Garden of Dreams
In Nepali: स्वप्न बगैंचा · Also known as: Swapna Bagaicha · स्वप्न बगैंचा
Field Marshal Kaiser Shumsher Rana built this European-style garden in the 1920s beside his palace, with pavilions for the six seasons, fountains, pergolas and urns. After decades of neglect it was restored with Austrian help and reopened in 2007.
Today it is a peaceful place to read on the lawns or have coffee, just steps from the traffic of Kantipath. The Kaiser Library in the adjoining palace holds a remarkable collection of old books.
What to see and do
Wander the formal paths between the pavilions, pond and fountains, sit in the shade with a book, or have a meal at the café. The garden's classical details — balustrades, urns, a Moorish-style arcade — are unusual in Nepal and reflect the Rana fascination with European style.
Good to know
A small entry fee applies and helps maintain the garden. It is a peaceful spot to rest between sightseeing in Thamel and Durbar Square.
Quick answers
- Where is Garden of Dreams?
- Garden of Dreams is in Kathmandu district, Bagmati Province, in the Pahad belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Garden of Dreams?
- About 1,300 m (4,265 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Garden of Dreams?
- Garden of Dreams is in or right next to Kathmandu, so it is an easy day visit. Budget for the entry ticket (about NPR 400 / US$3 for foreign visitors), a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Kathmandu, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
- How many days do I need for Garden of Dreams?
- Half a day to a full day is enough; it is a short ride from central Kathmandu.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Garden of Dreams?
- There is an entry ticket of about NPR 400 / US$3 for foreign visitors; SAARC visitors pay less and Nepali citizens little or nothing.
- When is the best time to visit Garden of Dreams?
- Year-round, daytime
- How do I get to Garden of Dreams?
- Kantipath, at the south-east corner of Thamel. It is about 1 km (straight line) from Kathmandu.
- What is Garden of Dreams called in Nepali?
- स्वप्न बगैंचा
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