Patan & Bhaktapur -One Day Sightseeing Tour
Background
Kathmandu Valley beautifully represents the rich art, culture, religion, and tradition of Nepal. The valley encompasses three cities: Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. These cities are unique and special in their respective ways.
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Patan and Bhaktapur tour are the two most popular and ancient cities that were ruled by the Malla kings from the 12th century. These cities consist of numerous extraordinary architecture and monuments built by the kings during their dominance. The royal palaces and numerous temples depict the extraordinary architectural skills of our ancestors. The historical cities of Patan and Bhaktapur await to be explored.
You can experience a pleasing one-day trip to the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites located within Patan and Bhaktapur. These are Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the Changunarayan temple.
Patan
Patan is referred to as ‘the city of arts’ due to its vibrant and outstanding wood carved buildings. You will witness plenty of artistic works and elegant monuments when you visit Patan Durbar Square which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place highlights the perfect Newari architecture and culture of Nepal. You will spend quality time strolling around this ancient civilization.
During the earthquake 2015, the Patan Durbar Square suffered less damage compared to other places.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur, on the other hand, is referred to as ‘the city of devotees’. In the past, this ancient city was known by several names such as Bhadgaon, Khwopa, and Khwopinggram. Once an independent kingdom, the city has many historic stories in-store for you to explore.
There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Bhaktapur. These include the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan temple. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square will show you a royal palace with 55 windows. There are numerous other stunning stone carved temples surrounding the site. This town is also well-known for its ceramics.
Bhaktapur, unlike Patan, faced a significant impact from the 2015 earthquake. However, you will be surprised to see the Naytapola Temple standing still even after a huge disaster.
Nepal has a lot to show you about its ancient history through medieval times. Be it the extraordinary architecture or the unique traditions, your visit to these two distinct yet fascinating cities will be worth your time.
Itinerary:
You will be moving out from your hotel and kicking off your trip heading straight towards Patan where you will be exploring Patan Durbar Square for around 2 to 3 hours. After that, you will be heading towards Bhaktapur to experience the remarkable Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Trip Highlights:
Step into a whole new world filled with mind-blowing architecture and a unique lifestyle of the Newari people.
Get a chance to visit the very popular Krishna Temples and Ashoka Pole in Patan Durbar Square.
Stroll around the entire Patan city also known as Lalitpur.
Visit a multistoried Naytapola Temple in Bhaktapur, which is still standing tall even after the devastating earthquake.
Take a walk around the backstreets of Bhaktapur where you will get to see narrow stone-paved streets and traditional artworks.
Key information
The one-day sightseeing tour can be experienced all year round.
Entry to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square, both listed as UNESCO world heritage sites will cost you around Rs.1500 and Rs.1000 respectively.
Dress comfortably and wear proper footwear as you have to walk around the durbar squares which are mainly vehicle-free.
Do not miss to try the Newari cuisine available at many local joints in both cities. You can ask your guide to take you to the famous eateries of Patan and Bhaktapur.
The itinerary is flexible, and you can add any custom destination as per your wish. However, be sure to pre-inform your guide about it.
The guide accompanying you will be experienced. S/He will also be fluent in English. If you have any questions, feel free to ask it to your guide. Your guide will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.
Some areas in the durbar squares are not allowed to be photographed. Follow your guide’s instructions. There will also be signs and warnings about it. So, be aware of such signs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the durbar squares traffic-free?
Both Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is important to preserve such historical sites. These places are important touristic sites and hence needs to be preserved. These areas have to be clean and not too crowded. Both of the durbar squares are not completely traffic-free. However, the immediate areas of the durbar squares are traffic-free.
What is the best season for Bhaktapur and Patan Sightseeing Tour?
The best seasons to visit Nepal are during spring and autumn. Spring season begins in the month of March and lasts until May. Autumn begins from September and continues until the December. These two seasons offer pleasant weather. So, spring and autumn are the best seasons for Patan and Bhaktapur Sightseeing tour.
What kind of vehicle will be using for this journey?
The sightseeing tour will be conducted in a private car or van. We can either go for a 36-seater or a smaller 21-seater vehicle as per the number of people in your group, Since the immediate areas of the durbar square are traffic-free, you will have to walk for the most part of the sightseeing tour.
Where can I buy souvenirs in Bhaktapur and Patan?
There are many handicraft shops along the streets of Bhaktapur and Patan. These handicrafts range from puppets to hand-woven bags. In the Patan Durbar Square. You can ask your guide to take you to some good places to shop for souvenirs during the sightseeing tour. As you have to visit both of the cities in a single day, the schedule may get tight. So, you can request your guide to take you to specific places for buying souvenirs beforehand.
