Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Nepal’s most iconic landmarks and a must visit destination when visiting Kathmandu.
Most visitors purchase a single entry ticket at the booth upon entering the square, which is valid for just one visit. If they wish to return during their trip, they’ll need to pay for another ticket.
However, you can avoid this by applying for a visitor pass, which grants unlimited access to the square for the duration of your Nepal visa.
If you’re staying in Thamel for a few nights, this is definitely something useful to have.
You can also get a visitor pass for Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares at their respective locations. Find out How to get the public bus from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur too!
ABOUT KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE = The square is a stunning display of traditional Newari architecture that is home to ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and statues, including the residence of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), Taleju Temple, a large Hanuman statue, the Royal Palace and intricately carved wooden pagodas. It served as the royal residence and the political hub for the Malla and Shah kings of Nepal from the 16th century. It suffered extensive damage from the 2015 earthquake and restoration efforts are ongoing, but the area continues to draw tourists and pilgrims, maintaining its status as a symbol of Kathmandu’s heritage.
Keep on reading to find out how to get a multi entry visitor pass!
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
You’ll need to bring your passport and 1 passport sized photo. I brought a 2 inch x 2 inch sized photo and they just trimmed it to the size they wanted.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Enter Kathmandu Durbar Square and buy a normal ticket from the ticket booth. It costs 1000 NPR (which is roughly $11.60 AUD, $7.40 USD, £5.86 GBP).
Walk to a building called “Nava Adarsha High School” on Google Maps. (HERE is the direct link for you to the building on Maps). Go into the door that says “site office” above it.
Say you want to get a Visitor Pass. Hand over your passport, your photo and the ticket you just bought. The officer behind the desk will make the pass for you then hand everything back to you. It will only take a couple of minutes.
This is what your visitor pass will look like once it’s completed. Keep this on you at all times. I was asked for it every time I visited the square.
The expiry will be until the end of your visa and now you can enter Kathmandu Durbar Square as many times as you like!
