• Patan Durbar Square - This is a key highlight of the tour, and its allure will soon become evident! Anticipate spending a few inspiring hours at Patan Durbar Square, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated worldwide as the “City of Fine Arts.”

This is more than just a historical site; it’s a vibrant Newari cultural center. The guide will navigate through a remarkable collection of architectural wonders, including the ancient Royal Palace, now home to the esteemed Patan Museum—a “must-see” for its sacred art collection.

Marvel at the detailed stone artistry of the Krishna Mandir and absorb the ambiance of its numerous other temples. There will be time to observe local devotees in prayer, witness the community’s daily life, and experience a culture that has flourished here for centuries. It’s an unforgettable dive into Nepal’s artistic essence.

• Patan Museum - This is an essential “must-see” feature of the Patan Durbar Square tour. Get ready to explore the Patan Museum, highly regarded as one of South Asia’s finest museums.

The museum’s location is as impressive as its collection—it resides within the beautifully restored former royal palace of the Malla kings. Upon entering the splendid Keshav Narayan Chowk courtyard, you’ll be enveloped in a masterpiece of Newari architecture.

Inside, the guide will lead through galleries showcasing a priceless collection of sacred Hindu and Buddhist art. Admire the intricate cast-bronze statues and shining gilt-copper masterpieces, crafts for which Patan is renowned. This is the ultimate place to grasp the rich history and artistic traditions of the Kathmandu Valley.

• Durbar (Central) Square - Prepare to be enchanted by the main attraction: Patan Durbar Square, the royal core of the city and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Patan is a city of many marvels, this guided tour emphasizes its magnificent central square, globally recognized as the ‘City of Fine Arts.’

This isn’t merely a historical site; it’s a fantastic chance to observe living Newari culture and traditions. The guide will lead through a remarkable concentration of temples and palaces, highlighting the “must-see” features like the stone-carved Krishna Mandir and the world-class Patan Museum. This is an unforgettable dive into Nepal’s artistic essence.

• Krishna Mandir Temple (Chayasim Deval) - Get ready to witness an architectural wonder 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 constructed entirely of grey stone in the intricate Indian Shikhara style, making it one of Nepal’s most unique and beautiful temples. It is a revered Hindu worship center, dedicated to Lord Krishna, a beloved incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The guide will highlight its most famous feature: the stunning, stone-carved friezes on its pillars and beams. The first-floor beams vividly depict the epic battles of the Mahabharata, while the second floor illustrates the story of the Ramayana. Crowned by 21 golden pinnacles, this temple is a true masterpiece of sacred art and a perfect spot for stunning photographs.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square - This guided tour takes you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site considered by many as the largest, grandest, and most beautiful of the Kathmandu Valley’s three royal cities.

This is not just a single square but a sprawling “living museum” of Newari art and architecture. The guide will lead through its vast, brick-paved plazas to showcase its world-famous treasures.

“Must-See” Highlights Include:

The 55-Window Palace: Marvel at the former royal palace, renowned for its stunning, intricately carved wooden facade.

The Golden Gate: Stand before this breathtaking, gilded masterpiece, considered the most beautiful and richly molded specimen of its kind in the world.

Nyatapola Temple: (In the adjacent Taumadhi Square) Gaze up at the five-story pagoda, the tallest and most impressive in all of Nepal.

This is an essential, “must-see” heritage stop, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Nepal’s medieval golden age.

• 55 Window Palace - This is the undisputed masterpiece 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. The guide will draw 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 (Sun Dhoka). Don’t miss this essential stop.

• Nyatapola Temple - Prepare to be awestruck by the undisputed icon of Bhaktapur: the magnificent Nyatapola Temple. This is the legendary “5-story temple” (the meaning of its name) and it is the tallest pagoda in all of Nepal, soaring over 30 meters (100 ft) above Taumadhi Square.

This 18th-century architectural marvel is a “must-see” highlight of your UNESCO World Heritage tour. It’s renowned not just for its height, but for its perfect proportions and incredible strength, having survived centuries of earthquakes. The temple is dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, a powerful and mysterious tantric goddess.

Its most famous feature is the massive stone staircase. The guide will point out the five pairs of legendary guardian statues that line the ascent: from famous wrestlers and elephants to lions, griffins, and finally, the tiger and lion goddesses Baghini and Singhini. This is one of the most photographed and impressive sites in the entire Kathmandu Valley.

• Dattatreya Temple - This is a “must-see” highlight in Bhaktapur’s historic Dattatreya Square. This massive 15th-century pagoda is one of the oldest in the valley and a masterpiece of Newari craftsmanship.

According to famous legend, this entire three-story temple was built using the wood of a single tree! The guide will point out its exquisite carvings and explain its unique dedication to Lord Dattatreya—the combined incarnation of the three supreme Hindu gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off within ring road, including Boudha area
• Professional guide
• Transport by private vehicle

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Entry Fee (~USD 20 PP)

Love royal palaces? How about exotic temples? Then this is the perfect day excursion to see some of the finest of the ancient royal palaces of the Kathmandu Valley.

The adventure beings with the incredible city of Bhaktapur with its many temples, religious squares, and the royal palace. Then it is on to the city of Patan’s Durbar Square which features some incredible architecture. Here enjoy the Museum with its world-class collection of Newari art. The trip includes private car, guide, and all entry fees.

• 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.