Hanuman Dhoka Palace | Kathmandu

Information

Landmark: Hanuman Dhoka Palace
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Continent: Asia

Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kathmandu, Nepal, Asia

Hanuman Dhoka Palace is a sprawling royal complex located in the heart of Kathmandu-durbar-square_kathmandu" class="underline">Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal. Spanning five acres, it served as the principal residence of the Malla and Shah dynasties until the late 19th century and remains a central site for state ceremonies and coronations.

Visual Characteristics

The complex is a dense configuration of ten courtyards (chowks), multi-tiered pagoda temples, and neoclassical wings. The masonry consists of sun-dried red bricks and dark timber, featuring extensive wood carvings of deities and mythological creatures on window frames and roof struts. The 19th-century Gaddi Baithak wing introduces a stark white plastered facade with European-style columns and balconies.

Location & Access Logistics

The palace is situated in the Basantapur area of central Kathmandu. It is primarily accessed on foot from the Thamel district via a 1.2-kilometer walk south through Asan and Indra Chowk. For those arriving from further distances, public transport stops at Ratna Park, located approximately 0.8 kilometers east of the palace entrance. Entry is through the main golden gate located on the western side of the square.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Portions of the palace date back to the Licchavi period, though the current layout was largely established during the reign of King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. The complex was expanded by successive Shah rulers following the unification of Nepal in 1768. The site underwent significant structural restoration after the 1934 and 2015 earthquakes to repair its Newari and neoclassical architectural elements.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the King Tribhuvan Memorial Museum, which houses royal artifacts, attire, and throne displays. The Nasal Chowk, the main internal courtyard, is used for the coronation of Nepali monarchs and features the Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple. The nine-story Basantapur Tower offers a vertical perspective of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding square.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The palace museum provides guided information panels in English and Nepali. Public restrooms are available near the Basantapur Tower exit. The surrounding square contains numerous independent cafes, pharmacies, and souvenir shops. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is consistent throughout the courtyards, though shade is limited to the interior rooms and temple eaves.

Best Time to Visit

The site is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Optimal lighting for architectural photography occurs between 08:00 and 10:00 when the external temples are fully illuminated. The most favorable weather for visiting is during the dry months of October to early December and March to May.

Facts & Legends

The palace is named after the stone statue of the monkey god Hanuman, situated at the main entrance since 1672, which is believed to protect the royal family from evil spirits. A historical oddity within the complex is the "Stone Inscription of the King," written in fifteen different languages, including French and Persian, placed by King Pratap Malla to showcase his linguistic knowledge.