The Garden of Dreams - an oasis in the heart of Kathmandu

NepalAsia

Aug 17

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

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 the Austrian Government.

After paying our 200 rupee entry fee, we stepped through the entranceway 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.

The peaceful Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu, Nepal_The Common Wanderer

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.

The peaceful Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu_The Common Wanderer

AFTERNOON DELIGHT AT THE KAISER CAFE

We finished our perfect little afternoon in 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 Himalayas.

The cake, and chocolate, hit the spot, much like the whole day had.

There was no hint of the chaos that surrounded the walls, just us and our perfect afternoon.

We highly recommend visiting the Kaiser Cafe.

Through the leaves of The peaceful Garden of Dreams in Kathmandul_The Common Wanderer

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING THE GARDEN OF DREAMS

ENTRANCE FEE

If you’re non-Nepali, entry is going to cost you Rs. 400 per person (under $3). Nepali’s get a special rate of Rs. 100 per person.

If you’re after wi-fi at the Garden of Dreams

OPENING HOURS

9 am - 10 pm daily

WHERE IS THE GARDEN OF DREAMS?

The Garden of Dreams is 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.