The Lion Gate-Dating

• Tickets: Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site, usually requires the purchase of a ticket. Tickets are more expensive for foreign tourists, while local residents enjoy lower prices.
• Opening Hours: Most attractions are usually open between 9am and 5pm. It is recommended to visit in the morning to avoid the peak of crowd.
• Visiting Suggestion: Besides the Lion's Gate, Durbar Square has many other famous attractions such as Hanuman Dhoka, Goddess Temple, Vajra Temple, etc. It will be more sufficient to arrange a whole day to visit.

Singh Darbar Gate, part of Kathmandu's Durbar Square, is the entrance to an ancient royal palace, and gets its name from the statues of lions carved on either side of the gate. These lions symbolize strength and majesty and were once the symbol of the royal family of Nepal. The carvings in front of the gate are beautifully crafted and reflect the splendor of Nepal's ancient architectural art.

Located in the Royal Palace area of Kathmandu, the Lion's Gate was once one of the main passages of the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace itself is an important legacy of Nepal's history and culture, and the Lion's Gate, as one of its landmarks, has a unique historical and artistic value.

History and Origin of the Lions Gate

1. Historical background of the palace
Lions Gate is a part of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace in Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Palace is one of the most important palaces in the history of Nepal, which was once the residence of the Nepalese kings and the center of political and administrative activities. The palace has undergone changes during several Nepalese dynasties, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it underwent various stages of expansion and renovation with the establishment of a united Nepal and the change of dynasties.

2. Symbolism of the Lion's Gate
The Lion's Gate gets its name from the two beautifully carved lion statues above its gateposts. The lion is a sacred symbol in Indian culture and usually represents strength, kingship, courage and victory. In Nepal, the lion, as a symbol of power, is closely associated with royalty and divine presence. Therefore, the lion gate serves as an important entrance to the royal palace, symbolizing the sanctity of the royal family and the ruling power of the king.

3. Architectural style and craftsmanship

The Lion's Gate itself is a typical traditional Nepalese wood carving work of art, with a large number of beautifully carved motifs on the frame and pillars, including a blend of Hindu and Buddhist elements. The design of the lion statues reflects not only a symbol of power, but also the great skill of Nepali artisans in the art of carving. The wood and style of carving used for the lion gate showcases the traditional architectural art and culture of Nepal.

4. Historical changes

• Malla Dynasty Period: The Lion Gate was built during the Malla Dynasty period of Nepalese history. The Malla Dynasty (12th to 18th century) was an important period in Nepalese history, during which the royal palace in Kathmandu was enlarged and decorated. The Lion's Gate, one of the main entrances to the palace, is representative of the architectural style and craftsmanship of that era.
• Shah Dynasty Period : The Shah Dynasty (late 18th century to early 19th century) was another crucial period in the history of Nepal, when Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the Shah Dynasty, succeeded in unifying Nepal. During the Shah dynasty, the Kathmandu Palace continued to evolve and the Lion's Gate continued to play a political symbolic role as one of the key buildings of the palace.
• Modern History: As Nepal modernized, the palace gradually lost its role as a political and administrative center. The Lion's Gate and the entire Kathmandu Durbar Square became a cultural heritage site, attracting tourists and scholars from all over the world.

5. Cultural and religious significance
Hindu and Buddhist culture: Nepal is a predominantly Hindu and Buddhist country, and the architectural design of royal palaces often incorporates elements of both cultures. The carvings of the lion gates not only show the majesty of the royal family, but also reflect Hindu and Buddhist sacred symbols, such as images of deities and religious symbols commonly found in carvings.
Religious Ceremonies: Historically, Nepal's royal palaces and lion gates have also been the site of religious ceremonies and oaths of kingship. Kings were often crowned in traditional ceremonies in front of these historic buildings, demonstrating their status as 'representatives of the divine'.

6. Impact of the earthquake
In 2015, a severe earthquake struck Nepal, causing severe damage to Durbar Square in Kathmandu and the surrounding historical sites. The Lion's Gate was not spared, with parts of the structure damaged, especially the wooden carvings. However, after restoration and reconstruction, many of the damaged structures and carvings were restored and the historical heritage of the Lion's Gate has been preserved and remains one of the major cultural attractions in Kathmandu.

Best time to visit

Best time to visit : The best time to visit Nepal is during the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) of the year. This is a pleasant time to visit with moderate daytime temperatures and low precipitation.
Avoid Rainy Season: June to September is the rainy season in Nepal with frequent rainfall that may affect the tourist experience.

How to get 

By Plane: Fly from all over the world to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and then you can take a cab or public transportation to reach Durbar Square.
Public Transportation and Taxis: Durbar Square is not far from downtown Kathmandu and can be accessed by cab, motorcycle or public bus, and is within easy reach of many of Kathmandu's major attractions.

Tips

1.Wear comfortable shoes: you may walk a lot when visiting Durbar Square and the Royal Palace, wearing comfortable shoes will make it easier for you.
2.Bring water and sunscreen: Even in the cooler months, the sun is stronger in Kathmandu, so it is important to carry water and sunscreen with you.
3.Avoid rush hour: If you wish to take photos or enjoy the peace and quiet, try to avoid the rush hour between 10am and 3pm.