Kathmandu Durbar Square,Nepal

Legend says the ancient wooden pavilion Kasthamandap—from which the city takes its name—was built from a single tree; its name literally means 'Wooden Pavilion'. The complex also houses the Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess Kumari, a pre-pubescent girl worshipped as the bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju. Local lore, ritual practices, and the continuity of Newar craftsmanship give the square many living legends and rituals.

• Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace complex
• Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess)
• Taleju Temple
• Kasthamandap
• Shiva-Parvati Temple
• Jagannath Temple and stone carvings
• Basantapur Tower and open courtyards
• Traditional Newar artisan workshops (woodcarving, metalwork)

• Rich Newar pagoda-style architecture and intricate wood and stone carvings
• Living cultural tradition: Kumari (Living Goddess) worship
• Historic courtyards (bahals and chowks) used for community and ritual life
• Public plazas that host festivals, processions, and community gatherings
• Evidence of earthquake-era restoration and conservation efforts

• Guided historical walking tours of the palace complex and temples
• Kumari darshan (viewing the Living Goddess) from outside the Kumari Ghar
• Photography of traditional architecture, carvings, and street life
• Visiting artisan workshops to see woodcarving, paubha/thangka painting, and metalwork
• Shopping for handicrafts and traditional souvenirs from nearby markets
• Relaxing in the open plazas and observing daily religious rituals

• Indra Jatra — major festival with masked dances, chariot processions, and Kumari parades
• Dashain and Tihar — major national festivals celebrated with local variations
• Kumari Jatra (part of Indra Jatra) — ceremonial procession involving the Living Goddess
• Various Newar community rituals, seasonal rites, and cultural performances

Late September to November (autumn) and March to April (spring) for the clearest weather, festivals, and pleasant temperatures.

Kathmandu has a temperate climate — warm, dry autumns and springs; a wet monsoon season from June to August; cooler winters (Dec–Feb) with chilly mornings but generally mild daytime temperatures.

The Durbar Square complex is a ticketed UNESCO site with an entrance fee for international visitors (fees and concessions vary; please check current rates before travel). Typical opening hours are roughly 09:00–17:00, though some temples have restricted access or different ritual timings. Note: viewing the Kumari is done from the square exterior at set times.

Nearest airport: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu (~8 km). The square is in central Kathmandu (Kathmandu City) and is reachable by taxi, private car, or local buses; many visitors arrive on foot from nearby neighborhoods like Thamel and Ason. Streets around the square can be uneven and crowded; limited wheelchair access in many historic courtyards—check specific site accessibility in advance.

2–4 hours to explore the main monuments, visit workshops, and soak up the atmosphere; allow a half-day if attending festivals or visiting nearby squares and markets.

Dress modestly for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered). Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven stone surfaces. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a light rain layer in monsoon months, and a warm layer in winter mornings/evenings.

Try Newari and Nepali snacks and beverages sold nearby (mo:mo, sel roti, local sweets). Souvenirs include paubha and thangka paintings, traditional woodcarvings, metalwork, singing bowls, and handmade jewelry. Support reputable shops and artisan cooperatives to ensure authentic and fairly traded goods.