Trip Facts
Kathmandu
8 Am, 12 Pm, 3 Pm
3 hour
English, Hindi, Japanese, Urdu
The tour is non-strenuous and involves some walking, but is suitable for most people. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
🕘 0:00 – 0:15 | Getting here + what comes next
🕘 0:15 – 0:45 | Hanuman Dhoka Palace & Main Courtyard
🕘 0:45 – 1:15 | Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess Residence)
🕘 1:15 – 1:45 | Taleju Temple Complex & Nearby Temples
🕘 1:45 – 2:15 | Kal Bhairav & Stone Pillar of Pratap Malla
🕘 2:15 – 2:45 | Kasthamandap & Surrounding Streets
🕘 2:45 – 3:00 | Wrap-Up at Freak Street (Jhochhen Tole)
1-10
Amrit Marg Thamel
Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square Exit
- Guided walking tour of Basantapur Durbar Square (approx. 2–3 hours)
- Insights and stories about the temples, palaces, and local culture
- Insider tips for photography, local food, and hidden gems Interaction with local artisans and vendors
- Knowledgeable and friendly local guide.
- Entry/entrance fees to Basantapur Durbar Square (paid at the gate)
- Meals, drinks, or snacks (though guides can suggest places to try local treats)
- Transportation to/from the starting point of the tour
- Personal expenses and souvenirs Optional tips for your guide (appreciated but not mandatory)
Description
Basantapur Durbar Square sits right in Kathmandu’s heart, packed with old palaces, shrines, and wide green spaces reflecting Nepal’s deep-rooted culture. Once governed by the Malla and then the Shah rulers, this spot now hums with locals nearby, sellers calling out, travelers wandering around – meanwhile carved wooden details and towering tiered roofs quietly echo ancient times. Walking through gives a sense of moving into the past, yet the daily rush shows how customs blend without conflict amid today’s noise.
Hanuman Dhoka Durbar: Hanuman Dhoka Durbar is named after the statue of the Hindu god, Hanuman, at its entrance. It was one of the royal palaces of the Malla and later Shah kings. It is now a museum and has several spacious courtyards, including the Nasal Chowk, which was traditionally used for coronations.
Kumari Ghar: This is a beautifully carved red brick palace. This house is believed to be the main residence of the Kumari. A young woman worshipped as the human incarnation of Goddess Taleju is called a Kumari. You can see the Kumari in the window of the Kumari house on special days.
Gaddi Baithak: This Gaddi Baithak was built in the 20th century. Built in the European neoclassical style, this white building was used by the kings of the time for their coronations and other official gatherings. The building was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake. But now it has been reconstructed and is open to the general public.
Museums: There are many museums within the Hanuman Dhoka complex. One of them is the Tribhuvan Museum. Inside the Tribhuvan Museum, you can see the personal belongings of King Tribhuvan and the history of his life journey.
Temples and Statues:
Taleju Temple: Taleju Temple is one of the most magnificent and tallest temples in the region. It has three tiered structures. It is the temple of the Kuldevi of the Malla kings. This temple is opened to the public only once a year.
Black Bhairav: This statue, carved from a single large stone in the 17th century, is the Black Bhairav, depicting the angry form of Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the most terrifying forms of Lord Shiva. People believe that if you lie in front of this statue, it will be very unfortunate.
Jagannath Temple: Built in the 16th century, you can see idols of sensual deities in various sexual positions on the roofs and pillars of this temple.
Shiva Parvati Temple: This is a two-storey temple. You can see the idol of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati looking out from the window of the second floor.
Other attractions:-
Kashtamandap: This is a large wooden temple. The name of this temple, which is made of wood from a single tree, comes from the Sanskrit words Kastha and Mandap. The name of Kathmandu city is Kathmandu from the name of this temple.
Basantapur Dabali: A large square located in the south of the Durbar Square is called Basantapur Dabali. Earlier, during the reign of kings, elephants, horses, etc. were kept here, but now it is known as a market for various handicrafts.
🏛️ Basantapur Durbar Square – 3-Hour Walking Tour
🕘 0:00 – 0:15 | Getting here + what comes next
Step into the plaza, then find your way around.
Soak up the vibe – hawkers on corners, people chatting nearby, or shrines peeking through alleys.
Snap some pics of Basantapur Tower along with temples close by.
🕘 0:15 – 0:45 | Hanuman Dhoka Palace & Main Courtyard
Check out the palace yard, then take a moment to appreciate the detailed wooden designs.
Check out Nasal Chowk – where rulers once got crowned. Different monarchs stood right there, taking power in ceremony after ceremony.
Maybe take a trip up Basantapur Tower if you feel like it – great sights from the top.
🕘 0:45 – 1:15 | Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess Residence)
Check out the yard – sometimes the Kumari shows up by her window.
Keep in mind – don’t snap any pics of the Kumari.
🕘 1:15 – 1:45 | Taleju Temple Complex & Nearby Temples
Check out Taleju Temple – just the outside, since it’s only open when Dashain rolls around.
Check out the Jagannath Temple close by, where intricate details stand out. While you’re there, take a moment to spot the unusual engravings on the walls.
🕘 1:45 – 2:15 | Kal Bhairav & Stone Pillar of Pratap Malla
Check out the Kal Bhairav statue – it stands for strength, also fairness.
Check out King Pratap Malle’s carved column bent like someone bowing. While it stands still, the shape gives off a vibe of worship.
🕘 2:15 – 2:45 | Kasthamandap & Surrounding Streets
Take a look at Kasthamandap, that old wooden shelter.
Walk through nearby streets to check out daily routines plus small stores.
🕘 2:45 – 3:00 | Wrap-Up at Freak Street (Jhochhen Tole)
Wrap up your trip by strolling easy to Freak Street.
Pause by a coffee spot or grab something small before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour usually takes 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace. You can spend longer if you want to explore museums, grab a coffee, or just sit and people-watch in the square.
Free walking trips run on a “give-what-it-was-worth-to-you” idea – your contribution goes to the guide depending on how valuable the experience seemed. Instead of fixed prices, guests hand over cash afterward according to their satisfaction level. Wondering what to give as a tip? Though it’s not required, folks usually appreciate a reasonable amount – particularly if the experience was solid. The exact number shifts from place to place; still, many go with roughly 10 to 20 bucks per traveler, shaped by how pricey things are nearby.
Yes. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City charges an entry fee (around NPR 1,000 for foreigners).This goes toward heritage conservation. The walking tour is free — but the entry ticket to the square is still required.
Comfortable walking shoes — the old stone paths can be uneven.
A hat or scarf and sunscreen during the day.
A light jacket or shawl if you’re visiting in the evening.
A refillable water bottle — there are cafes where you can top up.
Camera or phone for photos (but no photos of the Living Goddess Kumari).
Photography is generally allowed outside most temples, but:
No photos of the Kumari (Living Goddess) are permitted.
Some museum sections may restrict photography — look for posted signs or ask your guide.
Morning (8–11 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM) are ideal — the light is beautiful and temperatures are pleasant. Evenings are magical too, with the temples softly lit and fewer crowds.
Guides may be able to adjust the schedule to accommodate your interests.
“To guarantee your preferred dates & time, we recommend booking your tour in advance, as spaces are limited.”
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Cancellations
Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior; 50% refund if cancelled 8–14 days prior; no refund if cancelled within 7 days due to finalized arrangements. Cancellations to be made in writing (email/message); in cases of severe weather, natural events, or government restrictions, tours may be rescheduled/credited for future use; travel insurance is recommended.
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