Narayanhiti Royal Palace Tour

Duration

3-4 Hours

Group Size

15 People

Languages

English

Location

Narayanhiti, Kathmandu

Max Trekking Altitude

1,350 m

Start point - End point

Kathmandu

Cancellation:

Before 24 hours: Full refund

Overview

Get a chance to witness the Narayanhiti Museum, Nepal’s former royal palace turned museum of history. The former palace of the Shah dynasty, the grand palace is a window into Nepal’s royal past, with intact rooms, opulent halls, and chilling reminders of one of the country’s most sorrowful events — the 2001 Royal Massacre. A walk through its sprawling grounds feels like a move back in time, with each room telling us in volumes about power, politics, and tradition.

The tour takes you through lavish reception rooms with grand chandeliers and images of past monarchs. You have a glimpse of the private quarters of the King and Queen, where you find out all about their palace lives. The most poignant part of the tour is where the massacre occurred, discreetly but with a very heavy historical weight. Along the way, your guide will tell interesting stories about Nepal’s monarchy, from the palace’s building in 1969 to its conversion into a public museum in 2008.

Highlights:

Explore 52 rooms of the royal palace devoted to Nepal’s districts, each with different views of royal life.
Notice the throne room, a richly decorated room where coronation rituals and state events take place.
Read about the 2001 Royal Massacre and its impact on the history of the country.
Visit artifacts, furniture, and belongings left undisturbed since the last days of the palace as a royal palace.
Stroll through the palace gardens, a peaceful antithesis to the opulent history inside.

Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive you to Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Along the way, they’ll give you an introduction to the palace’s history and its transformation into a museum.

Enter the grand palace grounds and start exploring. Your guide will walk you through the lavish reception rooms, private quarters, and the throne room, sharing fascinating stories about Nepal’s monarchy.

Visit 52 rooms named after Nepal’s districts, each showcasing unique aspects of royal life. See the opulent furnishings, ceremonial artifacts, and portraits of past kings and queens.

Pause at the site of the 2001 Royal Massacre, where your guide will explain the tragic event that changed Nepal’s monarchy forever. This part of the tour is emotionally heavy but essential for understanding the country’s recent history.

Wrap up your visit by strolling through the well-maintained palace gardens. This serene space offers a moment to reflect on everything you’ve seen and learned during the tour.

Your guide will drive you back to your hotel, giving you time to process the experience and ask any final questions.