Hanuman Dhoka

Hanuman Dhoka is the historic royal palace complex in Kathmandu’s central Durbar Square, named after a large stone statue of the Hindu deity Hanuman that guards one gateway. It served as the seat of Nepalese royalty for centuries and forms a central part of Kathmandu’s palace and temple ensemble.

The complex contains multiple courtyards, timber-framed palace buildings and shrines exhibiting Newar wood carving and traditional architecture; it is a focal point for religious and state ceremonies. Visitors come to view the carpentry, stonework and the sequence of courtyards and temples within the palace footprint.

Construction and expansion occurred over several centuries under Malla and later Shah rulers, with successive additions, repairs and rebuildings following fires and earthquakes. The site continued to function as a royal and administrative centre until the 20th century and has undergone conservation work in response to earthquake damage.

Hanuman Dhoka sits in Basantapur, the historic core of Kathmandu city, within the Kathmandu Durbar Square complex in central Kathmandu. It is immediately accessible from the surrounding urban streets of the city centre.

• Hanuman statue: Look for the large stone statue of the monkey god Hanuman that gives the palace its common English name; it stands near the main entrance.
• Earthquake damage and restoration: Parts of the complex were seriously damaged in major earthquakes and have been subjects of phased restoration and conservation work.