On a hilltop above the Trishuli valley, the tall brick tower of Nuwakot Durbar recalls the days when Nuwakot was a key stronghold in the unification of Nepal.
Quick answer: Nuwakot Durbar is a seven-storey palace (Saat Talle Durbar) built by Prithvi Narayan Shah after he conquered Nuwakot in the 1740s. It was damaged in the 2015 earthquake and has been under restoration. It's on UNESCO's tentative list and about 3–4 hours from Kathmandu.
What to see
- The seven-storey palace tower.
- Temples within the palace complex.
- Views over the Trishuli and Tadi valleys.
- The quiet old village around the palace.
History
Prithvi Narayan Shah used Nuwakot as a base before conquering the Kathmandu Valley. The palace was reportedly reduced from nine storeys to seven by the 1934 earthquake.
Getting there
Drive from Kathmandu via Kakani and Trishuli. Combine with Kakani or a stay in the countryside.
See Gorkha guide.