Sightseeing · Nuwakot
Nuwakot Durbar (Saat Tale Durbar)
The seven-storey hilltop fort-palace from which Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal.
Nuwakot Durbar, the Saat Tale Durbar or "seven-storey palace," is the tall brick-and-timber fort that crowns the ridge above Nuwakot town. It is one of Nepal's most important historic buildings — the hilltop stronghold from which Prithvi Narayan Shah controlled the trade route into the Kathmandu Valley and directed the campaign that unified the nation in the 18th century.
The short answer
Come to the Durbar to stand at the founding site of modern Nepal and take in sweeping views of the Trishuli valley. The seven-storey tower is the centrepiece, set among courtyards, older palace buildings and active temples. Visit in the morning for the clearest air and the best light on the Himalaya beyond the hills.
What to expect
The complex centres on the seven-storey tower, an unusually tall structure for its era, built in the classic Newar style of slim brick walls, latticed timber windows and carved struts. Around it stand the older Garad Ghar and Malika palace buildings, a courtyard and shrines. The site suffered damage in the 2015 earthquake and has been the focus of patient restoration since, so expect some scaffolding and changing access as conservation work continues.
This is, above all, a place of history. From here Prithvi Narayan Shah waged the patient siege of the valley below — you can read the full story in our guide to Prithvi Narayan Shah and the unification of Nepal.
Good to know
- The climb: The Durbar sits on the ridge above the town; the walk up is short but uphill, so take it steadily and carry water.
- Respect: The temples within are active places of worship — dress modestly and follow any signs about footwear and photography.
- Pair it with: The fierce Bhairabi Temple sits just beside the palace and was closely tied to the Shah court, while a short climb leads to the hilltop Malika Temple for the widest views.
Make the Durbar the centre of your visit, then plan the rest with our roundup of the top things to do in Nuwakot. For context, see the Nuwakot travel guide and our national guides to the best places to visit in Nepal and the best viewpoints in Nepal.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Nuwakot Durbar?+
It is the seven-storey fort-palace on the ridge above Nuwakot town, known as the Saat Tale Durbar. Built and used by Prithvi Narayan Shah, it served as his forward base for the conquest of the Kathmandu Valley and the campaign that unified Nepal, making it one of the country's most historically important buildings.
Why is it called the Saat Tale Durbar?+
Saat Tale means 'seven-storey' in Nepali. The main tower of the palace rises seven tall storeys in brick and carved timber — an unusually high structure for its time — which gives it the name by which locals know it.
Can you go inside the Nuwakot Durbar?+
The palace complex can be visited, and parts of the historic interior and the surrounding courtyard, temples and outbuildings are open to look around. The site was damaged in the 2015 earthquake and has been undergoing careful restoration, so access to some areas may vary.
What can you see from the Nuwakot Durbar?+
From the ridge the palace looks out over the Trishuli valley and the surrounding hills, with Himalayan peaks visible on a clear day. The complex itself holds the seven-storey tower, older Malika and Garad Ghar buildings, courtyards and active temples.
