New Road of Kathmandu

History

The road was built during the period of prime ministership Juddha Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana after the 1934 Nepal–India earthquake destroyed many buildings in the Kathmandu Valley. It was formally called Juddha Sadak in his honor. The road can also be referred as old Kings Way of Nepal, as the road leads to old royal palace of Royal Families, Kathmandu Durbar Square which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The inhabitants of New Road are mostly Newars.After the fall of autocratic Rana regime, it was renamed New Road.

Notable buildings and areas

The headquarters of Nepal Airlines is located on the Eastern end of New Road, next to New Road Gate, which marks the start of New Road at the crossing with Kantipath. A statue of Juddha Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana is located at the westernmost roundabout of the road Head offices of Gorkhapatra Sansthan and Nepal Bank Limited are also located at New Road. Bhughol Park is located on the southwestern corner of the street.

Notable places include:

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Also known as Hanuman Dhoka. This historic palace is located at the southern end of New Road, served as the royal residence of the Malla kings from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Its intricate architecture and historical significance make it a popular tourist destination. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is home to numerous temples, palaces, and courtyards, offering a glimpse into Nepal's rich cultural heritage.
2. Ason Tole: Located just off New Road, Ason Tole is one of the oldest and busiest marketplaces in Kathmandu. The maze-like alleyways have vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to souvenirs and traditional handicrafts.
3. Indra Chowk: This bustling intersection marks the heart of New Road, where the hustle and bustle of the commercial district reaches its peak. The area is known for its electronics shops, jewelry stores, and traditional Tibetan handicrafts.
4. Freak Street (Jonchhe): Once a haven for hippies and backpackers in the 1960s and 1970s, Freak Street has retained a bohemian charm with its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and shops.

References

References

1. (29 December 2018). "New Road's iconic peepal bot altered irrevocably". The Kathmandu Post.
2. Tuladhar, Kamal Ratna. (1 June 2012). "New Road, New Road". The Kathmandu Post.
3. (22 June 2018). "अस्कलका अमृतप्रसाद". Nepal Magazine.
4. "New Road in Kathmandu, Nepal".
5. (16 July 2018). "A walk through New Road, Kathmandu". Make Heritage Fun.
6. Board, Nepal Tourism. "Hanuman Dhoka Museum {{!}} Things to do in Nepal {{!}} NTB".