Castles & palaces
Singha Durbar
Singha Durbar
Singha Durbar is a historic palace complex in Kathmandu, built in 1908 by Chandra Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. Originally designed as a royal residence, it later served as the administrative hub for several Nepali government ministries. Visitors go to see the Neoclassical architecture and learn about the political history of the Rana dynasty. Note that the main building sustained severe damage during protests in 2025, which may affect the current state of the site.
Getting There
The palace is located centrally within the city. From the city centre, it is accessible via local taxi or rickshaw. The journey typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the current traffic conditions in the surrounding administrative district.
Visit Duration
Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to view the exterior architecture and the surrounding grounds.
When to Visit
The site is best visited during the morning to avoid the peak heat and the heaviest midday traffic. The autumn and spring seasons offer the most stable weather for outdoor sightseeing. As it is located near government offices, the area can become crowded during business hours.
Nearby Attractions
The palace is situated close to several other points of interest. You can combine your visit with the following locations:
- Maitighar Mandala (0.6km)
- Paleo Kathmandu Lake (0.8km)
- Bhadrakali Temple (0.8km)
- Shahid Gate (1km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors