Bhaktapur and Patan: A Full Day Tour
Bhaktapur & Patan day tour is a full-day program that takes you across two of the most beautiful and ancient open museums in Kathmandu valley- Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. It is a seven hours program led by an experienced tour guide.
The Bhaktapur and Patan day tour is a perfect activity to fill your day if you have nothing planned in Kathmandu. The tour will introduce you to Newari architecture, Nepali culture & traditions, and art. You will be exploring palaces, courtyards, temples, and shrines. Likewise, the local markets around the monuments are worth exploring too.
The Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square are two of three durbar squares located in the Kathmandu valley. These places used to be royal residences between the 12th to 18th centuries. Resided by the kings and queens, both palaces have some major value in the history of Nepal. And today, both durbar squares serve as the pride of the city, 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 four-wheeler during the Bhaktapur & Patan day tour to commute between the monuments. 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 to obtain the permits for you to visit these monuments. You do not have to worry about it. At the end of the tour, we will drop you at your hotel.
Attractions of Bhaktapur and Patan day tour
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The square is home to several historical and cultural monuments, including temples, palaces, and courtyards. The main attraction of the square is the 55-Window Palace, a 16th-century palace built by King Yaksha Malla that features unique architecture with 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, there are many other temples and shrines located within the square, including the Vatsala Temple, the Nyatapola Temple, and the Bhairavnath Temple. Each of these temples has its unique architectural style and features intricate carvings and sculptures.
The square features many traditional markets, known as "bazaars," which sell a variety of goods, traditional handicrafts, clothes, and jewelry. Likewise, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is quite 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 is home to many famous temples, shrines, palaces, and courtyards. Some of the most notable include:
- 55-Window Palace: This is the main attraction of the square and was built in the 16th century by King Yaksha Malla. The palace features unique architecture with 55 windows and 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 dedicated to the Hindu goddess Siddhi Lakshmi and is the tallest temple in the square. 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 is a courtyard 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 is an area where you can see the Nyatapola Temple and the Bhairavnath Temple.
- Backstreets: Bhaktapur Durbar Square also has many traditional houses, temples, and shrines in the backstreets that are worth visiting.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is considered one of the most important architectural sites in the Kathmandu Valley, known for its beautiful Newari-style architecture and precise carvings and sculptures. It is one of the three durbar squares located in the Kathmandu valley and serves as an open museum to visitors.
The main attraction of the square is the Royal Palace, also known as the Patan Durbar, which was built in the 17th century by King Siddhinarsingh Malla. The palace features unique architecture with many courtyards and temples, like 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, which is known for sculptures of Hindu deities. Another notable temple is the Jagat Narayan Temple, which is 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. As it will be a guided tour, you will get to learn a lot from our professional tour guide. If you are lucky, then you may also get to 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 is made up of several courtyards, each with its unique features. The palace also contains numerous temples, including the Taleju Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Taleju.
- Krishna Temple: Krishna temple is one of the most important temples in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple contains statues of Lord Krishna and other Hindu deities.
- Jagat Narayan Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is known for its exquisite carvings and intricate artwork. It is 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. Inside the temple, there is 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.
