Hanuman-dhoka Durbar Square, Katmandu is a complex of beautiful temples and shrines, both Hindu and Buddist. Most of them are built in the pagoda style embellished with intricately carved exteriors, built between 12th and 18th centuries. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that the kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemised. Until the early 20th century the Durbar Square was the King's residence. It is regarded as a living open museum of Nepal.
The name Hanuman-dhoka Durbar came from the statue of Haunuman established by King Pratap Malla at the entrance of the royal palacein 1672 A.D. The nine syory residence built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1770, is called Basantapur Durbar. The whole complex is also known as Katmandu Durbar Square. The palace complex was originally founded during the Lichchhavi period, but as it stands oday most of it was constructed by King Partap malla in the 17th century. The palace was renovated many times in later years. The architectural remains and art objects within the palace complex now exisiting are from Malla,shah and Rana periods of Nepal.
The Durbar square area is actually made up of two sub-areas. The outer complex is renowned for numerous interesting temples such as Kumari Ghar, Kasthmandap, Shiv-Parbati Temple, Big Bell etc while the inner complex comprises the old palace area, Hanuman-dhoka and its courtyards such as Nasal Chowk, Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Lohan Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Basantapur Burbar and others. There are many temples dedicated to female royal diety. The area includes ten courtyards these days, but prior to the great 1934 earthquake, the area was expanded up to New Road gate including thirty five compounds.
The Hanuman-dhoka Royal Palace is included in the Protected Monument Zone along with other private buildings. The site is enlisted in the World Heritage site of UNESCO along with six other monument zones of the Katmandu Valley in October 1979.
There is a charge for visitors to enter Durbar Square during the day. Access is free from about 6pm.
If any of the gates from Durbar Square are locked (generally by 7pm) or you do not want to visit Durbar Square you can enter the building from the sliding front door off the dirt street that runs NNE toward Thamel from the NW entrance of Durbar Square. There should be a portable sign with the opening hours of 7am to 9pm. There is no charge to enter. The co-ordinates should take you to the middle of the inner courtyard and from there you should spot the hint object. Please take care that you do not disturb any muggles sitting nearby.The owners speak English.