Overview
Kathmandu-Patan & Bhaktapur cities tour, a pleasant and delightful guided tour around ancient temples, monasteries, and old palaces. Kathmandu and its three beautiful cities, although semi-modern urban still retain their old-time glories.
Kathmandu, the capital and commercial hub of Nepal steeped with ancient historical and religious monuments of great cultural interest.
The valley of Kathmandu is surrounded by tiers of green hills with a majestic Himalayan snow mountain range in the north. Once a Himalayan kingdom for the last three decades, at present a Republic Nation with Multi-Party Democracy. An amazing city amidst a green valley, with ancient shrines and monuments right in the heart of the city. At one time the valley was a huge lake the legendry story belief is that Manjushree is God.
They came from China and Tibet and with their mighty sliced the southern hill and drained the lake. At present known as the Chobar gorge where the Bagmati River flows downstream towards the southern area of the country.
Kathmandu was also known by its ancient name Kantipur, found in 723 AD by Raja Gunakamadeva during the Gupta period. Ruled by the various monarch from Lichavi, and Malla to the late Shah Dynasty, where visitors can witness all these historical places. Kathmandu valley with three major kingdoms at present a separate district with Kathmandu, Patan / Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
The other city within the valley is Patan also known as Lalitpur, which means a city of fine arts and crafts. Located south of Kathmandu city, history shows that Patan was founded by King Varadeva in the 299 Century. But the city actually came into existence in 1627 AD during the reign of Siddhi Narsingh Malla.
Patan is a blend of the modern and old city with a huge Durbar Square Royal courtyard, with many historical and religious monuments. An enjoyable and exciting place full of beautiful architectural wonders.
Tour extends to the next old city of Bhaktapur, located beyond the east of Kathmandu and Patan, perched on a hillside. Bhaktapur city reminds you of the medieval period, the city was founded in the 12th century by King Anand Dev Malla. At one time remained the capital Malla kingdom of Kathmandu valley till the end of 15thCentury AD.
Entering Bhaktapur city is like being in a living museum with its fine arts and masterpieces work of architecture. A wonderful experience to observe the local culture and customs of age-old heritage that still exist in daily practice.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel:
On arrival at Kathmandu airport received by our guide and staff for a short transfer to your hotel, after checking into your lovely rooms got refreshed.
The guide will provide a briefing regarding the tour and your stay in Nepal. Evening welcome dinner in a nice Nepalese restaurant with an introduction to local meals, as well as a Folk cultural program.
Day 2 : Full-day tour of Kathmandu around world heritage sites:
Depart from the hotel after a good breakfast, a guide will receive you for a short drive to the inner part of Kathmandu city. A short walk takes you amidst a lively square in the Old Durbar Palace courtyard, steeped with historical temples. Around the palace and royal courtyard of the Malla kingdom regime to the late Shah Dynasty.
The Malla Dynasty ruling Kshatriya dynasty ruled Kathmandu Valley and some parts of Nepal from 1201 to 1779 AD.
Places to visit around old Durbar Square:
Hanuman Dhoka or Durbar Square is the historic throne of the Nepalese Royalty. The square, furnished with old temples, and the royal palace, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people.
This is the spot where the late Kings of Nepal were crowned. Taleju Temple was built by King Mahendra Malla in 1,549 A.D.The gigantic figure of KalBhairav, the God of Destruction.
Basantpur Durbar or Nautalle Durbar was built by King Prithivi Narayan Shah.
Coronation Platform (Nasal Chok ).
Hall of Public audience (GaddiBaithak)
Statue of King Pratap Malla-Big Bell-big Drums and Jaganath Temple.
An interesting part of the tour visit of Kumari Ghar, the living Goddess.
The temple residence of the Living Goddess; Kumari stands in the vicinity of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace: The building has many carved wooden balconies and windows screens.
It was built by Jaya Prakash Malla, the last Malla King of Kathmandu. The Kumari Goddess is also known as the virgin Goddess. The virgin little girls were chosen from the Newar tribe of the Sakya caste having no marks or injuries. When she achieves puberty she is replaced by another Kumari.
From Durbar Square next visit takes you on a short drive west of the city to old Swayambhunath Stupa. A dome-shaped Buddhist Stupa, the famous landmark of the country with a history of more than 2,600 years old, is also popularly known as the "Monkey Temple" due to the large number of monkey that resides around a small forest that surrounds the stupa. The stupa with a lofty conical spire is topped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sides are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Swambhunath stands 3 k.m. west of Kathmandu city, perched on a hillock above the valley. The hill is a mosaic of small Stupas and pagodas temples. Here one can enjoy a grand view of Kathmandu city with the snow-capped mountain range towards the north on a clear fine day.
After a lovely time at Swayambhunath short drive heading east of the city to the famous Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Situated 5 k.m. from the main city, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, of a two-tiered golden pagoda roofed with four silver doors. This holy spot is the center of the annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivaratri the birth anniversary of Lord Shiva.
Pashupatinath Temple is a short drive northeast of Buddhist areas at Bouddhanath. A large colossal ancient stupa; one of the biggest around the world with the wonderful All-Seeing Eyes of Lord Buddha. The stupa was built by Lichchhavi King Mana Dev in 5th A.D. Built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels.
