Kathmandu's Museums
About
When the rain comes, or the mountains hide in haze, Kathmandu's museums tell the story of the valley better than any street. This day goes to the Patan Museum, in a palace courtyard, with the finest bronzes and carvings of the valley; to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, where Nepal's kings lived until 2008; and to the National Museum at Chhauni, with its old weapons, paintings and natural history. A day under a roof, slowly, with the history of Nepal in order.
A private tour
Your own day, at your own pace
Namaste, and welcome. This is not a group tour; it is your day. Just you and the people you came with, and me as your guide. We start when you are ready, stop wherever something catches your eye, and sit in a courtyard for as long as you like. No one is waiting at a bus, and there is no list we have to finish. I would like you to leave feeling you met the city, not that you rushed through it.
- Your own start
- I meet you at your hotel at the time you choose.
- The plan can change
- If you want longer somewhere, we stay.
- No shopping stops
- We go to shops only when you ask.
- We start when you like
- Early for the quiet squares and the morning prayers, or after a slow breakfast. I pick you up at your hotel.
- Time for every question
- The gods on the temple struts, the festival in the street, the food on the corner. There is time for every answer.
- Space to just be there
- A cup of tea while the square wakes up. Often the best moments of a day are the ones nobody planned.
- The plan bends to you
- Tired, or curious about something else? We leave a place out, or stay longer.
- Only the shops you ask for
- We stop at a shop only if you want to.
With warmth, Rujan Neupane
Along the way
What this day is known for.
- Patan Museum in its palace courtyard
- Narayanhiti, the royal palace until 2008
- The National Museum at Chhauni
- Bronzes and wood carvings of the valley
- Under a roof on a rainy day
- Nepal's history, in order
The day, stop by stop
Times move with traffic and with you.-
9:30
Patan Museum
Two hours in the courtyards of Patan's old palace: bronzes, carvings and the story of the valley's art.
- Patan Museum
- Patan Durbar Square
-
12:00
Lunch in Patan
A slow lunch near the square.
- Patan
-
13:30
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
The royal palace, its halls, and the story of its last years.
- Narayanhiti Palace Museum
-
15:00
National Museum, Chhauni
Weapons, paintings, coins and the natural history halls, near Swayambhu; then back to your hotel.
- National Museum of Nepal
Is this tour for you?
Walking, steps, heat and access, honestly.Not sure? Tell me who is coming, and I'll tell you honestly. Write to me
The honest downsides
What I'd want to know before booking.- Each museum has its own ticket, and cameras may cost extra or not be allowed.
- Opening days differ: some close on Tuesday, some on Monday or on public holidays.
- The National Museum's labels are old and short.
- Narayanhiti does not allow photos inside.
More about this tour
Best time to go
Any time; best of all on a rainy or hazy day.- BestJAN
- BestFEB
- GoodMAR
- GoodAPR
- GoodMAY
- BestJUN
- BestJUL
- BestAUG
- GoodSEP
- GoodOCT
- GoodNOV
- BestDEC
In the monsoon this is the best way to spend a wet day in the valley.
Time of day
Festivals worth planning for
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar and change every year; I confirm the date when you ask.
Before you go
The small practical things.Visiting with respect
These are living places of worship, not museums.- Walk around stupas, monasteries and temples clockwise.
- Ask before photographing people at prayer, or inside temples; some do not allow it.
- Take off your shoes where others do, and dress with shoulders and knees covered at holy places.
- In the parks, keep quiet and keep your distance from animals; follow the nature guide.
Where your money goes
Every amount, and who receives it. I charge only my guide fee; the rest is paid at cost.| What | Who receives it | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guide fee | Rujan Neupane | My day rate × 1 day | For your whole private group |
| Entry tickets | Paid at the gate | Official price | See Entrance fees |
| Car and driver | The driver | Agreed before the day | Paid at cost |
| Lunch and tea | The restaurants and tea shops | What they charge | You pay directly |
I don't sell packages. I guide, and I help you arrange the rest (rooms, transport, permits) at what it actually costs. If you would like it all put together as one package, ask me: I make one only on your request, and we confirm it by email.
Photo notes
From a guide who is also a photographer.The places in detail
The history and stories behind what you will see.Patan Museum
The Patan Museum is in a courtyard of the old royal palace on Patan Durbar Square, in the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site. Its collection of bronzes and religious art, and the way it explains them, make it one of the best museums in South Asia.
Narayanhiti and the National Museum
Narayanhiti was the royal palace in Kathmandu until the monarchy ended in 2008, and is now a museum. The National Museum of Nepal at Chhauni, near Swayambhu, holds weapons, paintings, coins and natural history.
Entry tickets and park fees are at the official price: see entrance fees in Nepal.
My promises
Written down, so you can hold me to them.- No pressureAsk me anything. Asking costs nothing and commits you to nothing, and I will never rush your decision.
- Nothing hiddenEvery cost is written down before you pay anything, and nothing is added later without your agreement.
- Your day, your paceWe stay longer where you want to, and skip what doesn't interest you.
- Reviews as writtenEvery review here is published as the guest wrote it. I don't edit reviews or remove critical ones.
Before you go
What I would read first, from my own guides and tours.Guides to read first
Frequently asked questions
Are they open every day?
No. Each museum closes on some weekdays and holidays; I plan around them.
Can I take photos?
Rules differ; none inside Narayanhiti.
Is it good with children?
Yes, especially the National Museum.
Is the guide fee for each person?
No. One rate for your whole private group of 1 to 5 people.
Can we do just one museum?
Yes, Patan Museum alone makes a good half day.
When is best?
Any day, especially a rainy one.
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- +977 984-3808583
- Phone
- +977 984-3808583
Know your date already? Book me as your guide for this tour
More than 5 of you? Write to me. I guide up to 5 people at one rate. For a bigger group we can talk it through by email. I reply myself, usually within a day. On the trail there is often no network, so it can take a few days.
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