Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square—also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar—is a living testament to centuries of Nepalese history, craftsmanship, and spiritual tradition. Located in the heart of the old city, this complex served as the royal seat of power for Nepali monarchs for centuries.

The square's origins trace back to the 3rd century, gaining prominence during the Licchavi period (4th-9th century). The Hanuman Dhoka Palace was built during this era and significantly extended in the 17th century by King Pratap Malla. Every king from Ratna Malla to Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah added to or renovated the palace, with the most important contributions from Mahendra Malla, Pratap Malla, and Prithivi Narayan Shah.

The "Hanuman Dhoka" proper (Hanuman Gate) features a standing statue of Hanuman dated to 1672, draped in red cloth under an umbrella, with face smeared in red paste. The Malla dynasty used Hanuman's image on their battle flags and placed his statue to ward off evil spirits and diseases.

The eastern wing with ten courtyards is the oldest part, dated to mid-16th century. A fascinating 17th-century stone inscription on the palace wall contains text in 15 languages—legend claims whoever fully deciphers it will cause milk to flow from a spout below. Some believe it contains coded directions to treasure buried beneath Mohan Chowk by King Pratap Malla.

In 1769, King Prithivi Narayan Shah occupied the Kathmandu Valley and added four observation towers to the southeast. All successive Shah Dynasty kings lived here until moving to a new palace in 1886, though major ceremonies including royal coronations continued here—King Birendra was crowned in Nasal Chok courtyard in 1975.

The 2015 earthquake caused extensive damage to the sprawling palace complex. Despite this, UNESCO continues to recognize it as one of the most important cultural landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley.