Narayanhiti Palace Museum

Address: Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Kathmandu, Nepal

Website: http://narayanhitimuseum.gov.np/

Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-4pm, closed Mondays

Narayanhiti Palace is a former royal palace complex in central Kathmandu that served as the principal residence of Nepal’s monarchs until the abolition of the monarchy. The palace compound has been converted into a public museum displaying state rooms, royal regalia and artefacts.

The site includes ceremonial halls and reception rooms preserved for public viewing, notably the throne room and formal state areas, which are presented with furnishings and displays explaining palace functions. The palace is widely known for its role in late 20th- and early 21st-century Nepalese history.

Narayanhiti remained the king’s official residence until the monarchy ended in 2008; parts of the complex were opened to the public thereafter and are interpreted as a museum covering royal life and national events. Security and visitor procedures are maintained for the museum.

The palace lies in central Kathmandu, within walking distance of major city landmarks and tourist districts, and functions as both a historical site and museum attraction.

• Status change: The palace ceased to be the royal residence after the monarchy was abolished in 2008 and has since been converted into a public museum.
• Visitor practicalities: The complex is best visited as part of central Kathmandu walking routes; security checks are standard at the entrance and photography rules may apply indoors.

What to See#

• Throne Room: The former royal Throne Room and state reception rooms, retained as part of the public museum display and interpreted with royal furnishings and regalia.
• Museum galleries: Public museum galleries that present the palace’s rooms, royal artefacts, and displays about the monarchy and the 2001 royal events now part of the site’s interpretation.

Narayanhiti Palace is in central Kathmandu (the former royal palace area). From Tribhuvan International Airport it is reachable by taxi in about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic (the airport sits a few kilometres east of central Kathmandu). The palace is within the central city area and easily reached on foot or by short taxi/bus ride from main thoroughfares such as Durbar Marg and other downtown bus stops.

• Go early in the day soon after opening to see the palace rooms before tour groups arrive and to avoid afternoon traffic in central Kathmandu.
• Carry a passport or national ID when you visit - identification is commonly required to purchase tickets at major heritage sites in Nepal.
• Check current opening hours and any scheduled guided tours before you go; allow time for the palace's ground-floor exhibits and state rooms rather than just a quick exterior stop.