Patan and Bhaktapur Heritage Sightseeing from Kathmandu
Pick up from your hotel and drive in a private vehicle to the city of Patan. This cultural day tour includes visits to famous sites, many of which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Walk past the whitewashed gate of Patan and enter a square lined with cafes, grocery stores, and huge iron bells. Beyond the alleys lie mostly medieval neighborhoods of the city. Temples and stupas are abundant, in various shapes, sizes, and ages. From here, the lanes get narrower, so we recommend walking through the red-brick alleyways.
Reach Patan Durbar, where the main highlights of this tour begin. Here, you will visit the following sites:
Krishna Mandir: Located in the square, this grey stone temple dominates the area. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the most significant Hindu temples.
Vishwanath Temple: The temple with stone elephants and riders.
Shanker Narayan Temple: You can spot it easily by its two kneeling elephants.
Bhimsen Temple: Known for its many marble carvings.
Golden Temple: Admire the gold, silver, and bronze artwork.
Patan Durbar Square Bell: The ancient bell still gives a ring.
Rudravarna Mahavihar or Uku Bahal: One of the oldest Buddhist shrines in Nepal.
Kumari House: One of the main highlights, the house of the living Goddess.
Drive about 13.2 km or 8.2 miles to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. It takes you back in time. The brick-laden walkways lead you to temples with intricately carved woodwork. The city itself gives you a perception of times gone by.
Witness the biggest temple in Bhaktapur, the Nyatapol. Built in the 17th century, the temple still stands strong today despite the recent earthquake. Walk ahead and peek at the 55 embroidered windows, and at the "Golden Gate" further ahead, which gives you access to the inner areas of the palace. The abundant pagoda-styled temples and monuments that dot the square offer a perfect example of the expressive and complex design of Nepalese architecture from earlier times.
Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattatreya Square.
Drop off at your hotel; the tour concludes.
