Temples & religious sites
Kasthamandap
Kasthamandap
Kasthamandap is a historic wooden pavilion located in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Its name translates to "wooden resting place," and the structure is traditionally believed to have been built from the wood of a single tree. Visitors go here to see traditional Newari architecture and to understand the city's origins, as the settlement of Kathmandu grew around this central meeting point. After collapsing during the 2015 earthquake, the site was reconstructed to its original form.
Getting There
The pavilion is located within the heart of the city center. Since it is situated in a pedestrian-heavy zone, most visitors arrive on foot from nearby hotels or via local transport to the edge of the Durbar Square area. The walk from the immediate city center typically takes only a few minutes.
Visit Duration
Allow approximately 30 to 60 minutes to observe the architecture and the surrounding square. The structure is a single pavilion, so the primary focus is on the exterior woodwork and the open-air layout.
When to Visit
The site is open to the air, making it accessible throughout the day. It gets crowded during peak tourist seasons and during local religious festivals. To avoid the largest crowds, visiting in the early morning is recommended.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, this site is easily combined with other landmarks in the immediate vicinity:
- Maru (0.1km)
- Basantapur Durbar Square (0.1km)
- Hanuman Dhoka (0.2km)
- Kathmandu Valley (0.3km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors