Narayanhiti Palace Museum in central Kathmandu is the former royal residence of Nepal’s Shah monarchs. For 2026 visitors, the published admission prices are NPR 200 for Nepali citizens, NPR 50 for Nepali students (conditions apply), NPR 500 for SAARC and Chinese nationals, and NPR 1,000 for other foreign visitors. The museum website lists visiting hours of 9:30 am–3:30 pm, Thursday to Monday, and closure on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Quick visitor information: Prices and times below were checked against the Narayanhiti Palace Museum website in October 2026; confirm any holiday changes before visiting.
Before the revolt, the palace was the monarch's residence and principal place of function, and hosted state occasions. Constructed by King Mahendra in 1963, the current palace complex comprises extensive courtyards, parks, and buildings.
Why the name Narayanhiti Durbar Palace?
The name "Narayanhiti" consists of two words: 'Narayana' and 'Hiti'. Narayan is Vishnu, the Hindu god whose temple is opposite the palace.
'Hiti' means 'river spout' in the Newar Language; it is located to the east of the main gate in the palace precincts, a landmark that figures prominently in local legends.
History of Narayanhiti Durbar Palace
The royal palace is known to have been the home to several former kings and queens.
Early Residences
The palace changed hands many times before royalty occupied it. During the early Shah era, the Shreepali Basnet family occupied the site.
Ownership passed to Premier Fateh Jung Shah after Dhokal Singh Basnyat; his aunt, Choutaria Pran Shah, also lived in the house.
On 19 September 1846, Fateh was killed in the Kot massacre, and his family were expelled or banished from Kathmandu. Colonel Ranodip Singh Kunwar, Jung Bahadur Rana's brother, took over the property and palace, moving into Choutaria 's residence after limited renovations.
The building was restored after Ranodip became prime minister in 1877, and enlarged into a luxurious multi-wing palace.
Ranodip was murdered in the southern wing of the palace after the coup d'état on 22 November 1885.
Royal Residence
Bir Shumsher Jang Bahadur replaced Ranodip Rana as Prime Minister and took over the palace. Bir Shumsher ordered the demolition of the old palace in 1886, and a new one, designed by the architect Jogbir Sthapit, was built as a residence for his son-in-law, King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah.
This relocated the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, the royal residence, to Narayanhiti.In the Nepal–Bihar earthquake of 1934, the palace was damaged, killing King Tribhuvan's two infant daughters.
Colonel Surya Jung Thapa, an architect, oversaw maintenance and improvements that added a new entrance and a grand staircase.
In 1963, King Mahendra ordered the palace's destruction and reconstruction. The new palace was designed by the Indian-born American architect Benjamin Polk.
Nepalese architectural styles were used to create a national symbol. However, the building ceased in 1969. On 27 February 1970, Griha Pravesh (a housewarming party) was performed for Crown Prince Birendra's wedding.
In 1972, Mahendra sold the palace for NPR 70 million (7 crores) to the Government of Nepal. He claimed the estate was the dowry of his paternal grandmother, Queen Divyeshwari.
On 1 June 2001, a mass shooting at the palace killed King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and several other members of the royal family. Crown Prince Dipendra was identified in official accounts as responsible; he died three days later. The event became known as the Nepalese royal massacre.
2006 Revolution and Reuse as a Museum
Following the 2006 Revolution, the Nepalese monarchy was abolished. Narayanhiti was vacated on 11 June 2008 by the last King, Gyanendra.
The former royal palace was later used to house the new Palace Museum in Narayanhiti. In October 2018, the royal crown jewels were showcased.
Interior of Narayanhiti Durbar Palace
The palace spans 3,794 m2 (40,838.28 sq ft) and is divided into three equal parts: the guest wing, the state wing, and the private wing.
Narayanhiti Palace has exactly 52 rooms called Sadan, each named after one of Nepal's 75 districts. The palace's interiors are in the Late Victorian style.
Reception Hall
Narayanhiti Palace Reception Hall is named Kaski Sadan after the Kaski District. The hall is decorated with two full-size Bengal Tiger taxidermies in a charging posture, hunted by the King.
Mahendra and King Birendra, along with Shah Monarchs' life-size portraits, are displayed throughout the stairs by artist Amar Chitrakar.
Narayanhiti Museum: History Preserved, Stories Told
Credit:Nepalnews.com
Gaurishankar Gate opens onto Kaski Sadan, and it is there that the Shah Monarchs of Nepal gave political audiences and held the oath-taking ceremony for the prime minister and heads of constitutional bodies of the Kingdom of Nepal.
Throne Room
The Gorkha Baithak Throne Room is the centre of the palace. It stands just above Kaski Baithak.
Gorkha Baithak's architecture is based on the Hindu temple architectural style, with a 48-foot chandelier hanging from a 60-foot Pagoda-style ceiling, supported by four concrete columns representing Nāga, and decorated with garish Hindu deities, Astha Matrikas, and Ashta Bhairava.
It is beneath this high ceiling that the Kingdom of Nepal Throne was placed. It is in this room that the monarch issued the Royal Proclamation on special occasions.
On the right of the Gorkha Baithak is Dolpa Sadan. It was used as the room for the royal family's uninvited guests to view Gorkha Baithak's proceedings through a one-way mirror.
Ceremonies held inside Narayanhiti Durbar Palace
The Narayanhiti Durbar was open to the public during the Dashain festival, when the former Kings offered darshan and teeka to government and high-level officials, as well as the general public.
If you are planning a wider sightseeing trip, explore Hop Nepal’s guide to the best places to visit in Kathmandu or discover Kathmandu Valley cultural tour experiences. Travellers interested in lesser-known historical landmarks can also read about hidden cultural attractions around Kathmandu.
Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum
Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum stands as a significant symbol of Nepal’s political transformation, marking the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. This pivotal shift was the result of a decade-long people's war and the historic 19-day people's movement. In response to these political changes, the former Narayanhiti Royal Palace was repurposed as the Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum.
The museum was officially inaugurated on 15 June 2008 by then-Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, marking a new era for this historic landmark. Following the inauguration, the Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum was formally opened to the public on 26 February 2009 by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda".
Today, the Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum serves as an essential cultural and historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into Nepal's royal past and the significant political changes that reshaped the nation.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum Ticket Prices in 2026
According to the museum’s published admission schedule, the Narayanhiti Palace Museum entry fee depends on visitor nationality and student eligibility:
Visitor category Entry fee (NPR)Nepali students (subject to eligibility)50Nepali citizens200SAARC and Chinese nationals500Other foreign nationals1,000The museum marks its admission rates as subject to conditions. Carry identification and, for a student ticket, valid student evidence. Check the museum’s published admission information before arrival.
Narayanhiti Palace Opening Days and Times
The museum currently publishes visiting hours of 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Thursday through Monday. It lists Tuesday and Wednesday as closed. These are published visiting hours, not a guarantee of last admission time; verify special closures before travelling.
- Thursday–Monday: 9:30 am–3:30 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
Frequently Asked Questions About Narayanhiti Palace Museum
What is Narayanhiti Durbar Palace?
Narayanhiti was the principal residence and ceremonial palace of Nepal’s Shah monarchy in central Kathmandu. Following the monarchy's end in 2008, it became a public museum.
When was the Narayanhiti Durbar Palace built?
The present palace building was commissioned by King Mahendra in the 1960s and designed by architect Benjamin Polk. The site had been used as a royal residence in earlier periods.
What is the Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum?
It is the former royal palace, now a public museum. The museum opened to visitors on 26 February 2009 and preserves spaces and objects linked to Nepal’s former monarchy.
What can visitors see at the Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum?
Visitors can see former royal reception rooms, ceremonial spaces, historical furnishings and exhibits related to the Shah monarchy. Individual rooms and areas may be restricted.
Is there an entry fee for the Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum?
Yes. The published ticket prices are NPR 50 for qualifying Nepali students, NPR 200 for Nepali citizens, NPR 500 for SAARC and Chinese nationals, and NPR 1,000 for other foreign visitors.
What are the opening hours of the Narayanhiti Durbar Palace Museum?
The published visitor hours are 9:30 am–3:30 pm from Thursday to Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday are closed. Check the museum website for special closures.
How much is the Narayanhiti Palace ticket for foreign tourists?
Foreign tourists outside the SAARC and Chinese national categories pay NPR 1,000, according to the museum’s published ticket schedule. The listed fee for SAARC and Chinese nationals is NPR 500.
Is Narayanhiti Palace Museum open on Tuesday and Wednesday?
No. The museum’s current published schedule lists Tuesday and Wednesday as closed. Visiting days are Thursday through Monday.
Do students get a discount at Narayanhiti Palace Museum?
The museum lists an NPR 50 admission category for Nepali students, subject to conditions. Bring a valid student ID and confirm eligibility at the ticket counter.
Can visitors take photographs inside Narayanhiti Palace Museum?
Visitors should not assume photography is permitted inside. Follow instructions from museum staff and posted notices; rules can vary by area and may change.
Where is Narayanhiti Palace Museum located?
The museum is in central Kathmandu, near Thamel and east of Kaiser Mahal, making it accessible as part of a Kathmandu sightseeing itinerary.
Visitor information source: Narayanhiti Palace Museum published website (accessed October 2026). Admission categories and visiting hours may change; always check official notices before your visit.
