Singha Durbar Palace

Address: Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal

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.

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.

• 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.