Bhaktapur and Patan: A Full Day Tour in Kathmandu
Bhaktapur & Patan Day Tour is a full-day program that takes you to two of the most beautiful and ancient open museums in Kathmandu Valley: the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. It is a 6-7-hour program led by an experienced tour guide.
If you have nothing planned in Kathmandu, the Bhaktapur and Patan day tour is a perfect activity to fill your day.
The full-day trip will introduce you to Newari architecture, Nepali culture and traditions, and art. You will explore palaces, courtyards, temples, and shrines. Likewise, the local markets around the monuments are worth exploring.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square are three Durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley. These places were royal residences from the 12th to 18th centuries.
Resided by the kings and queens, both palaces have some significant value in the history of Nepal. Today, both durbar squares serve as the city's pride, where locals and travelers gather to relive old age.
Our tour guide will tell you everything about these two monuments and also inform you about the locals. You will be exploring the old-style houses and have local delicacies.
We use a private tourist vehicle to commute between the monuments during the Bhaktapur and Patan day tours. The tour will be exciting and fun.
Follow the instructions mentioned by the sites. Do not click photos if it is prohibited in some places. Respect the culture and locals.
The tour guide will help you obtain the permits to visit these monuments. You do not have to worry about it. We will drop you at your hotel at the end of the tour.
Highlighs of Bhaktapur and Patan: A Full Day Trip in Kathmandu
- Explore the 55-Window Palace, the main attraction of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This Palace features unique architecture, 55 windows, intricate carvings, and metalwork.
- Admire the Golden Gate and explore ancient temples like the Vatsala, Nyatapola, and Bhairavnath Temple in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
- Stroll through the traditional markets, which sell various goods, including traditional handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry.
- Visit the Pottery Square to see the pottery-making process.
- Explore the Royal Palace, also known as the Patan Durbar, built in the 17th century by King Siddhinarsingh Malla.
- Visit the Keshav Narayan Chowk, the Sundari Chowk, and the Mul Chowk within the Palace to see the intricate carvings and sculptures.
- Visit the famous Krishna Temple and Jagat Narayan Temple, which feature traditional three-tiered pagoda-style architecture.
- Visit the nearby Patan Museum, which has many historical artifacts and artworks.
- Visit the nearby Hiranyavarna Mahavihar, also known as the Golden Temple.
- Visit the nearby Tusha Hiti, a traditional water spout still used by the locals today.
Places to visit on the Bhaktapur and Patan day tour
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The square has several historical and cultural monuments, including temples, palaces, and courtyards.
The main attraction is the 55-Window Palace, a 16th-century palace built by King Yaksha Malla with unique architecture and 55 windows.
The square also features the Golden Gate, the main entrance to the Palace, which is adorned with intricate carvings and metalwork. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square houses several courtyards, including the Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, and the Big Bell.
In addition to the Palace, many other temples and shrines are located within the square, including the Vatsala Temple, the Nyatapola Temple, and the Bhairavnath Temple.
These temples have a unique architectural style, intricate carvings, and sculptures.
The square features many traditional markets, known as "bazaars," which sell various goods, traditional handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry. Likewise, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is famous for traditional festivals and ceremonies, like the Bhaktapur Festivals and the Bisket Jatra Festival.
Places you will see in Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square has many famous temples, shrines, palaces, and courtyards. Some of the most notable include:
55-Window Palace
The square's main attraction is the Palace, built in the 16th century by King Yaksha Malla. The Palace features unique architecture, 55 windows, intricate carvings, and metalwork.
It also houses several courtyards, including the Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, and the Big Bell.
Vatsala Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Taleju and is known for its detailed carvings and sculptures. It is one of the most important temples in Bhaktapur.
Nyatapola Temple
Nyatapola Temple is the tallest temple in the square and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Siddhi Lakshmi. It is also known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
Bhairavnath Temple
The Bhairavnath temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Bhairav. It is known for its unique architectural style.
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is the main entrance to the 55-Window Palace, adorned with complex carvings and metalwork.
Lion Gate
This courtyard is located within the 55-Window Palace and features a statue of a lion at the entrance.
Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla
This is a statue located within the 55-Window Palace. It depicts King Bhupatindra Malla.
Big Bell: It is a large bell found in the 55-Window Palace. The bell is rung during festivals and ceremonies.
Pottery Square
Pottery Square is a traditional market area where you can see the pottery-making process and buy traditional pottery items.
Taumadhi Square
This area is where you can see the Nyatapola and Bhairavnath Temple.
Backstreets
Bhaktapur Durbar Square has many traditional houses, temples, and shrines in its backstreets, which are worth visiting.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is considered one of the most important architectural sites in the Kathmandu Valley. It is known for its beautiful Newari-style architecture and precise carvings and sculptures.
It is one of the three Durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley and serves as an open museum to visitors.
The square's main attraction is the Royal Palace, also known as the Patan Durbar, built in the 17th century by King Siddhinarsingh Malla.
The Palace features unique architecture and many courtyards and temples, such as the Keshav Narayan Chowk, the Sundari Chowk, and the Mul Chowk.
The Patan Durbar Square also features many other temples and shrines, including the Krishna Temple, known for its Hindu deities sculptures.
Another notable temple is the Jagat Narayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features traditional three-tiered pagoda-style architecture.
There are bustling local markets around Patan Durbar Square, where you can buy handicrafts and try local food. You can also visit art galleries and museums around the site.
You will learn a lot from our professional tour guide as it will be a guided tour. If you are lucky, you may also see locals celebrating festivals.
Places you will see in Patan Durbar Square
The Royal Palace
Also known as the Patan Durbar, this Palace was the residence of the Malla kings and is a beautiful example of Newari architecture.
The Palace consists of several courtyards, each with its unique features. It also contains numerous temples, including the Taleju Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Taleju.
Krishna Temple
This is one of the most important temples in Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and contains statues of him and other Hindu deities.
Jagat Narayan Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is known for its exquisite carvings and intricate artwork, which make it a great example of Newari architecture. The temple contains many statues of Lord Vishnu and other Hindu deities.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar popularly known as the Golden Temple. It is another must-see attraction in Patan Durbar Square.
This temple is known for its beautiful golden facade. The temple has a statue of Lord Buddha and other religious artifacts.
Kumbheshwor Temple
Kumbheshwor Temple is devoted to the Hindu god Shiva. The temple contains several statues of Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities.
