Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu

#mytraveldiary
📍Location: Central Kathmandu, near Thamel and Freak Street.
- Entry Fee:
- Foreigners: ~ NPR 1,000
- SAARC Nationals: ~ NPR 300
- Locals: Free
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic plaza in the heart of Kathmandu that served as the royal palace of the Malla and Shah kings. It is a stunning display of Newari architecture, intricate wood carvings, and ancient temples.
💞Reasons to Recommend:
Kathmandu Durbar Square
1. Hanuman Dhoka Palace
- The former royal palace, named after the monkey god Hanuman (whose statue stands at the entrance).
- Nasal Chowk (a courtyard inside) was used for coronations.
- Houses the Tribhuvan Museum (showcasing royal artifacts).
2. Taleju Temple
- A towering three-tiered temple dedicated to Taleju Bhawani, the royal goddess of the Malla kings.
- Only opened to the public once a year during Dashain.
3. Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess House)
- Home of the Kumari, a young girl worshipped as the living incarnation of the goddess Taleju.
- Visitors can see her at the window during brief appearances.
4. Kal Bhairav Statue
- A massive stone idol of Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva.
- Believed to punish those who lie in front of it.
5. Kasthamandap (before 2015 earthquake)
- A historic wooden pavilion believed to be built from a single tree.
- Kathmandu city is named after it (Kath = wood, Mandap = pavilion).
- Destroyed in the 2015 earthquake; reconstruction is ongoing.
6. Jagannath Temple
- Famous for its erotic carvings on the roof struts.
- One of the oldest temples in the square.

#kathmandu #dubar