Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal

About Patan and Bhaktapur Day Tour

A day tour of Patan and Bhaktapur offers an immersive experience of Nepal’s rich culture heritage and medieval architecture. Starting in Patan, often referred to as the “City of Fine Arts” visitors can explore its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durbar Square, renowned for its intricate wood carvings, stunning pagoda-style temples, and ancient statues. The key highlights include the Mahabouddha Temple, which features thousands of terracotta Buddha images, and the Hiranya Varna Mahavirhar, a golden Buddhist temple that stands as an epitome of Newar architecture.

After Patan, a short drive brings you to Bhaktapur, another medieval gem of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a must-see, with its towering temples, open courtyards, and historic buildings like Vatsala Temple and the 55-Window Palace. The square also houses the famous Lion’s Gate and the golden gate, which showcase Nepalese metalwork. Bhaktapur is also famous for its traditional pottery and handicrafts, so there is ample opportunity to observe local artisans at work or shop for unique souvenirs.

This tour can also include visits to various other significant sites in both cities, such as the ancient pagoda of the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The day tour combines culture, history, and architecture with the opportunity to interact with local people, sample traditional Newari Cuisine, and explore hidden corners that reveal the true spirit of Nepalese heritage. A day dour of Patan and Bhaktapur offers a captivating journey through town of Nepal’s most historically and culturally rich cities. This day tour allow you to experience the essence of both cities, rich in traditions, craftsmanship, and medieval architecture, providing a memorable glimpse into Nepal’s cultural heart.

Highlights

  • Explore Nepal’s most historically and culturally rich cities
  • Immersive experience of Nepal’s cultural heritage and medieval architecture
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durbar Square
  • Visit Mahabouddha Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahavirhar, museum, and ancient Krishna Mandir in Patan
  • Visit Vatsala Temple, the iconic 55-Window Palace, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
  • Try local Newari cuisine

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Explore Patan and Bhaktapur
Day to day details itinerary

Useful Information

Things to do in Patan and Bhaktapur Day Tour

A day tour of Patan and Bhaktapur offers a blend of cultural exploration, historical sites, and vibrant local experiences. Here are top things to do in each city:

Patan       

Visit Patan Durbar Square: Start the day by exploring Patan Durbar Square, an enchanting combination of palace building, artistic courtyards, and graceful pagoda-style temple. It is a stunning collection of ancient temples, shrines, and palaces.

Explore Patan Museum: It is located in the former royal palaces; this museum house is a full collection of Nepalese art, including Buddhist sculptures and religious artifacts.

Stroll through the streets of Patan: Wander the narrow lanes around Durbar Square, where you can find traditional crafts, local artisans, and bustling markets selling everything from jewelry to hand-carved woodwork.

Visit Krishna Mandir: This 16th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its detailed stone carvings.

Explore the Mahabouddha Temple: A beautiful pagoda-style temple, often referred to as the “Temple of 1000 Buddhist,” renowned for its terracotta sculptures.

Bhaktapur                    

Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This historical square is the heart of Bhaktapur, home to spectacular buildings like the Vatsala Temple, the 55-Window Palace, and the Bhairabnath Temple.

Climb to the top of Nyatapola Temple: The tallest pagoda-style temple in Nepal, this five-story structure offers panoramic views of Bhaktapur and the surrounding valley.

Visit Pottery Square: Bhaktapur is famous for its pottery, and you can watch local artisans shape clay into traditional pottery. You might even enter your hand at the wheel!

See the golden gate: One of the most ornate gateways in Nepal, this intricately designed gate leads into the main entrance of the royal palace complex.

Enjoy local Newari Cuisine: Bhaktapur is renowned for its unique Newari food. Be sure to try juju dhau, a famous delightful dessert, or a traditional Newari set meal at a local eatery.

Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square Museum: It is located inside the Durbar Square; this museum gives insights into the history, art, and culture of Bhaktapur and the Newar people.