The Garden of Dreams - an oasis in the heart of Kathmandu
A short guide to The Garden of Dreams, Kathmandu’s impossibly beautiful garden oasis. Includes what to see, eat and costs.
Eventually, the constant blare of horns, the persistent pollution, and the never-ending haggling from street vendors took its toll.
Our time in Kathmandu, despite its obvious pleasures, was getting to us. We needed to find a respite; somewhere to escape, if just for a few hours. Heck, we didn’t need it, we craved it! We asked a few local friends who suggested we visit a hidden garden just outside of famous tourist district of Thamel, 'The Garden of Dreams'.
It sounded like exactly what we were after.
We set off through the narrow streets, dodging crazed Kathmandu taxis, hashish dealers, and pesky street vendors. The short walk seemed to take an eternity, but before long we stumbled across the nondescript hole in the wall entrance that announced The Garden of Dreams.
It turns out The Garden of Dreams is like a gift from Shiva - a delightful little spot where we could finally escape the crazy, chaotic streets of Kathmandu.
A SHORT GUIDE TO THE GARDEN OF DREAMS, KATHMANDU
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THE GARDEN OF DREAMS, AN OASIS RIGHT IN THE HEART OF NEPAL'S CAPITAL CITY
The Garden of Dreams has a varied history. Built in the 1920's, and originally named of ‘The Garden of Six Seasons’ (after Nepal’s six seasons), it was formerly a private garden for Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rama, who requested an elegant, European neo-classical walled gardens complete with pavilions, fountains, ponds, pergolas, and verandas to accompany his sprawling mansion.
Like most of Asia’s stately colonial remnants, the gardens fell into disrepair upon his death. After decades of neglect, restorations were undertaken between 2000 and 2007 with the support of Austrian Government.
After paying our 200 rupee entry fee, we stepped through the entrance way and right into our version of heaven; an oasis, right in the heart of Kathmandu. Ornate neo-classical pavilions, well manicured gardens, expansive lawns and quiet. So much quiet.
nepal now: the only thing missing is you
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RELAXING IN THE GLORIOUS KATHMANDU SUN
Thankfully, The Garden of Dreams escaped with only minor damage from the destructive 2015 earthquake, and while the signs were evident, it didn’t distract from our exploration. We spent hours investigating all corners of the gardens, admiring the unique flora brought from varying countries around the world, and learning about the history, its fall into disrepair, and the extensive 7-year renovation project. We couldn’t help but feel a little thankful to the Austrian Government. They did good; real good.
We found secret hideaways, no doubt perfect for the throngs of Nepalese youth who frequent the gardens, and we found the best position to lay down, in an amphitheatre no less, to relax in the glorious Kathmandu sun.
We didn’t move for the rest of the afternoon, enjoying a few precious moments away from the ever constant shrill of motorcycle horns, and the constant craziness of everyday life outside the walls.
watch our nepal video: the colours of nepal
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AFTERNOON DELIGHT
We finished our perfect little afternoon the best way possible - with tea and cake at the Kaiser Cafe. Not just any tea, but ginger tea which we’d become accustomed to in the high Himalaya. The cake, chocolate, hit the spot, much like the whole day had. There was no hint of the chaos that surround the walls, just us and our perfect afternoon.
If you’re in Kathmandu and looking to escape the hustle and bustle, or simply looking for a brilliant, relaxing afternoon after a hard week’s hiking, The Garden of Dreams is the perfect place.
Visited The Garden of Dreams? Enjoy the serenity as much as us? Let us know your thoughts!
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FURTHER INFORMATION FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE GARDEN OF DREAMS
ENTRANCE FEE
If you’re non-Nepali, entry is going to cost you Rs. 200 per person (under $2). Nepali’s get a special rate of Rs. 100 per person. If you’re after wi-fi at the Garden of Dreams, it costs Rs. 50 per hour.
OPENING HOURS | 9am - 10pm daily
REVIEWS | See Tripadvisor reviews here
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HOW TO GET TO THE GARDEN OF DREAMS
The Garden of Dreams are located in between Thamel Marg, and Kantipath on Tridevi Sadak. It’s located practically opposite the ever popular Fire and Ice restaurant, and next door to Himalayan Java cafe.
It’s a seriously easy 2 minute walk from Thamel, but if you get lost, ask for directions.
Visited the Garden of Dreams Kathmandu? Let us know your thoughts and if you enjoyed this oasis as much as us.
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PLANNING TO VISIT NEPAL?
We have a heap of essential reading before visiting or trekking in Nepal!
RESPONSIBLE TREKKING | Everything you need to know about how to trek ethically in Nepal
POON HILL | The most comprehensive guide to Poon Hill on the internet
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT | Everything you need to know before you hike the Annapurna Circuit
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT PACKING LIST | Everything you need to pack for the Annapurna Circuit
KATHMANDU GUIDE | Our essential guide to the best of Kathmandu
THE BEST OF NEPAL | The top things to see and do in Nepal
NEPAL TRAVEL TIPS | Everything you need to know before visiting Nepal
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
