• Kathmandu Durbar Square - Begin your journey into Nepal’s royal past with a convenient hotel pickup. You’ll be taken directly to the lively, ancient core of the old city: Kathmandu Durbar Square, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Get ready to be enveloped by a living museum of magnificent pagoda temples, historic palaces, and intricate wood carvings that have endured through the ages.

The “must-see” highlight of this tour is a guided visit to the Kumari Ghar (Palace of the Living Goddess). This sacred, beautifully carved courtyard is home to the Kumari, a young girl revered as the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju. Your guide will explain this unique, world-renowned tradition, and with some luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the goddess herself at her window.

• Hanuman Dhoka - Dive into the heart of Nepal’s royal history with a guided tour of Hanuman Dhoka. This isn’t just any part of Kathmandu Durbar Square—it’s the historic Royal Palace complex itself, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your tour starts at the palace’s main entrance, the “Hanuman Gate” (or dhoka), famously guarded by a striking, red-cloaked statue of the monkey god Hanuman, protector of the palace.

Your guide will lead you through this magnificent maze of palaces, temples, and courtyards (chowks). You’ll be amazed by the intricate Newari wood carvings and pass by museums that now house the treasures of Nepal’s Malla and Shah kings. This is the historic epicenter of old Kathmandu—an essential stop on your tour.

• Kumari Chowk - Get ready for one of the most unique cultural experiences in the world. This guided visit takes you inside Kumari Chowk, the sacred courtyard and residence of the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists as the “Living Goddess.”

Located in the heart of the Kathmandu Durbar Square UNESCO World Heritage site, this 18th-century palace is a masterpiece of Newari architecture. Your guide will highlight the exquisitely carved windows and stunning wooden details that make this one of the most beautiful courtyards in Nepal.

This is not a museum; it is a living, sacred home. While photographs of the goddess are forbidden, you will wait in the courtyard for the chance of a truly special moment: a rare public appearance of the Living Goddess as she briefly greets devotees from her window. It’s an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Kathmandu.

• Kala Bairav - Prepare to be amazed by one of the most powerful and impressive attractions in the Kathmandu Durbar Square UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the massive, open-air statue of Kala Bhairav, the “Black Terror” or “Anger God.”

This 17th-century masterpiece, carved from a single giant stone, depicts the fearsome, destructive incarnation of the Hindu god Lord Shiva. You will see him trampling a demon, adorned with a garland of skulls.

This is not just a statue; it’s a living shrine and a “must-see” highlight. For centuries, this deity has been revered as the supreme judge (people once swore oaths of truth before it) and the divine protector of the entire royal palace complex. Your guide will explain its fascinating, and sometimes terrifying, history.

• Patan Durbar Square - This is a major highlight of your tour! Get ready to be amazed by Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the royal heart of the ancient city of Lalitpur, famously known as the “City of Fine Arts.”

This square is an open-air museum of magnificent Newari architecture. Your guide will lead you through a dense concentration of the finest temples, palaces, and courtyards in Nepal.

Key “Must-See” Highlights:

The Krishna Mandir: A 17th-century architectural masterpiece, unique for being built entirely of stone. Its walls are carved with the epic stories of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

The Patan Museum: Housed within the former royal palace, this is one of South Asia’s finest museums, showcasing exquisite bronze statues and sacred Hindu and Buddhist art.

The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar): Just a short walk away, this stunning, gilded 12th-century Buddhist monastery is a true hidden gem.

This is where Nepal’s royal history and artistic heritage truly come to life.

• Durbar (Central) Square - Get ready to step into Nepal’s artistic heart. This guided visit takes you to Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient royal center of Lalitpur, globally renowned as the “City of Fine Arts.”

This single square boasts the most stunning concentration of Newari architecture in the valley. Forget vague tours of “temples and palaces”; we will show you the masterpieces. Your guide will lead you through the former Royal Palace complex, now home to the world-class Patan Museum with its priceless bronze statues.

• Patan Museum - This is an absolute “must-see” highlight of your Patan Durbar Square visit. Get ready to explore the Patan Museum, widely acclaimed as one of the finest and most beautiful museums in all of South Asia.

The museum itself is a masterpiece, housed within the stunningly restored Keshav Narayan Chowk, a former royal palace in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Follow your expert guide through serene, gilded courtyards and into galleries filled with a priceless collection of sacred art. You’ll discover the deep history and meaning behind intricate cast-bronze statues and gleaming gilt-copper masterpieces of Hindu and Buddhist deities. This is the definitive place to witness the rich artistic and cultural traditions of Nepal’s Malla

• Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) - Discover one of the most magnificent hidden gems in the Kathmandu Valley. This guided visit takes you to Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, famously known as “The Golden Temple.” Located just north of Patan’s main Durbar Square, this 12th-century Buddhist monastery is a breathtaking masterpiece of Newari architecture.

As you pass through its unassuming stone gateway, you’ll enter a stunning courtyard. The entire facade of the main temple is covered in gleaming, gilded copper plates, which gives the monastery its famous nickname and offers an unparalleled photo opportunity.

This is not just a monument; it’s a living, breathing center for local Newari Buddhism. Your guide will point out the intricate details, from the elaborate prayer wheels and sacred statues of Shakyamuni Buddha to the resident monks who still practice their ancient rituals. This is an essential stop to see Patan’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage up close.

