Museum tours in Nepal: the complete guide
Nepal's museums are a wonderful way to understand its art, history, religion and mountains, especially on a rainy day or before visiting the temples.
Museums in the Kathmandu Valley
- Patan Museum: superb Hindu and Buddhist bronzes in a former palace on Patan Durbar Square, often called the best museum in Nepal. See our Patan heritage walk.
- National Museum, Chhauni: art, history and natural history, near Swayambhunath.
- Narayanhiti Palace Museum: the former royal palace in central Kathmandu.
- Taragaon Museum: architecture and photography near Boudhanath.
- Hanuman Dhoka: the old palace museum on Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- National Art Gallery, Bhaktapur: in the palace on Durbar Square.
Museums elsewhere
- International Mountain Museum, Pokhara: Himalayan climbing and mountain cultures.
- Gurkha Memorial Museum, Pokhara.
- Lumbini Museum: on the life and teachings of the Buddha.
Tips
- Most museums close one day a week; check before you go.
- Photography may be restricted inside.
- Combine museums with nearby heritage walks.