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Nepal Museum, Museum in Nepal, Museum Nepal, Nepal Art and Architecture, National Museum in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan Museum Hanuman Dhoka, Museum of Natural History, National Art Gallery in Nepal, Patan Museum, Kathmadnu Museum

NEPAL MUSEUM





The National Museum
The National Museum located on the way to Swayambhunath Hill is most popular among the Kathmandu people. It holds not only ancient artifacts, but also interesting mementos of recent kings and recently used firearms. A visitor to the museum will understand much about the way wars were fought in this part of the world and the type of firearms that were used to conquer Nepal and later to protect it from the British Raj. Other artifacts include ancient statues, paintings, and murals. You may be interested in the doll collection as well as the stuffed animals there. The collection of coins in the complex includes coins going back to the second century BC as well as excellent samples from dynasties that ruled Nepal after the birth of Christ.
Timings:
From 10:30 am to 3 pm, except on Tuesdays and govt. holidays.
From 10:30 am to 2 pm, on Fridays.




The Tribhuvan Museum
It is located in the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. This palace was the main seat of the Shah kings for many years. Here is an exhibit that highlights the life of King Tribhuvan. King Tribhuvan is best remembered for his valiant efforts in liberating the nation from the rule of the Rana prime min isters. You may also wish to look out over Kathmandu from the Basantapur Tower in the complex. It is said that a benevolent king used to keep watch over his people from this window to make sure that food was being cooked in every home (the smoke coming from the roof-tops told him whether or not a cooking fire was on in every house). You may also wish to see the section that carries the mementos of King Mahendra and observe the Malla architecture and carvings.
Timings:
From 10:30 am to 3 pm, except Tuesdays.
From 10:30 am to 2 pm, on Fridays



The Museum of Natural History
This museum is nearby the Swayambhunath Hill and has a fine display of Himalayan butterflies, snakes and plants. Though it is among the least frequented museums in the Valley, a visit to the museum will show you many rare birds and insect species.
Timings:
From 10 am to 4 pm, except on Saturdays and on official government holidays



Kaiser Library
It is near Thamel, the main tourist center of Nepal. It contains a collection of 30,000 books of Kaiser Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. Many of the books are romances and adventure-writings from Europe and were imported all the way from England by special order. It is said that Kaiser Shumsher knew many of the books by heart and took pride in the diversity of the collection. The topics range from esoteric religion to law. The gardens at the back are also interesting and the Ministry of Education is located in the complex.
Timings:
Open daily,except on Saturdays and on official holidays.



The National Bronze Art Museum
Museum has a collection of some of the finest pieces of bronze created by Valley artisans and the number of items is about 900. With good representations of both Hindu and Buddhist religions, the art work ranges from Malla to the later period. The oldest work of art there is believed to be from the llth century AD.



The National Art Gallery
This museum is in the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. This palace is believed to be the first in the Kathmandu Valley to use glass, much coveted by the ancient rulers. Within the palace are beautiful paintings of erotic motifs, paubhas, and animals. The stonework is especially fine and a room outlines the life and times of the Shah kings of Nepal. There are also samples of everyday items used in the past by famous people. Among the displays are scriptures that are among the most valuable in the kingdom.
Timings:
From 10 am to 4 pm, and
From 10 am to 4 pm, on Fridays.



The National Woodworking Museum:
The National Woodworking Museum in Dattatreya Square often surprises visitors. Upon entering the museum, guests ask for the exhibits. However, the building itself is the museum and contain very finely carved pillars, windows, doors, and struts. Also, there are wood carving samples that go back to the l5th century. Wood was a major constructing item long before that time but not much survives due to the adverse effects of time and weather. The building was constructed in the l5th century by King Yaksha Malla. It is called the Pujari Math and outside the Math, you have to get out of the museum and walk along an alley where the ceiebrated Peacock Window is situated.
Timings:
From 10 am to 4 pm, except on Tuesdays.



