Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley in 22 photos

Durbar Square are places near the royal palaces in Nepal, which consists of temples, open courts, idols, statues, fountains and many other structures. It is equivalent to modern town squares in the western countries. These Durbar Squares were used for any religious events and even the coronation of the Kings used to be held at these squares. In the old times Nepal consisted small kingdoms. The Durbar Squares are feast for photographers. The most prominent are located in Kathmandu Valley. The three famous Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley that are included in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO are :

• Kathmandu Durbar Square : Also known as Basantapur Durbar Square, the most important site here is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, which served as the Royal residence for many kings of Kathmandu. Other places if interest are Kumari House, which is the residence of the Living Goddess of Nepal.
• Patan Durbar Square : The history of this Durbar Square is not clear, but it is believed that Malla Kings have established it. The notable temples are Krishna temple, Bhimsen temple, Vishwanath temple and Taleju temple.
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square : The most impressive of the three Durbar Square is the one at Bhaktapur. It is located in the town of Bhaktapur which is 13 kilometers far from Kathmandu. The major sites at this square are 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Lions’ Gate and Vatsala temple. The nearby Taumadhi Square where the festival of Bisket Jatra is held, is also famous for the Nyatapola temple and Bhairavnath temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

At the time of writing there was an entrance fees to these Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square – NPR 750 • Patan Durbar Square – NPR 500 • Bhaktapur Durbar Square – USD 10 . The citizens of SAARC pay less.