Plizio Visual Lab
Nuwakot Durbar
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
historical-site
Nuwakot Durbar, often referred to as 'Saat Tale Durbar' (Seven-Story Palace), is a historically significant fortress perched on a hill overlooking the Trishuli Valley. Built in 1762 by Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of modern Nepal, it served as a strategic military outpost during the unification campaigns. The architecture is a striking example of Newari style despite being commissioned by a Shah monarch, showcasing the cultural fusion of the period. Its thick brick walls and intricately carved windows highlight the fortress's defensive purpose and administrative importance. Besides the main palace, the complex features several shrines, including the Bhairabi Temple and the Taleju Temple. The hilltop location provided a vantage point to control ancient trade routes leading to Tibet. Although it suffered considerable damage during the 2015 earthquake, Nuwakot Durbar remains an essential piece of Nepalese heritage and a key site for understanding the country's royal history.
- Location: Nepal
- Top sights: SuryaGadhi Fort · nau tle nuvaakott drbaar · Bageshwori Devi Temple
- Nearby: Daman (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 11 | 19 | 26 | 41 | 97 | 173 | 275 | 226 | 158 | 49 | 4 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The fort is open to the public. You can explore the ruins of palaces and temples on the hill. Entry is usually inexpensive.
Typical hours
The site is typically accessible from sunrise to sunset. Changes may occur on holidays. Ask locally for current times.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the fort area. Drone footage requires a permit. Tripod is fine.
Time needed
Visiting the main attractions takes about one and a half hours. For a walk around the entire hill, allow two hours.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Nuwakot Bazaar and Nuwakot Temple. The village of Devighat is also worth a detour.
Getting there
Nuwakot Durbar is located about 75 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. You can reach it by bus or taxi in about two hours.
Insider tip
Climb to the roof of the palace for a panoramic view of the valley. Bring water and snacks as there are few food options on site.
Geography
Facts
- The palace consists of seven stories, which gave it its local name.
- The construction of the current structure was completed in 1762.
- Prithvi Narayan Shah used Nuwakot as a temporary capital of Nepal.
- The brick walls are exceptionally thick to provide defensive capabilities.
- Restoration efforts after the 2015 earthquake were supported by China.
- The Sindure Jatra festival is celebrated annually at the Bhairabi Temple.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Nuwakot Durbar (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance?
It was an important base of the Gorkha Kingdom.
Is a day trip worth it?
Yes, very worthwhile, especially for history enthusiasts.
How do you get there?
By car from Kathmandu, travel time approx. 3 hours.
Are there accommodation options?
Yes, there are some simple guesthouses in the area.
Is the palace open to the public?
Yes, parts of the palace can be visited for a fee.
Nuwakot Durbar: where is it located?
Nuwakot Durbar is located in Nepal.
Nuwakot Durbar: what is there to see?
Highlights include SuryaGadhi Fort, nau tle nuvaakott drbaar, Bageshwori Devi Temple.
Nuwakot Durbar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Nuwakot Durbar: why is it worth visiting?
Nuwakot Durbar, often referred to as 'Saat Tale Durbar' (Seven-Story Palace), is a historically significant fortress perched on a hill overlooking the Trishuli Valley.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Nepal →
Nearby cities
Madhyapur Thimi
Madhyapur Thimi is a historical Newar city in the Kathmandu Valley, known for its pottery and traditional festivals.
Kageshwari-Manohara
This municipality in the Kathmandu Valley was formed by merging several smaller villages.
Banepa
Banepa is a historical city in the Kathmandu Valley, once located on an important trade route to Tibet.
Nagarjun
Nagarjun is a municipality that includes the Nagarjun Forest, a part of the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park.
Dhulikhel
A historic Newari town famous for its spectacular sunrise views and panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Budhanilkantha
Budhanilkantha is a municipality at the base of Shivapuri Hill in Kathmandu, famous for its temple containing a large reclining statue of…
Suryabinayak
Suryabinayak is a municipality east of Kathmandu and part of Bhaktapur.
Nagarkot
A popular hill station near Kathmandu, Nagarkot is world-famous for its breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas.
Daman
A peaceful mountain village at 2,322 meters offering one of the broadest panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Chandragiri
Chandragiri is a municipality southwest of Kathmandu, known for Chandragiri Hill which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Kakani
A peaceful hill station north of Kathmandu, famous for its strawberry farms and spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges.
Tarakeshwar
Tarakeshwar is a municipality in the northwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley.
Tokha
Tokha is a historical Newar town north of Kathmandu, known for its traditional culture and the production of 'chaku', a molasses-based sw…
Mahalaxmi
Mahalaxmi is a municipality in Lalitpur District, adjoining Kathmandu.
Gokarneshwar
Gokarneshwar is located in the northeastern part of the Kathmandu Valley and is known for the sacred Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple on the b…
More places
Trishuli Hydropower Station
One of the oldest hydropower projects in Nepal on the Trishuli River, contributing to the country's early electrification.
Kulekhani Reservoir
Nepal's largest reservoir, built specifically for peak-load power generation during the dry season.
Kulekhani Fish Farms
Around the artificial Kulekhani reservoir, a thriving aquaculture industry has developed, supplying the Kathmandu Valley with fresh fish.
Chitlang Organic Village
Hidden in the green hills near Kathmandu is this peaceful village known for its goat cheese production, organic olives, and sustainable f…
Kirtipur Old Town
An ancient Newar township known for its fierce resistance against the Gorkha invasion in the 18th century.
🗺️
Whoopee Land Amusement Park
One of the most exciting modern water and amusement parks in Kathmandu, offering families a perfect cooldown and thrills with fast slides.
Rasuwagadhi Border Crossing
Currently the most important international trade border crossing between Nepal and the People's Republic of China.
Swayambhunath Stupa
An ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, often called the Monkey Temple.