- Address: Nepal, 44600, Kathmandu, Kanti Path
- Phone: +977 1-4411318
- Official website: www.klib.gov.np
- Opening hours: in the summer 10: 00-17: 00, in the winter 10: 00-16: 00, on Fridays 10: 00-15: 00
In the central part of the city of Kathmandu , not far from the western gate of the Royal Palace of Narayanhiti , one of the oldest in its collection of repositories of Nepal is the Kaiser library. It contains a unique collection of ancient books on witchcraft, spirits, disappeared powers and hunting for tigers. There is a special atmosphere and absolute silence, and the most pleasant is the entrance for all visitors is free.
History of the storage
The Kaiser library in Kathmandu is located in the area of the Ministry of Education. Its founder is the famous political and military leader of the country Kaiser Shamsher Yang Bahadur Rana. Already from childhood he began to get involved in collecting books, constantly replenished his collection and subsequently transferred it to the architectural complex Kaiser Mahal, known as the " Dream Garden ".
Thousands of unique books, being a private collection of the Kaiser, have long been inaccessible to the local population. Only the members of the founder's family, some prominent figures in Nepal and honorary foreign guests had the right to visit the library. However, in 1964, the Kaiser transferred the library building and all its collections of books to the state ownership of the country. Now it is the municipal library of Kathmandu.
What stores the oldest library in Nepal?
Kaiser's library in Kathmandu is a real treasure trove, which numbers more than 50,000 books, periodicals, documents and manuscripts. Rare books and manuscripts are placed here by industry: astronomy, religion, history, philosophy, archeology, etc. Public literature is available in English, Sanskrit and Hindi. The second floor is devoted to an interesting magical theme, which stores books about witches, spirits, astrology and necromancy.
Impressive is the valuable manuscript Susrutasamhita, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The interior decoration of the Kaiser library is executed in the characteristic neoclassical style of Nepal. The halls are decorated with numerous paintings, effigies, portraits of philosophers and writers. On the first floor guests are greeted by a huge effigy of the royal Bengal tiger. For visitors there are comfortable sofas and tables for classes. You can use free wi-fi in the building.
How to get to the library?
The Kaiser Library is located right in the center of Kathmandu . Within walking distance from it there are bus stations Lainchaur Bus Stop, Jai Nepal Hall, Kanti Path Bus Stop.