Kathmandu: Old Town, Temples and Indra Jatra

Kathmandu brings together historic squares, temples, markets and the festival tradition of Indra Jatra. In the heart of the Old Town, Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in Basantapur. The Garden of Dreams and individual landmarks such as the Akash Bhairav Temple also reflect distinct cultural influences.

Old Town and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square comprises palaces, courtyards and temples dating from the Malla period. The complex is divided into two courtyards: the outer courtyard includes Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar and the Shiva-Parvati Temple; the inner courtyard includes Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. The ensemble also includes Kumari, the multi-storey Taleju Temple and Kal Bhairav. The layout of the courtyards helps visitors understand the buildings as parts of a complex rather than viewing them only as individual attractions.

The Tribhuvan Museum is located in Hanuman Dhoka Palace at Kathmandu Durbar Square. It commemorates the life of King Tribhuvan (1906–1955), who helped free the country from the Rana regime. The Hanuman Dhoka Museum gallery displays rare photographs and paintings of other Shah rulers, as well as photographs of a king’s funeral. This brings a particular royal life story and visual material about other rulers together in the museum.

Indra Jatra in the city

Indra Jatra begins with the raising of a pinewood pole at Basantapur Square, in front of the old Hanuman Dhoka Palace. During the festival, Kumari’s chariot is taken in a procession through Kathmandu’s main streets. The festival therefore includes both the ritual in the square and the procession through the streets.

Masked Lakhay dancers parade through the streets to loud drums almost every evening during Indra Jatra. Around Kathmandu Durbar Square, the shrines and old palace buildings glow by the light of oil lamps every night during the festival. A large image of the head of Akash Bhairab is displayed outdoors, directly opposite his temple at Indra Chowk. If Indra Jatra is a key factor in planning your trip, check the dates for your desired travel period.

Temples and market districts

The three-storey Akash Bhairav Temple at Indra Chowk has tiled roofs, a hanging balcony, gilded lattice windows and an intricately designed entrance. Its architectural features give a concrete impression of the temple: the roofs, balcony and window latticework are as much a part of its appearance as the decorated entrance.

Asan Market Square is located about halfway along Kathmandu’s only main diagonal road, which connects Durbar Square with Durbar Marg. Shops in Asan sell, among other things, spices, fresh vegetables and kitchenware. The market’s location provides a clear reference point along the route connecting the two squares. The selection in individual shops may change.

Garden of Dreams

The Garden of Dreams is opposite the former royal palace, at the entrance to the Thamel tourist district. The garden was neglected for decades, yet it preserves the garden heritage created by Kaiser Shumsher. Six freestanding pavilions are each dedicated to one of Nepal’s six seasons. The grounds also include ponds, European-style verandas and houses for various bird species. The seasonal dedication gives the pavilions a shared theme, while the other garden features showcase different forms of design.

Dharahara Tower

The Dharahara Tower in Kathmandu is 50.5 metres tall and was built in 1832 by the prime minister at the time, Bhimsen Thapa. Its height, year of construction and patron provide specific details about the structure and add another historical point of reference to the palaces, courtyards and temples of the Old Town.

Discover more destinations: Madhyapur Thimi, Thaiba, Lalitpur, Bungamati, Panauti, Bhaktapur, Sankhu, Budhanilkantha

For the overview of the wider region: Bagmati.