• Krisnhna Mandir Temple (Chayasim Deval) - Get ready to witness an architectural marvel in the heart of Patan Durbar Square. This is the magnificent Krishna Mandir, a “must-see” highlight of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unlike the surrounding Newari pagoda temples, this 17th-century masterpiece is built entirely of grey stone in the intricate Indian Shikhara style, making it one of the most unique and beautiful temples in Nepal. It is a revered center of Hindu worship, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Your guide will point out its most famous feature: the stunning, stone-carved friezes. The first-floor beams vividly depict the epic battles of the Mahabharata, while the second floor illustrates the story of the Ramayana. It’s a true masterpiece of sacred art and a perfect spot for stunning photographs.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Get ready to be transported back in time. This guided visit takes you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site that many travelers consider the grandest and best-preserved of the Kathmandu Valley’s three royal cities.

This is not just a square; it’s a “living museum.” As you step onto the ancient brick-paved streets, you’ll be immersed in a world of timeless Newari art and architecture.

Your guide will lead you to its world-famous treasures, including the iconic 55-Window Palace, the breathtakingly intricate Golden Gate, and the nearby Nyatapola Temple—Nepal’s towering five-story pagoda. This is a “must-see” highlight, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Nepal’s medieval golden age.

• Pottery Square - This is an unforgettable, “must-see” cultural highlight of your Bhaktapur visit! Step into the vibrant Pottery Square (Kumha Tole), a living, breathing workshop where the ancient Newari craft of pottery has been perfected for generations.

This isn’t just a place to watch—it’s an interactive experience. You’ll see master artisans from the local Prajapati community at their traditional wheels, skillfully shaping wet black clay into masterpieces. The entire square is a photogenic marvel, filled with thousands of pots drying in the sun.

The best part? You get to join in. For a small fee paid directly to the artisans, you can sit at a potter’s wheel yourself. A local will guide you as you try your hand at spinning the wheel and making your own clay pot. It’s a fun, authentic, and hands-on way to connect with Nepal’s living history.

• Nyatapola Temple - Get ready to be awestruck by the undisputed icon of Bhaktapur: the magnificent Nyatapola Temple. This is the legendary “5-story temple” you’ve come to see, and it is the tallest pagoda in all of Nepal.

Dedicated to the powerful goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, this temple is a masterpiece of Newari engineering. Enjoy walking around its bustling courtyard and capturing photos of this breathtaking structure.

• Nyatapola - Located in the vibrant Taumadhi Square (right next to the main Durbar Square), this 18th-century architectural marvel, Nyatapola, is a “must-see” highlight of your UNESCO World Heritage tour.

Its most famous feature is the massive, five-level stone staircase that leads up to the temple. Your guide will point out the legendary pairs of guardian statues that flank the stairs—from mighty wrestlers and elephants to lions and griffins.

• 55 Window Palace - This is one of the undisputed masterpieces of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and a “must-see” highlight of your UNESCO World Heritage tour. The 55-Window Palace (Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar) is the most iconic symbol of the Malla dynasty’s golden age.

Built in the 17th century by King Bhupatindra Malla, this former royal palace is a triumph of Newari art. Your guide will draw your attention to its world-famous facade, which features a stunning, continuous row of fifty-five intricately carved wooden windows.

This is not just a building; it’s a legendary work of art. Each window is a unique masterpiece, showcasing the incredible skill of Newari artisans. This is one of the most famous and beautiful photo opportunities in all of Nepal, and it’s located right next to the magnificent Golden Gate. Don’t miss this essential stop.

• Dattatreya Temple - Don’t end your tour at the main Durbar Square! This guided walk takes you to the magnificent Dattatreya Square, an equally important and historic plaza that many visitors miss. This area is the “must-see” artisan heart of old Bhaktapur.

The square is dominated by the monumental Dattatreya Temple. Dating to 1427, this three-story pagoda is a masterpiece, famously said to have been built from the wood of a single tree. It’s also unique for being dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, the combined incarnation of the three supreme Hindu gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

This square isn’t just a temple; it’s a cultural hub. Your guide will also show you the nearby Woodcarving Museum and the world-famous Peacock Window, an icon of Newari art. This is an essential stop to fully experience Bhaktapur’s heritage.

• Professional guide
• Transfers in a private vehicle
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (for hotels in Kathmandu Valley)

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (for hotels outside Kathmandu Valley)
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Entry Fee (~USD 30 PP)

Embark on the ultimate one-day cultural journey into Nepal’s regal history. This exclusive 8-hour private tour, led by an expert guide, takes visitors to the three legendary kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, each a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Delve into the vibrant core of the ancient city, home to the Kumari (Living Goddess) and a stunning collection of temples and palaces.

Patan Durbar Square: Uncover the “City of Fine Arts,” a Newar architectural gem renowned for its stone Krishna Mandir and the exquisite Golden Temple.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Travel back in time in this remarkably preserved “living museum,” and admire the iconic 55-Window Palace and the five-story Nyatapola Temple.

Enjoy a comfortable journey while uncovering the stories behind the intricate wood carvings, sacred statues, and timeless traditions. This tour offers the ideal opportunity to explore the valley’s three royal cities in one unforgettable day.

• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• Please note that there has been significant damage to some of the sites visited on this tour due to the earthquakes in April and May 2015

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.