The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex in Kathmandu dates in its eastern wing to the mid-sixteenth century, built by the Malla kings. Pratap Malla expanded it with many temples, adding Mohan Chok in 1649 and the Hanuman statue guarding the main gate in 1672. Prithvi Narayan Shah added four lookout towers in 1768, and the Rana rulers built the carved buildings around Nasal Chok.
The complex has intricately carved doorways, windows and struts. The nine-story Basantapur Tower is one of its landmarks, and the Taleju Temple has a golden torana. Mohan Chok has the Sun Dhara waterspout, and a stone inscription is carved in fifteen languages.
The royal family lived there until 1886, then moved to Narayanhiti Palace. Birendra was crowned on the Nasal Chok platform in 1975. The 2015 earthquake severely damaged the buildings. It now operates as a palace museum run by the government.
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