In theRamayana, one of the Hindu national epics, Hanuman was the faithful monkey sidekick of hero Ram. In Hinduism, the bright-red monkey god has a devoted following of worshippers. A statue of a red-robed Hanuman from the 17th-century marks the entrance to his namesake palace complex, known as the Hanuman Dhoka. Constructed under both Malla and Rana rule, the sprawling set of courtyards, temples, towers, and royal quarters was the official residence of Nepal’s monarchs until the royal palace moved to Narayanhiti.
Hanuman Dhaka contains many of the city’s standout architectural gems, like the centuries-old audience chamber for Malla royalty. Opt for a guided tour to get in-depth commentary on the UNESCO-listed historical structures and learn about the city’s ongoing reconstruction efforts. Admission is already included in the cost of Durbar Square admission tickets. Some tours include a visit to the Asan and Indra Chowk bazaars.