Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Narayanhiti Palace Museum (aka Narayanhiti Durbar), located in central Kathmandu, served as the primary residence of Nepal’s monarchy for over a century until 2008. The Palace is infamous for being the place where, in June 2001, King Birendra, Queen Aiswarya and six other royals were shot dead by Crown Prince Dipendra before Dipendra turned his weapon on himself; the apparent motive was revenge, after the King and Queen refused to approve the Prince’s marriage intentions. Birenda’s replacement, King Gyanendra, turned out to be deeply unpopular, with Nepalis voting to abolish the monarchy in 2008. The new parliament promptly gave Gyanendra 15 days to vacate the Palace. In these circumstances, the opening of the Palace Museum by Nepal’s prime minister in February 2009 was a highly symbolic event.The Palace, which comprises 52 rooms (of which 19 are open to the public) and occupies 74 acres, was designed by American architect Benjamin Polk. Completed in 1969, the Palace was designed in the style of a contemporary pagoda. The Palace Museum showcases the belongings of former kings and other royals who lived in it (such as pictures of Queen Elizabeth II, taken when the Windsors were on friendly terms with the Shah dynasty). Many visitors are intrigued by the Palace’s chintzy decor, which includes extensive gold-plating, numerous chandeliers and a large tiger-skin rug. The Museum also has extensive grounds, which are open to visitors; look out for fruit bats and the 20 foot-tall bamboo. One morbid feature is of note: the Museum’s buildings and grounds identify the places in which members of the royal family perished during the 2001 massacre (including the place on a small footbridge where Dipendra shot himself). All in all, one of the most interesting things to do in Kathmandu.

The Former Royal Palace, to the north of Durbar Marg and the east of Greater Thamel.

It is open from 11 am to 4 pm. Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and public holidays.