The Bronze and Brass Museum
It is housed in a newly renovated building near the Pujari Math, Much of the dis- plays have been restored and are in excellent condition. Among the displays are items of everyday use to the ordinary people as well as items used by the rich and the famous of Malla times. Platters for worship, lamps, water pots, horns, and other items tell the visitor how the people in Bhaktapur led their ordinary iives. An ornate ink pot also tells us that the kings of yesteryears were very much interested in learning and writing. One such king is supposed to have learned seventeen languages and wrote verses in them.
Timings:
Open daily, except on Tuesdays



Asa Archives
It is located on the western fringe of the old part of Kathmandu, the archives possess an exceptional collection of over 6,000 loose leaf handwritten books and 1,000 palm-leaf documents. The rare collection is an insight into the literary tradition of medieval Kathmandu. The oldest manuscript here dates back to AD 1464. Most of the manuscripts are in Sanskrit and Nepalbhasa languages.
Timings:
from 11 am to 5 pm, except Saturdays and holidays.



The Patan Museum
It is inside Patan Durbar in the Durbar Square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects, which add up to nearly 900 items. Some of the art goes back to as early as the llth century, and there is evidence that certain objects date from the period of the Lichhavi kings. Most of the statues are of Buddha, Bishnu, Lokeswar, and Devi, covering both the Hindu and the Buddhisf iconology. The museum has recently been completely renovated which has enhanced its appeal.
Timings:
from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, except Tuesdays and holidays

National Museum of Nepal
The National Museum of Nepal was established in 1928 as an arsenal museum in the historical building which was constructed in early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. The initial name of this museum was Chhauni Silkhana which literally means "the stone house of arms and ammunition".

It was opened as a public museum in the year 1938 by the then Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher JBR. He not only allowed Nepalis to visit the museum charging very little but also raised a building for an art museum and named it after him Juddha Jatiya Kalashala. Until then only foreign scholars/dignitaries and invitees or guests of the Rana Prime Minister occasionally could have a glimpse of this wonderful collection. It was only in 1967 this was named as Rashtriya Sangrahalaya, the National Museum of Nepal. It has 3 building {i} juddha jayatia kala shala ii, Buddha art gallery iii, historical main building. In this building natural historical section, cultural section historical section n philatelic section is display, temporary section. Opens daily, except for Tuesday and holidays, from 9 am to 5 pm.

(click on linked pictures for full-page picture with caption)



The Patan Museum displays the traditional sacred art of Nepal in an illustrious architectural setting. Its home is an old residential court of Patan Darbar, one of the royal palaces of the former Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. Its gilded door and window face one of the most beautiful squares in the world.




The residential palace compound of Keshav Narayan Chowk which houses the museum dates from 1734, displacing a Buddhist monastery that is still remembered in an annual public rite on the palace doorstep. But both monastery and palace rest on far older foundations that may go back to the Licchavi Period (ca. 3rd to 9th century).



Altered over time to suit other purposes, and partly fallen into decay, the building has undergone a thorough restoration for more than a decade through the joint efforts of His Majesty's Government of Nepal and the Austrian Government. Some parts are new, others were reconstructed to their original appearance, and interiors were adapted to the needs of a museum with appropriate modern facilities added. The museum was finally established and opened in 1997.



The garden to the rear of the museum has been adapted to incorporate a pleasant resting place and The Patan Museum Cafe run by the Summit Hotel, Kathmandu. The Patan Museum Cafe has been crafted to complement the superb period ambience achieved by the architects and builders of the Museum itself. Located in the inner courtyard of the Keshav Narayan Chowk in Patan Durbar, the cafe will offer a mix of traditional and western delicacies and light meals in a setting unparalleled in the Kathmandu valley. The cafe area may also be booked for special evening functions for classical dance or music, for receptions, banquets, theatre, etc. For enquires please consult the Contact Page. The museum is also home to a fine museum gift shop selling unique handicrafts of the valley and museum reproductions.


Shakyamuni Caitya Indra


The museum’s exhibits cover a long span of Nepal’s cultural history and some rare objects are among its treasures. Their meaning and context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained. Most of the objects are cast bronzes and gilt copper repousse work, traditional crafts for which Patan is famous. For highlights of the Museum's collection, please visit the Collection Highlights page. The museum hours are 10:30AM to 4:30PM: Closed Tuesdays (Cafe and shop the same).

Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of Patan city, also known as Lalitpur, houses the residence of the former Patan royal family. Patan Square and its surroundings are good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the centre of Patan square.

Several multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the western part of the complex. Main among these are Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna.

The centre of Janakpur is dominated by the impressive Janaki Mandir to the north and west of the bazaar. This temple, one of the biggest in Nepal, was built in 1898 (1955 in the Nepali calendar) by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwar of Tikamgarh.[5] It is also called "Nau Lakha Mandir" after the cost of construction, said to be nine (nau) lakh. The oldest temple in Janakpur is Ram Mandir, built by the Gurkhali soldier Amar Singh Thapa.[5] Pilgrims also visit the more than 200 sacred ponds in the city for ritual baths. The two most important, Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar, are located close to the city centre. The Vivah Mandap temple is famous for its gardens.

Major religious celebrations include the major Hindu festivals such as Diwali, and Dhashara.[5] followed by specacular Chhath Puja (worship to sun) 6 days after Diwali. On the full moon day of February/March before the festival of Holi, a one-day Parikrama (circumambulation) of the city is celebrated. Many people offer prostrated obeisances along the entire eight km route. Two other festivals honour Rama and Sita: Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, in March-April, draws over 100,000 people. And the Bibhaha (Vivah) Panchami festival re-enacts the wedding of Rama and Sita in the famous Vivah Mandap temple on the fifth day of the waxing moon in November or early December. Over 100,000 pilgrims come for a procession with elephants, horses, and decorated chariots with beating drums.

Pilgrims stay in one of the city's five good hotels or small guest houses. There are also five fully equipped dharmashalas (free lodgings for pilgrims).

Situated in the heart of the city consitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar square consists of three main chowks or court- yards, the Central Mul Cowk, Sundaru Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tushahity.

Arround Patan
Krishna Mandir
Built in the seventeenth century,the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is suposed to be the first specimen Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.

Mahaboudha
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenthcentury Nepalese architectural masterpieces.

Hiranya Verna Mahavihar
Located inside, Kwabadehal, this three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the gold- en image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

Kumbheshwor
This fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August.

Jagatnarayan Temple
Situated at Sankhmul, this tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu. The temple has many fine images of stone and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar
This unique Buddhist monastery con- tains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed thaI the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.

The Ashokan Stupas
There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ahoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city's ancient religious importance.

Achheswor Mahavihar
It was established towards the beginning of the seventeenth century by one Achheshwor by building a temple to house and idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchowk, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu
Valley.

Temple of Machhendranath and Minnath
The pagoda of Red Machhendranath built in 1408 A.D. is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.

The Zoo
Situated at Jawalakhel,the zoo has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collections mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in 17th A.D.

Patan Industrial Estate
Patan industrial Estate is situated at Lagankhel in Lalitpur (Patan) near Sat Dobato. This industrial Estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carvings, metal crafts, carpets and thangka paintings. For the convenience of the tourists there is a shopping arcade where all the handicraft products of the Estate are exhibited in the shopping arcade.

Bajra Barahi
Situated in a small woodland park, it is about ten kilometers south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worthwhile.

Godavari
Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, Royal Botanical Garden has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the south-east, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It is the only in Nepal, is open daily including Saturdays and government holidays.

Phulchowki
Located about ten kilometers south-east of Patan, this mountain, 2758 m. high, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeepable road.

This range stretching from west to east includes Dhaulagiri, South Annapurna, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Fish-tail (Machapuchare), Annapurna 3, Annapurna 4, and Annapurna 2. In Pokhara, the holy unclimbed mountain Macchapucchre (or also known as Fishtail Mountain), located in the middle of the Annapurna range, can be seen standing right in front of our nose.

Everyone in Pokhara wakes up early to greet the mountains during sunrise. The reflection of sunlight from a mountain is always a breathtaking site. You will never forget the sight of the fishtail mountain standing right before your eyes saying "Good Morning!"