Singha Durbar
Palace Huge palace in Kathmandu housing government offices
A former palace complex in central Kathmandu that has housed government ministries, notable for its neoclassical façades and scale. Tourists photograph the exterior and learn about Nepal’s political history.
Singha Durbar is a large palace complex in central Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal, constructed in the early 20th century by Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher Rana. It is a principal seat of the Government of Nepal and contains multiple ministries and official offices.
The complex presents grand neoclassical facades, broad courtyards and several administrative wings that together form the core of Nepal’s central government district. Public access is limited because many buildings are active government offices, so views are typically from surrounding roads or public squares.
Originally built as a private Rana palace, the complex was repurposed in the mid-20th century to accommodate national government functions and offices. Over time it evolved from a single-family residence into a multi-wing administrative centre.
Singha Durbar sits in central Kathmandu, within the municipal area of the capital city. It is located among other government and institutional buildings in the heart of Kathmandu’s administrative zone.
- Access: Access is limited because the complex houses active government offices; photographic and security restrictions apply near entrances.
- Current use: Originally built as a Rana family palace in the early 20th century, it now contains multiple ministries and the Prime Minister's Office.
How to Get to Singha Durbar #
Singha Durbar is in central Kathmandu near the banks of the Bagmati River. It is accessible by local taxis and buses from Thamel, Durbar Marg and other central neighborhoods; allow extra time for Kathmandu traffic.
Tips for Visiting Singha Durbar #
- Access inside government buildings can be restricted - check ahead if a tour of the interior is required.
- The surrounding area of Kathmandu (Thamel, Durbar Marg) offers convenient public transport options to Singha Durbar.
- Give yourself time in traffic-Kathmandu's streets are congested and journeys that look short on a map often take much longer.
Best Time to Visit Singha Durbar #
Autumn and spring are the most comfortable months for visiting Kathmandu and its civic landmarks.
Weather & Climate near Singha Durbar #
Singha Durbar's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1587 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (283 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (396 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (356 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (225 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.