Narayanhiti Palace Museum

The Narayanhiti Palace was the royal residence of Nepal's Shah dynasty until the monarchy was abolished in 2008. It now operates as a public museum, opening the state rooms, throne room, and royal apartments to visitors. The palace is a mix of architectural styles — the main hall and formal rooms follow a neo-classical design, with later additions including a traditional Nepali pagoda roof.

The museum tour takes about an hour and covers the life of the royal family, state gifts received from foreign dignitaries, the coronation hall, and the room where the 2001 massacre occurred. The palace sits in its own grounds just east of Thamel, and the surrounding garden is pleasant. Entry requires a ticket and cameras are permitted in outdoor areas only.

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The Nepalese royal massacre took place here on 1 June 2001, when Crown Prince Dipendra shot ten members of the royal family, including his parents King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, before turning the gun on himself. He died three days later while technically king, having been declared monarch by the surviving royal council even as he lay in a coma. The massacre effectively ended Nepal's monarchy — his uncle Gyanendra, who inherited the throne, lost it to republican revolution in 2008. The billiard room where the shootings occurred is part of the museum tour.

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