Kathmandu - City Sights

Durbar Square

(10 tickets)

The lively historic center of Kathmandu is a great place to discover ancient architecture. Durbar Square is the traditional heart of Kathmandu, an impressive complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards and shrines. Most of Kathmandu Square dates back to before the 18th century, although parts were restored following an earthquake in 1934. The square is a sacred place of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus. 

Approximately how many temples are contained in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square?

50

Besides the king of Nepal, who is allowed to enter the Degu Taleju Temple on Durbar Square?

Priests

Durbar Square is a historic site and tourist hot spot located in what Nepal city?

Kathmandu

How many of Nepal’s cities contain a Durbar Square?

3

If you see the goddess living in the House of the Living Goddess on Durbar Square, what may she use to answer your questions?

Facial expressions

In Nepal, the term “durbar square” is a generic term often used to describe a plaza or gathering point located next to what type of structure?

Royal Palace

In what year did an earthquake damage many of the temples in Nepal’s Durbar Square?

2015

In what year was Kathmandu’s Durbar Square declared an official Unesco World Heritage Site?

1979

Many visitors to the Durbar Square in Kathmandu are interested in studying what art form?

Architecture

Maru Satal is another name for what temple located on Durbar Square in Kathmandu?

Kasthamandap

Shiva Parvati Mandir Temple stands in the center of Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and is constructed from what material?

Wood

The city of Kathmandu was named after what Durbar Square temple?

Kasthamandap

The Kasthamandap Temple of Durbar Square was made from what type of tree?

Sal

The Nautalle Durbar Palace was built with how many stories?

9

The stone lions featured on each side of the Hanuman Dhoka on Durbar Square represent lions ridden by which Hindu god?

Shiva

What Durbar Square temple is only open to the public during the Jatra Festival?

Swet-Bhairav

What is the name of a sculpture in Durbar Square that features a manifestation of Shiva holding a weapon in one hand and a head in the other?

Kaal Bhairav

What is the name of the brick building in Durbar Square that houses Kathmandu's living goddess?

Kumari Ghar

What temple is located on Durbar Square and features erotic carvings on the roof? 

Jagannath Temple

Boudhanath

(15 tickets)

Boudhanath is one of the most important buddhist shrines outside of Tibet, and is believed to date back to the late sixth century. Buddha is one of the largest stupas in the world. Each section possesses a symbolic significance, including the 13-tiered tower, which represents Bodhi, the path to enlightenment. On its sides are the painted eyes of Buddha. Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. 

Beneath the tower, the Boudhanath stupa takes what form?

Dome

How many Dhyani Buddhas are represented in the architecture of the Boudhanath supa?

5

How many levels are included in the Boudhanath supa?

9

If you look down at the Boudhanath supa from above, what does its shape reflect?

Mandala

Most experts believe that the Boudhanath stupa was constructed in what century?

14th

Some Buddhist followers believe that the Boudhanath stupa was likely created right after what major event?

Buddha’s death

The Bhyani Buddhas incorporated into the architecture of the Boudhanath supa are intended to represent what?

Natural elements

The Boudhanath stupa is located just east of what Nepal city?

Kathmandu

There are how many sides to the wall that surrounds the Boudhanath supa?

16

What cosmic occurrence is likely to cause monks to walk the grounds of the Boudhanath while singing mantras?

Full moon

What do the rings in the Boudhanath supa's architecture symbolize?

Path to enlightenment

What do the sculptures featured around the base of the Boudhanath supa represent?

Forms of the padmapani

What human body part is featured on the base of the Boudhanath supa?

Eyes

What is the unusual shape of the steps leading up to the Boudhanath stupa?

Mandalas

What must you pass through before entering the Boudhanath supa in Kathmandu?

Gate

What name do Kathmandu locals often use when referring to the Boudhanath stupa?

Chorten Chenpo

When the Boudhanath supa was first constructed, what brought most visitors to the area?

Trade route between Nepal and Tibet

When there is a full moon, what can you expect to smell in the air around the Boudhanath supa?

Incense

When you look at the architecture of the Boudhanath supa, how many rings are represented from the base to the top of the tower?

13

The Garden of Dreams

(20 tickets)

This historical neo-classical garden with its flowers, ponds, lawns and fountains provides a respite from the busy streets of Kathmandu city center. Step inside the Garden of Dreams to discover a place of serenity and architectural beauty. Founded as the Garden of Six Seasons in 1920, this peaceful enclave was originally the private garden of Kaiser Sumsher, a Nepalese field marshal. Today, it is open to the public who come to stroll, relax and dine in picturesque surroundings. 

A team of financers from what country paid for extensive renovations in the Garden of Dreams?

Austria

During the busy tourist season, most visitors pay to enter the Garden of Dreams when in search of what?

Peace and Quiet

How many pavilions were featured inside the Garden of Dreams when it was first designed?

6

If you want to study the plants of Nepal closely, what part of the Garden of Dreams should you visit?

Library

In what Nepal city is the Garden of Dreams located?

Kathmandu

In what year did the Garden of Dreams reopen to the public after undergoing extensive renovations?

2007

Kaiser Shamser was inspired by the gardens of what country before deciding to create the Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu?

England

Some of the most frequent visitors to the Garden of Dreams would fit into what category?

Romantic couples

The Garden of Dreams includes a marble inscription with a quote taken from what book?

Rubaiyat

The Garden of Dreams is located near the entrance of what popular tourist region in Kathmandu?

Thamel

The Garden of Dreams reflects what decorative style?

Neoclassic

What do the pavilions inside the Garden of Dreams represent?

Nepal’s seasons

What is at the center of the sunken flower garden at the Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu?

Large pond

What is one of the most popular activities enjoyed inside the Garden of Dreams?

Napping

What is the most popular drink enjoyed from a cafe within the Garden of Dreams?

Tea

What was the first name given to the Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu?

Garden of Six Seasons

When the creator of the Garden of Dreams passed away, who took over maintaining the property?

Government of Nepal

When was the Garden of Dreams originally built?

1920s

Who was the architect charged with designing and overseeing the construction of the Garden of Dreams?

Kishore Narshingh