City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square worth booking?
City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square is a 8-hour experience in Kathmandu, Nepal, from $110 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (22)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $110 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Pick up drop from hotel inside ring road including Boudha area.
- Professional guide
- Transport by private vehicle
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry Fee (~USD 20/30 PP)
What you'll see and do
Patan Durbar Square
This is a major destination on our tour, and you'll soon see why! Prepare to spend a few inspiring hours in Patan Durbar Square, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site globally renowned as the "City of Fine Arts." This is not just a historic site; it's a living, breathing Newari cultural hub. Your guide will lead you through a stunning concentration of architectural marvels, including the old Royal Palace, which now houses the world-class Patan Museum—a "must-see" for its collection of sacred art. We'll marvel at the intricate stone craftsmanship of the Krishna Mandir and soak in the atmosphere of its many other temples. You'll have time to watch local devotees in prayer, observe the daily activities of the community, and witness a culture that has thrived here for centuries. It's an unforgettable immersion into Nepal's artistic soul.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Patan Museum
This is an absolute "must-see" highlight of your Patan Durbar Square tour. Prepare to enter the Patan Museum, widely acclaimed as one of the finest museums in all of South Asia. The museum's setting is as stunning as its collection—it is housed within the meticulously restored former royal palace of the Malla kings. As you enter the magnificent Keshav Narayan Chowk courtyard, you'll be immersed in a masterpiece of Newari architecture. Inside, your guide will lead you through galleries filled with a priceless collection of sacred Hindu and Buddhist art. Marvel at the intricate cast-bronze statues and gleaming gilt-copper masterpieces, crafts for which Patan is famous. This is the definitive place to understand the deep history and artistic traditions of the Kathmandu Valley.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Durbar (Central) Square
Prepare to be captivated by the main event: Patan Durbar Square, the royal heart of the city and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Patan is a city of many wonders, this guided visit focuses on its magnificent central square, globally renowned as the 'City of Fine Arts.' This isn't just a historic site; it's an amazing opportunity to see living Newari culture and traditions in action. Your guide will lead you through a stunning concentration of temples and palaces, showing you the "must-see" highlights like the stone-carved Krishna Mandir and the world-class Patan Museum. This is an unforgettable immersion into Nepal's artistic soul.
Pass by without stopping
Krisnhna Mandir Temple (Chayasim Deval)
Prepare 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, a beloved incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Your guide will point out 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.
10 minutes here
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This guided visit takes you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site that many consider 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. Your guide will lead you 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.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
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. 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 (Sun Dhoka). Don't miss this essential stop.
15 minutes here
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. Your 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.
10 minutes here
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! Your 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.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Himalayan Planet Adventures
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Wonderful Four Days with Himalayan Planet Adventures
We spent four full days touring Kathmandu and the surrounding areas with Shanti, our guide, from Himalayan Planet Adventures, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Shanti was always punctual, meeting us at our hotel, and our driver was very kind. The car was impeccable and always had excellent air conditioning. Shanti is a very knowledgeable young woman with excellent English and a good accent. She taught us so much about Nepal’s history, architecture, culture and traditions, making every visit even more fascinating. We visited Patan on our first day, Kathmandu on the second, several interesting sites around the Kathmandu Valley on the third (Pashupatinath Temple), and Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the beautiful Changu Narayan Temple on the hills on our fourth day. Every day was fascinating and full of beautiful discoveries. Shanti was always pleasant, helpful and attentive. We also really appreciated how Himalayan Planet Adventures checked in with us at the end of each day to make sure everything was going well and that we were happy with our guide. It showed how professional and reliable the company is. We highly recommend Himalayan Planet Adventures and especially Shanti. She made our four days in Nepal truly memorable! Thank you!
Response from the operator: Hi Nadine, We sincerely appreciate your patronage and for sharing your feedback about the trip to Nepal. Your feedback is invaluable to our community as we continuously work towards enhancing our services. Thank you once again for your comment, and looking forward to provide you the same level of service again. We hope you have a wonderful time ahead. Namaste!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect way to take in the sites of Patan and Bukhatphur
Perfect way to see both Patan and Bukhatphur. The experience was well paced, taking in all the relevant sites. Tej was a great guide, good English speaking guide. The photographs Tej took were very much appreciated, going above what we expected- really nice touch.
Response from the operator: Hi Clair, We sincerely appreciate your patronage and for sharing your feedback about the trip to Nepal. Your feedback is invaluable to our community as we continuously work towards enhancing our services. Thank you once again for your comment, and looking forward to provide you the same level of service again. We hope you have a wonderful time ahead. Namaste!
via Viator
Amazing tour to Patan and Bhaktapur
I had the most amazing tour to the ancient cities of Patan and Bhaktapur today with Shanti, who’s been very kind, funny, and most of all very knowledgeable. These sites rank amongst the most impressive ancient places I’ve visited so far in Asia, and they really deserve to be part of the UNESCO world heritage. Thank you Shanti for this memorable day!
Response from the operator: Hi Helder, Thank you for selecting us as your local operator for Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square tour and glad to know our guide Shanti were able to offering you good service and information about the trip. Thank you once again for sharing your review here and we will be pleased to offer you next time for longer itinerary in Nepal.
via Tripadvisor
Day of temples!
Thoroughly recommend this tour. My guide Kabita was super knowledgable in explaining everything we saw. Definitely recommend!
Response from the operator: Hi Charlotte, Thank you very much for booking a trip with us. Glad to know that our guide Kabita offered your good service and information about the trip. Have a nice time ahead!
via Viator
Do not recommend.
We booked this tour through Viator with Himalayan Planet Adventures. Unfortunately, our tour guide (Som) was not up to par. His English was very poor. We did not understand him at all and had to ask him to repeat himself numerous times. After a while we gave up and just smiled and nodded. We missed a large part of the areas´ descriptions which I am sure would have made for a more enjoyable tour if the guide had spoken better English. Unlike other tours we took, this one had a small car and no water was offered during the three/four hours of the tour. Do not recommend.
Response from the operator: Hi Telsiea, Thank you very much for sharing your experience and sorry to hear that our guide was not able to make you informative trip during you visit. Most of the guide in are office are well trained and everyone doing a great job that you can read other feedback here. But in your case we do apology for discomfort your trip and it happened and we can not compliment any trip now. We definitely try to improve his language and behavior in coming days and will provide necessary trainings. We respect your feedback as well as working right of the employee. If you visit again we definitely provide you better guide. Thank you once again for showing our weakness and have a great time. Namaste!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $110 to $130
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Himalayan Planet Adventures, who run 29 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.6.
See everything Himalayan Planet Adventures runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kathmandu.
How much does City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square cost?
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Prices start at $110 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kathmandu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kathmandu is not rushed.
Is City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kathmandu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square?
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Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kathmandu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kathmandu and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kathmandu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kathmandu?
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On Outty we rank every Kathmandu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kathmandu Sightseeing | UNESCO World Heritage sites Private/Group, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek: Private Group & Discounte Price. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square?
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Included: Pick up drop from hotel inside ring road including Boudha area; Professional guide; and Transport by private vehicle. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Entry Fee (~USD 20/30 PP). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1052 listed pickup locations in and around Kathmandu. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kathmandu. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square?
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Across 22 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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