Temple is its focal point. During the event, which typically occurs in September or October, the temple is decorated with lights, and thousands of devotees come to pray and seek the goddess’s blessings.

Ultimately, everyone curious about Hindu culture and architecture should visit the Taleju Bhawani Temple. It is one of the most prominent landmarks in Nepal due to its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and cultural significance.

Kaal Bhairav

Another significant temple in Basantapur, Kathmandu, Nepal, is the Kaal Bhairav Temple. This temple is devoted to Kaal Bhairav, who is believed to be a furious avatar of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that the Kaal Bhairav temple was constructed in the 12th century, during the rule of the Malla kings. Legend has it that the temple was built to keep evil spirits away and protect Kathmandu. The temple has been repaired numerous times over the years, yet its beauty and significance remain unchanged.

People think that Kaal Bhairav is the guardian god of the city and that he keeps the people safe from harm and bad influences. The temple is also known for its ties to Tantric practices, and devotees and practitioners of Tantra often go there.

The Bhairav Astami festival is held every year in November. It is centered around the Kaal Bhairav Temple. During the festival, people who believe in the deity come to the temple to pray and make sacrifices for it. During the festival, lights and other decorations are put up in the temple as well.

To summarize, the Kaal Bhairav temple is a significant location that should not be missed by anyone who has an interest in the history or culture of Hinduism. Because of its extensive history, stunning architecture, and significant cultural role, it is an absolute necessity to visit this location when in Kathmandu.

Sweta Bhairava

In Kathmandu, Nepal, the Sweta Bhairav Temple is a well-known Hindu temple. Located in the Basantapur district, Hindus consider Sweta Bhairav to be a ferocious manifestation of Lord Shiva; hence, the temple is named after him.

The Sweta Bhairav temple was constructed during the reign of King Pratap Malla in the 18th century. According to legend, the temple was constructed to satisfy the god Sweta Bhairav, who was wreaking havoc on the city. According to mythology, the king eventually placated the god; therefore, the temple was constructed in his honor.

People think that Sweta Bhairav is the city’s guardian god and that he keeps people safe from harm and bad influences. The temple is also known for its ties to Tantric practices, and many Tantric devotees and practitioners go there.

Every September, the Sweta Bhairav temple serves as the focal point of the Indra Jatra celebration. During the festival, thousands of people gather to watch a dance called “Lakhe” performed in front of the temple. During the festival, the temple is also embellished with lights and other ornaments.

For those interested in Hindu culture and history, the Sweta Bhairav temple is an essential excursion. It is a must-see destination in Kathmandu due to its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural significance.

Akash Bhairav Temple

The Akash Bhairav Temple is important in the Basantapur neighborhood of Kathmandu, Nepal. The temple is devoted to Akash Bhairav, a Hindu deity seen as a furious version of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that the Akash Bhairav Temple was established during the reign of King Pratap Malla in the seventeenth century. The temple was originally constructed as a palace for the king’s son but was turned into a shrine devoted to Akash Bhairav. Many renovations have been made to the temple throughout the years, yet its beauty and significance remain the same.

The Temple of Akash Bhairav is one of the most significant temples in Kathmandu. It is claimed that Akash Bhairav is the protector of the city, protecting its inhabitants from harm and evil influences. Many devotees and practitioners of Tantric rituals frequent the temple due to its ties to Tantric activities.

The Bhoto Jatra festival is held every June and is centered around the Akash Bhairav Temple. During the festival, the Bhoto, a sacred vest, is shown to the public from the balcony of the temple. The festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show, and tens of thousands of people show up to see it.

For those interested in Hindu culture and history, the Akash Bhairav Temple is an essential site. Because of its long history, beautiful architecture, and cultural importance, it is a must-see place in Kathmandu.

Hanuman Dhoka Statue

The Hanuman Dhoka monument is one of Nepal’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks. It is situated within the compound of Hanuman Dhoka Palace in the center of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

The palace complex was initially constructed during the Malla Kingdom in the 14th century. During the Rana Dynasty in the 19th century, it was extensively rebuilt and expanded. It is thought that the Hanuman statue was installed during this time.

The crimson statue of the Hindu monkey god Hanuman is positioned at the entrance to the Hanuman Royal Palace (“Dhoka” signifies door in Nepali, thus the name “Hanuman Dhoka”), which is now the Hanuman Dhoka Museum’s entrance gate. The statue was placed at the palace’s entrance in 1672, during the reign of King Pratap Malla.