The area around Bouddhanath square is surrounded by monasteries and markets, the area is also called Little Tibet, due to a large number of local people with a background of Tibetan origin. Enjoy lunch in one of the best restaurants with close views of Bouddhanath Stupa, having lunch ends the marvelous Kathmandu World Heritage Sites Day Tour.
Day 3 : Tour of Patan-Lalitpur Durbar square and places of interest:
Another exciting day tour of Patan, Lalitpur city, depart from the hotel our guide takes you for a short drive south of Kathmandu city. Patan / Lalitpur city and a district within the valley, separated by a bridge above the Bagmati River.
At Patan / Lalitpur visit the Old Durbar Square steeped with ancient temples and a palace with a royal courtyard of the Malla period regime. The Malla Dynasty King Vera Deva established the kingdom in Patan around 299 AD. Places to visit around Patan and old Durbar Square:
Krishna Temple:
One of the main highlights of Patan is the Hindu temple of Lord Krishna built in the 17th Century. Regarded as the first constructed monument in Shikara architecture.
Stands in a commanding position in durbar square, the magnificent Shikara-style temple is one of the gems of Nepal. The temple is compared with the sacred Mount Meru, the abode of Lord Shiva in the Hindu scriptures. A five-storied pagoda-style temple of Lord Shiva was built by King Jayasthiti Malla. Within the temple premises flows a natural spring, believed that the source flows from the holy glacial Lake of Gosainkunda. The temple’s golden work added in
1422 A.D. On the festival of Janai Purnima, all Nepalese pay homage to ritual bathing and worship the religious festival held during August, as per the Hindu calendar.
Jagat Narayan Temple:
Within Durbar Square stands Jagat Narayan a tall Shikara-style temple of Lord Vishnu. Close to the temple towers a magnificent statue of Garuda the vehicle of God Vishnu related to Hindu religion and mythology.
Rudra Varna Maha Vihar:
A monastery of the Hinayana Buddhism sect holds an ancient collection of Buddha and other great Gurus images and idols. Legend holds that Kings in ancient times were crowned in this monastery.
Mahaboudha. The Buddhist temple of Mahaboudha, built with clay bricks, is situated east of Durbar Square. Here witness hundreds of Buddha images engraved on the bricks. The temple is renowned for fine work of its fine terra-cotta work. after an hour or more tour Patan Durbar Square around the Palace courtyard, and drive towards the east to Bhaktapur city.
Around Patan / Lalitpur city one can extend for an extra day or more to visit other exciting places of great cultural and heritage interest.
Day 4 : Full-day tour of Bhaktapur city and its world heritage sites:
The next and last day tour around Kathmandu takes you towards the east of Kathmandu valley. A drive of less than an hour, as the walk takes you to the heart of Bhaktapur city walk into magnificent Durbar Square, Nepal’s largest royal courtyard.
Places to visit around Bhaktapur and Durbar Square. The Durbar Square of Bhaktapur, one of the world's best Heritage Sites reflects the rich culture of the local Newar people. The Newar an indigenous tribe that dominates the valley and three cities Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Witness the art and architectural design that adorns the central setting of the city with amazing architectural monuments and the unique work of craftsmanship.
Within the square observe the famous golden gate, an entrance that leads to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows; this beautiful golden gate is regarded as the world's most magnificent richly carved specimen of its kind.
The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery:
The Art Gallery, located on the same side around Bhaktapur Durbar Square treasures rare paintings and manuscripts. Painted covers and illustrations are the most valuable treasures in this museum. Includes brass, bronze, stone, and wooden images of medieval traditional arts of Nepal.
Bhairavnath Temple:
This wonderful pagoda was built during the King Jagat Jyoti Malla period, later added into a three-storied pagoda roofed in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupindra Malla. The temple stands for its artistic glory and majesty, dedicated to Lord Bhairab - the god of terror one of many manifestations of Lord Shiva.
Nytapola Temple:
Close to the Durbar complex is another small Square where the majestic Nytapola Temple is located. The pride and famous landmark of Bhaktapur city and as well of the country, the name mean a five-storied temple.
Stands 30 meters high, the tallest temple of Kathmandu valley it was built by King Bhupindra Malla in 1708 AD. Every five terraces represent a pair of images, starting from the bottom stands a figure of wrestlers, an elephant, a lion, griffins, and goddesses.
Dattatreya Temple:
The temple is said to have been built in 1427 AD, from the wood of a single tree, and visit a monastery, walk around the alley facing exquisitely carved peacock windows close to the temple complex.
Pottery square and market:
Bhaktapur with two main pottery-making areas, the first one at Suryamadhi east of Dattarya Temple square. The oldest traditional pottery area and the other is near Nytapola Square at Talako’s Potter’s compound.
The walk leads to lovely old streets of great cultural interest and exciting markets, witnessing the pottery making in a traditional way of age-old heritage craftsmanship.
From Bhaktapur, our marvelous and fascinating Patan & Bhaktapur Cultural Heritage Sites Day Tour completes having time for lunch, in one of its nice restaurants of international standard with a comprehensive food menu. After an enjoyable tour of Bhaktapur city, return back to your hotel after a wonderful historical and cultural tour around Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
Day 5 : International Departure homeward bound:
Final departure for homeward bound, as per the time for international departure our staff transfers you to the airport, after a memorable experience in Nepal with an exciting tour of its fascinating interesting world heritage sites.
