Nuwakot Durbar
In Nepali: नुवाकोट दरबार
Nuwakot was captured by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1744 and became his base for the long campaign against the valley kingdoms; he died here in 1775. The Saat Tale Durbar, a seven-storey tower palace in Newar style, stands on a ridge with a commanding view of the Trishuli and Tadi valleys.
The palace complex, with the Bhairav and Taleju temples, was damaged in 2015 and has been restored. Nearby Bidur and Battar are the modern towns, and a few boutique heritage hotels make it a pleasant overnight trip from Kathmandu.
What to see and do
Climb the seven-storey tower palace, visit the Bhairav and Taleju temples in the complex, and look out over the Trishuli river. Nearby, the Bhairavi temple at Devighat hosts a large jatra in spring. The surrounding hills are dotted with Tamang and Brahmin–Chhetri villages.
Good to know
A small entry fee applies. The summer in the Trishuli valley is hot; October to March is most pleasant. Heritage boutique hotels near the palace make a comfortable overnight.
Quick answers
- Where is Nuwakot Durbar?
- Nuwakot Durbar is in Nuwakot district, Bagmati Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Nuwakot Durbar?
- About 900 m (2,953 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Nuwakot Durbar?
- For a 3-day trip from Kathmandu, about NPR 4,500 (≈ US$33) per person on a budget, or NPR 11,500 (≈ US$85) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 4,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Nuwakot Durbar?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Kathmandu and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Nuwakot Durbar?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Nuwakot Durbar?
- October–April
- How do I get to Nuwakot Durbar?
- About 3 hours by road north-west of Kathmandu. It is about 27 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Nuwakot Durbar called in Nepali?
- नुवाकोट दरबार
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