Nasal Chowk

Hanuman Dhoka Palace’s courtyard is named Nasal Chowk. There, the coronations of Nepalese kings took place. Although Hanuman Dhoka was no longer the royal home after 1896, the ceremonies of the Kings of Nepal (among them are 1975’s King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah and 2001’s King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah.) continued to be conducted in Nasal Chowk until 2008, when the monarchy was dissolved.

Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum

In Kathmandu, Nepal, you can find the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum. It is part of the complex that is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The museum is in the old royal palace. It shows off Nepal’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The Hanuman Dhoka Museum, also called the Tribhuvan Museum, is worth a visit. It has artifacts from the Nepalese monarchy, and your ticket to Kathmandu Durbar Square gives you access to the museum.

The museum has displays about history and culture, as well as a garden and a temple to the Hindu goddess Taleju. The temple is one of Kathmandu’s oldest, and people still worship there today.

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum is open to the public every day except Tuesdays and national holidays. It is a popular tourist destination in Nepal and provides interesting information about the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Jagannath temple

One of the oldest temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square is the Jagannath temple (probably dating back to 1563). Most people know the temple for the sexual carvings on its walls. A lot of people, both tourists and locals, feed pigeons on the big platform in front of the temple. The column of King Pratap Malla has been fixed up and is now in front of the two-story temple.

Gaddi Baithak

Gaddi Baithak is an ancient structure in Basantapur, Kathmandu. It was constructed in the early 20th century as a royal residence for then-Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher JBR during the Rana monarchy. Kishore Narshingh, a notable architect of the era, constructed the structure in the neoclassical style.

Once the Rana government fell, the structure was used for a variety of functions; now, Gaddi Baithak is a cultural and historical landmark and a major Kathmandu tourist attraction.

The building has a very fancy front with Corinthian columns and detailed carvings. The inside of the building is just as impressive, with stairs, chandeliers, and decorative ceilings.

In the past few years, a lot of work has been done to restore and fix up the building. It is now used for cultural events and shows. It is also open to the public for tours so that people can learn more about its history and design.

In general, Gaddi Baithak is a major aspect of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s illustrious history and architectural heritage.

Kasthamandap

Kasthamandap is not a temple but rather a public wooden pavilion and pilgrim shelter with a shrine to Gorakshanath. It was constructed from the wood of a single sal tree in the year 1200. This structure is named after the city of Kathmandu.

The structure was destroyed in the earthquake that occurred in 2015, and Kasthamandap has since been rebuilt.

Basantapur square

A large open market surrounds Basantapur Square. There you can purchase a vast array of products, including traditional Nepalese handicrafts, jewelry, apparel, and mementos. Several of these things are handcrafted and reflect Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

The area is also home to several antique shops, in which guests can browse and purchase a wide variety of vintage and antique objects, such as statues, coins, and other antiques.

Freak Street

Freak Street, also called Jhochhen Tole, is a historical street in the Basantapur neighborhood of Kathmandu. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, hippies and travelers from the West frequented this area due to its laid-back vibe and affordable lodgings.

Throughout that time, Freak Street in Kathmandu became the center of the hippie culture. People came there to share ideas, smoke hashish, and learn about Nepal’s rich cultural history. Many of the buildings on the street have been turned into guesthouses, cafes, and shops that sell crafts, clothing, and other souvenirs.

Freak Street is no longer the center of the counterculture that it once was, but it remains an important place for backpackers and tourists in search of economical lodging and a taste of Kathmandu’s rich history and culture. The street is still home to several guesthouses, restaurants, and stores selling souvenirs and other crafts.

Freak Street is a must-see if you are visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, since it has undergone significant transformation but still contains some interesting stores (like the Snowman Café, which started in 1965 and offers great apple crumble!).

Asan, Kathmandu’s local market

Asan is a lively local market that can be found right in the middle of Kathmandu in Nepal. The market is well-known for its lively ambiance, its colorful stores, and its extensive selection of different things for sale.

Asan has been a hub of business and trade in Kathmandu for hundreds of years, and it is still a popular place to go for both locals and tourists. There are many different shops and stalls in the market. They sell everything from fresh food and spices to clothes, electronics, and handmade goods.

One of the best parts of Asan is the spice market, where vendors sell a wide range of colorful spices, herbs, and teas. Visitors can also buy traditional Nepalese handicrafts like copperware and brass, handwoven textiles, and wooden and stone carvings.

The Annapurna Temple and the Bhagwati Temple are two of the most well-known religious destinations in Asan, drawing visitors from all over the world. Asan is home to several other modest shrines and temples as well.