Wander the Durbar Squares

Kathmandu Valley is home to three magnificent Durbar (palace) Squares, in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, and they're the cultural heart of the region. These UNESCO-listed plazas are crammed with intricately carved wooden temples, royal palaces, and centuries of history, some of it lovingly restored after the 2015 earthquake. Bhaktapur in particular feels like a living medieval city. Each charges a modest entry fee that funds the upkeep. Wandering them, people-watching from a rooftop café, is one of the great pleasures here. We'll explain which squares to prioritise and how to combine them.