Kathmandu, April 18, 2026 - The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has launched the “Vehicle-Free Asan” program starting today (Saturday) to preserve the originality of the historic urban settlement of Asan.
Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol informed that the program will be implemented in the areas from Kamalachhi (Kamalakshi) Chowk to Asan, from Bhotahiti Chowk to Asan, and from Mahabouddha to Asan. During the program, which will be held every Saturday, the entry of vehicles will be prohibited.
The Metropolitan City has been continuously working for the conservation, promotion, and enhancement of tangible, intangible, natural, and archival heritage within its geographical and administrative jurisdiction. It is expected that such efforts will help pass on Kathmandu’s cultural identity, traditional urban lifestyles, festivals, rituals, and cultural practices to future generations.
Due to increasing pressure from human and vehicular movement, management challenges have recently intensified in the inner urban areas of Kathmandu. According to Metropolitan spokesperson Nabin Manandhar, the program has been introduced as it has become difficult to sustain cultural and social traditions in their original form, and this has negatively affected Kathmandu’s identity.
On Saturdays, various activities such as exhibitions of social and cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge and skills, as well as singing, music, and dance performances will be organised in the Asan area. The program will focus on preserving and promoting both tangible and intangible living heritage, as well as showcasing and promoting traditional religious, cultural, social, and commercial activities, spokesperson Manandhar added.
During the program period, vehicles will not be allowed to enter Asan from Kamalachhi (Kamalakshi) Singh Gate via Jamal. Similarly, entry from Bhotahiti Kalash Gate towards Asan will be restricted. Vehicles from Bir Hospital towards Mahabouddha Stupa will be prohibited. Entry towards Mahabouddha Stupa from Batu Ganesh and Bhonsiko Ganesh Temple will also not be allowed. Vehicular movement from Indrachowk will be restricted. Motorcycles will also not be allowed from Machhindra Bahal and Mansa Galli. Access from Gosif to Inbahal Ganesh Temple will remain open, but entry from the temple towards Pilantu Galli will be prohibited. Movement towards Asan from Nhyaketla will not be allowed. From Kantipath, entry towards Bhamulu Galli from Jhyatha Annapurna School will also be restricted.
Vehicle owners traveling through this area will need to use alternative routes. Visitors coming to Asan on Saturdays are advised to park their vehicles at designated places such as the Dharahara underground parking, Jamal Bahal, Durbar High School, and other specified locations, and enter Asan on foot.
