Kathmandu

kathmandu durbar square

The heart of the Kathmandu Valley this ancient square crowded with palaces & temples, including the current incarnation of the Kasthamandap or "Wooden house" that gives the city its name. The square has been in active use since the construction of a palace around 1000 AD. This site is the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal.

Magical in the very early morning and evening, Durbar Square. There are a number of young men who offer to be "guides." Be firm with saying "no" if you are not interested. A place not to be missed is a visit to Durbar Square Museum.

Film"Durbar Square", poetic short movie directed by Guillaume Boulanger, 1996.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK2Gd300Sac

There are more than a dozen buildings and statues of note in this small area. They include:

Taleju Temple

One of the oldest temples in the square, this three-roofed temple with its pyramid shaped bases, is an example of the typical Newari architectural style.

Ashok Binayak

Shiva Temple

Maju Deval

Narayan Temple

Shiva-Parvati Temple

Kumari Palace

home of "the Kumari", or living goddess, a young girl. South side of Durbar square,

Bhagwati Temple

Saraswati Temple

The Goddess of Knowledge and Learning

Krishna Temple

Sweta Bhairab

Statue shown only during the Indra Jatra festival.

Kal Bhairab

Indrapur Temple

Vishnu temple

Mahendreswar Temple

It is possible to climb the steps of many of the temples for a better look, or to join the people sat at the top watching the bustle below.