About the Garden of Dreams

Located just before a junction between Thamel and Kantipath, the Garden of Dreams is open to the public. Built in the early 1920s, it was extensively renovated in the early 2000s.

Inside the Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu

Inside the Garden of Dreams, just outside Thamel in Kathmandu

Today the Garden of Dreams offers people a pleasant environment away from the traffic, noise, pollution and hassle of Kathmandu city. Inside is an ornate garden split into several pavilion areas.

There's a small museum, an amphitheater and a cafe all within the walled in garden area.

 

The big debate is whether the Garden of Dreams is worth the entrance fee or the interest for the average tourist. Read on and find out ...

Did you know?

The gardens inside measure 74,220 sq ft and are broken into 2 large sections and is lesser known as the Garden of Six Seasons.

History of the Garden of Dreams

The Garden of Dreams was built by Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana and designed and constructed by Kishore Narshingh in the 1920's. It was built as a private garden and known as the Garden of the Six Seasons.

As a historic garden in Kathmandu, it was unlike any other. Inside the walls were pavilions, fountains, ponds, elaborate garden furniture along with European neoclassical inspired features, including verandas, pergolas, and birdhouses.

Each of the six pavilions inside the garden is dedicated to one of Nepal's six seasons: Basanta (spring), Grishma (early summer), Barkha (summer monsoon season), Sharad (early autumn), Hemanta (late autumn), and Shishir (winter).

After several decades of neglect, a renovation project began in 2000 and was completed in 2007 with the aid of the Austrian Government, the Nepalese Ministry of Education, and Eco Nepal. The chief architect was Götz Hagmüller, who also helped renovate both Patan Museum and Chyasalin Mandap in Bhaktapur. The goal was to demonstrate that sustainable development could succeed in Kathmandu.

In 2016, the Garden of Dreams integrated a small museum, library (which needs renovation), and improved its WiFi access throughout. However, between 2017 and 2024, the museum is still in a state of disrepair, while entry fees have been increased.

 

What's inside the Garden of Dreams

Grishma Pavilion in the Garden of Dreams
There are six pavilions inside the walled garden for each of the six Nepali seasons
Within the Garden of Dreams, you'll find several leisure activities. First and foremost, there are the gardens. Numerous seats are scattered throughout the gardens, providing a place to relax, read a book, or enjoy the company of locals. The garden is popular among students and courting couples seeking privacy. In 2018-2019, the gardens were well-tended, enhancing the overall appearance of the area.

At the Kaiser Cafe, you can enjoy a meal or just a cup of coffee, sitting under the shade of one of the many pavilions. The Kaiser Gallery and the tiny museum/library offer additional attractions. The Barkha Bar serves ice cream and cakes, while the Tea Salon offers exclusive Himalayan teas. Special events are frequently held in The Garden of Dreams, with the small ground-level Greek-styled amphitheater often hosting performances, singings, and contests.

Garden of Dreams Entrance Fee

The current entrance fee to the Garden of Dreams is 400 rupees for non-Nepali visitors, while the Nepali price is 150 rupees. The price was last increased in 2019. Additionally, there is a yearly membership available, offering benefits such as free parking, a 10% discount at the Kaiser Cafe, and year-round access to the garden. Membership fees are 5,000 rupees for foreigners and 3,000 rupees for Nepalis; this option is best suited for those planning a longer stay in Kathmandu.

If you purchase 10 tickets there's a 25% discount. Neither the cafe nor restaurant are great value however they care convenient for those wanting to spend time in the garden.

Directions to the Garden of Dreams

Address: Kaiser Mahal, Tridevi Marg Kathmandu, Nepal

Walking directions: On the roadside opposite Fire & Ice restaurant at the junction between Kantipath and Thamel.

Telephone: 977-1-4425340

Garden of Dreams website

Map to the Garden of Dreams



Is the Garden of Dreams worth visiting?

This is a very common question from tourists. Generally speaking, there are two ways to answer this. If you are only in Nepal for a short visit, you might want to give the Garden of Dreams a skip. For many, it's just a small garden with a relatively high entrance fee and little else to offer.

However, for those staying in Kathmandu for a longer period, the Garden of Dreams can indeed serve as a welcome retreat from the city's noise and pollution. Kathmandu lacks green spaces, and the Garden of Dreams helps to fill that gap.

Ultimately, the Garden of Dreams remains an ornate, albeit small, garden with an overpriced café and WiFi service that requires an additional payment and may not always function reliably. While it is unique to Kathmandu, it may not impress many visitors beyond those seeking tranquility and a break from urban life.

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