55 Window Palace

Good planning helps unlock the full charm of the 55 Window Palace. Situated about 13 kilometers from central Kathmandu, the palace draws a steady stream of visitors, especially during peak festival seasons. Arriving early or late in the afternoon often brings softer light and a more relaxed pace. While the palace interior is currently closed for restoration, the balcony, carved façade, and surrounding square remain lively, with musicians, artisans, and local craft stalls lining the area. Tickets for Bhaktapur Durbar Square give access to the palace grounds along with nearby treasures.

• Best time to visit: October to March (cooler, clearer weather); mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds.
• How to get there: Local buses and taxis from Kathmandu or Patan; a 30–45 minute drive, depending on traffic.
• Accessibility: Main square is flat; some uneven steps. Side alleys and high platforms may challenge those with limited mobility. Families with small children and seniors can enjoy much of the outer façade and the square.
• Average visit duration: Plan for 1–2 hours to see the palace and explore Bhaktapur’s adjoining sites.

No visit to the 55 Window Palace feels complete without pausing at its carved wooden windows—an iconic sight in all of Nepal. The latticed façade typifies the best of Newari architecture. Steps away, visitors find sunlit courtyards, timeworn stone lions, and intricate temple shrines. Street musicians sometimes fill the air with flute and drum, while local children chase pigeons under ancient trees. Flanking the palace, Taleju Temple’s golden upper walls gleam. Vendors sell Juju Dhau, Bhaktapur’s distinctive yogurt, offering a taste of the living city.

• The 55 carved windows: The palace’s claim to fame. Each is different, featuring both religious symbols and floral patterns.
• The Golden Gate: A shimmering, gilded entryway leading to inner courtyards—considered one of the finest metal artworks in South Asia.
• Palace plaza: Great for people-watching and photography, especially at sunset when the palace glows in warm light.
• Nearby shrines and statues: Don’t miss the stone lions or the many smaller temples ringing the square.
• Hidden courtyards: In quieter corners near the palace, discover small markets and less-trafficked local cafes.
• Historical fact: Built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla (17th–18th century), the palace showcases Newar craftsmanship and the former kingdom’s prosperity.