Durbar Square: The Heart of Kathmandu's Heritage

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeछोड्नुहोस्
  [chhodnuhos]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaph garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto chha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तपाईंलाई?
  [ramro chha. tapailai?]
• Do you speak English?तिमी अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [timi angreji bolnuhunchha?]
• I don't understandमलाई सम्झिन्छैन
  [malai samjhinchhain]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [kripya menu hern chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम भांसामा खान्न
  [ma bhasama khanna]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [chears!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया म पर्न चाहन्छु
  [kripya ma parn chahanchu]

• Help!मदत!
  [madat!]
• Go away!दूर हुनुहोस्!
  [dur hunuhos!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [praharilai bulaunuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [daktarlai bulaunuhos!]
• I'm lostमलाई हराएको छ
  [malai haraeko cha]
• I'm illमलाई बिरामी छ
  [malai birami cha]

• I'd like to buy...म खरिद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kharid garn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गरिरहेको छु
  [ma sirjana gari raheko chhu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveत्यो धेरै महँगो छ
  [tyo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तिमी मूल्य हाल्न सक्छौ?
  [ke timi mulya haln sakchau?]

• What time is it?कति बजेको छ?
  [kati bajeko cha?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे छ
  [ek baje cha]
• Half past (10)दस ओटा देखि अर्ध बजे
  [das ota dekhi ardha baje]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sanh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [panch]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ छ...?
  [kaha chha...?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तिमीले मलाई देखाउन सक्छौ (नक्सामा)?
  [ke timile malai dekhaun sakchau (naksama)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले जान्छ?
  [arko (bas) kahile janchha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....मा)
  [ek ticket (....ma)]

Durbar Square is at the heart of Kathmandu, a site that has been central to the valley's civilization since the Licchavi period (around 400-750 AD). The Licchavis established Kathmandu as a significant trade route, which led to the growth of settlements and the development of architecture, art, and culture that can still be seen today.

During the Malla dynasty (12th to 18th centuries), Durbar Square became a hub of culture and politics. The Malla kings commissioned the construction of several temples, palaces, and courtyards, including the iconic Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the intricately carved Kasthamandap, which showcases the craftsmanship of that era.

The devastating earthquake of 1934 caused significant damage to Durbar Square, destroying many of its historical structures. Following the earthquake, extensive reconstruction efforts were undertaken, which modified some of the original designs but also revitalized the area, allowing it to retain its status as a cultural and historical center.

In 1979, Kathmandu Durbar Square was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding architectural and cultural significance. This designation has helped preserve its historical integrity and promoted awareness of its importance in Nepal's rich history, attracting tourists and scholars from around the world.

The earthquake that struck Nepal in April 2015 caused extensive damage to Durbar Square, collapsing many of its ancient structures. This prompted an international outpouring of support for restoration efforts, leading to ongoing projects aimed at rebuilding and preserving the square's historical heritage, showcasing the resilience of Kathmandu's cultural identity.

Durbar Square is centrally located in Kathmandu and easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From Thamel, you can walk (approximately 20 minutes) or take a short taxi ride. If you're coming from the airport, taxis are readily available, and the journey takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Local buses and microbuses also connect to various parts of the city, but they may not drop you off directly at Durbar Square.

Durbar Square is pedestrian-friendly, and walking is the best way to explore the area. Bicycles can be rented nearby, but be cautious as traffic can be chaotic. There are no trains or trams in the immediate vicinity. Local taxis and rickshaws are available for trips outside the square. It's advisable to negotiate fares beforehand.

Durbar Square is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty theft can occur, particularly in crowded areas. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious of your belongings. Areas around the square are well-trodden, but it's advisable to avoid the less crowded alleyways at night.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for fire emergencies. For medical emergencies, there are several clinics and hospitals in the vicinity. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications for minor ailments.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove shoes before entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be prepared for crowded conditions on public transport. Don’t eat or drink on buses or in temples. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at nearby eateries; don’t drink tap water, opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Durbar Square like a local, visit early in the morning when the square is less crowded and the morning light is perfect for photography. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers, many of whom are happy to share stories about their crafts. Don't miss the opportunity to sample street food, but be cautious about food hygiene. Try to catch a cultural performance or festival if you can, as they provide a glimpse into traditional Nepali life.