Attraction
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The old royal heart of Kathmandu, where the Hanuman Dhoka palace, the Kumari's residence and Malla-era temples surround a UNESCO-listed square.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
The former royal palace of Nepal's Shah kings, opened as a museum after the end of the monarchy, with state rooms kept as the royal family left them.
At a glance
- Type
- Royal palace museum
- Area
- Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal
Good to know
- Palace rooms
- Gardens
Why we recommend it
Narayanhiti was the main residence of Nepal's Shah kings until the end of the monarchy, and it is now a museum that shows the palace much as the royal family left it. The present building was commissioned by King Mahendra, built between 1963 and 1969 to designs by the American architect Benjamin Polk, and inaugurated with a housewarming ceremony in February 1970. Polk's design blended Nepali architectural styles into a modern building.
The palace is also tied to one of the darkest episodes in Nepal's recent history. On 1 June 2001, King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and other members of the royal family were killed in the grounds. After the 2006 revolution the monarchy was abolished, King Gyanendra left the palace on 11 June 2008, and the building was turned into a museum that opened to the public in 2009. According to Kantipur, more than 4.7 million visitors had passed through by the end of 2025.
Inside, the 52 rooms are named after districts of Nepal. Highlights include Kaski Sadan, the reception hall with two stuffed Bengal tigers and royal portraits, and Gorkha Baithak, the throne room, with a huge chandelier hanging beneath a pagoda-style ceiling. Dolpa Sadan has a one-way mirror through which the throne room could be watched, and Dhanusha Baithak is where the king once handed out decorations. The palace building itself covers roughly 3,794 square metres. The grounds, covering around 15 hectares, include courtyards, fountains, gardens, gates, helipads and a garage, as well as a legendary stone water spout and a Garuda statue thought to date from the Licchavi period.
The museum suits anyone curious about modern Nepal, from history readers to families with older children, and it gives useful context for the political changes of the past two decades, from the royal massacre of 2001 to the abolition of the monarchy after the 2006 revolution and the departure of the last king in 2008. Check opening days locally before you set off, as we could not confirm current hours from an official source.
The palace stands east of Kaiser Mahal, next to Thamel. The Garden of Dreams is just to the west, so the two make a natural pair for a morning on foot.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum FAQs
What was Narayanhiti?
The main royal palace of Nepal's Shah kings until the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
When did it become a museum?
King Gyanendra left on 11 June 2008, and the palace opened to the public as a museum in 2009.
Who designed the palace?
The American architect Benjamin Polk, for King Mahendra; it was built between 1963 and 1969.
What can I see inside?
State rooms named after districts of Nepal, including the Kaski Sadan reception hall and the Gorkha Baithak throne room.
Is the site of the 2001 royal massacre part of the museum?
The killings of 1 June 2001 took place within the palace grounds, which are part of the museum.
Where is it?
Next to Thamel, just east of the Garden of Dreams at Kaiser Mahal.
How many people visit?
Kantipur reported more than 4.7 million visitors in its first 17 years.
What are the opening hours?
We could not confirm current hours from an official source, so check locally before you go.