Bhaktapur (District)

Culture & History

Patan and Bhaktapur were separate kingdoms in early times and are filled with age-old palaces, temples, shrines, monasteries, and courtyards. These two medieval cities boast otherworldly views and extensive historical centers, and are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Patan Durbar Square, the main attraction, comes equipped with a museum, palaces, Hindu temples, and ancient courtyards, whereas Bhaktapur, about 12 km from Kathmandu city, has retained its medieval spirit.   Within the centuries-old atmosphere of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, find Nyathapole Temple, Golden Gate, 55 Window Palace, and a fascinating museum. Enjoy a pleasant drive back to your accommodation.

On this full day trip from Kathmandu, explore the city of Bhaktapur and the village of Panauti. The tour begins with sightseeing at Panauti village, a historical Newari town which is around 32 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu on the confluence of the Rosi and Punyamati rivers. In Nepali society, such rivers are considered to be sacred. Panauti, once a major trading center with its own royal palace, today consists of a variety of Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments, and is considered to be one of the area's most important medieval sites. Panauti is one of the oldest towns in Nepal, with many temples dating back to the 15th Century or earlier. Visit the Indreshwar Temple, one of the largest and tallest pagoda style temples in Nepal dating back to 13 century. Next, visit Brahmayani Temple, another important monument constructed in the 17th century to honor Brahmayani, the goddess of the town. Stroll around the complex and admire the beauty of the historic architecture, and watch the locals paying respect to their idols. Finally, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculptures, woodcarvings and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. Witness a unique culture here, and admire some of the finest displays of craftsmanship. Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal that has remained untouched by western culture. 

Witness the best sunrise in Kathmandu and immerse yourself in Nepalese culture on this full-day tour. Start your excursion before dawn as you rise early to watch the spectacular Himalayan sunrise from Nagarkot. Have breakfast at a hilltop resort before heading to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. In Bhaktapur, where time stands still, enjoy a guided tour through its narrow brick-paved streets. Immerse yourself in the village's centuries-old beliefs and traditions that provide hidden treasures around every corner. Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere of Bhaktapur. Admire the woodcarvings, pottery, and cloth weavings for which the village is renowned before heading for lunch. Afterwards, get dropped off back at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Bhaktapur, known for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. Meet the local Newari community and learn about their culture and customs. Admire the incredible architecture of the palaces and temples around Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Get picked up form your accommodation in Kathmandu and drive for about an hour to Bhaktapur. Discover Bhaktapur Durbar Square with your experienced guide, who will tell you the history of the 30 meter tall Naytpola Temple, the 55 Window Palace, and more of what you see in the old city. Admire the 55 Window Palace with its unique architectural design and beautiful details on the handcrafted wooden windows and doors. Meet the Newar community living here and learn about their culture and traditions.

Get picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu and head straight to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Explore this incredibly diverse and historic city with your expert guide and take some time to marvel at the breathtaking Newari architecture of the Kumari Temple and Taleju Bhawani Temple. Then travel 13 kilometers east to the city of Bhaktapur where you can see the world-famous Golden Gate of Bhaktapur for yourself. Wander through massive royal courtyards and admire some fine displays of craftsmanship in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Finally, visit Patan, also known as the City of Beauty, and experience its unique Durbar Square where you can visit the museum famous for its traditional sacred Nepalese art pieces. Sample some traditional cuisine here and experience the hospitable nature of the locals. At the end of your tour, get dropped off back at your hotel just in time for dinner.

Visit the most important historical, cultural, and religious sites in the countryside around Kathmandu. Visit Nagarkot and capture its stunning views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest at sunrise and sunset. Day 1 Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport and take a transfer to the hotel. Participate in an orientation program at 5:00 PM. In the evening, socialize at a welcome dinner and spend the night at the Himalayan Suite Hotel. Day 2 After breakfast, venture off on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu in a private vehicle. See attractions such as Swaymbhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Patan Durbar Square. Spend your second night at the Himalayan Suite Hotel. Day 3 Have breakfast and drive to Bhaktapur, around an hour-long drive. Enjoy sightseeing in the oldest city in Nepal for around 2 hours. Then drive to Nagarkot to see breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. Nagarkot is one of the best places to enjoy the sunrise, sunset, and stunning views of the mountains of eastern Nepal, including Mount Everest. Spend the night at Hotel Himalayan Villa. Day 4 Enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas early in the morning. Have breakfast and drive back to Kathmandu at around 10:00 AM. Relax during some free time in Kathmandu and roam around Thamel in the evening. Spend the night at the Himalayan Suite Hotel. Day 5 Your trip ends after breakfast at 8:00 AM. After your meal, you will be transferred to the airport or your desired address.

Receive a wonderful introduction to the history, culture, and heritage of Nepal on a 5-day tour of the Kathmandu Valley. The tour is designed for those who want a more leisurely holiday with enough time to take in the rich cultural heritage Nepal provides. Start the tour with your arrival in Kathmandu with a meet and greet with your guide and transfer to your hotel. The next day, begin your sightseeing by taking the 8-mile drive outside of the city to Bhaktapur, also known as Khwopa. Then, drive to Nagarkot - a village at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley with exceptional views of the Himalayas. Discover how Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by 7 groups of monuments and buildings: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu (Hanuman Dhoka), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and the Hindu temples Pashupati Nath and Changu Narayan.  On day 3, continue sightseeing in Nagarkot then head off to the ancient religious city of Kritipur. Return to Kathmandu in the evening. The next day, continue sightseeing in the city with another overnight stay. On the final day, check-out of your hotel where the tour will end.

Spend the day exploring the culture and history of Bhaktapur on a small-group tour that takes off from Kathmandu. Spot the city’s ancient temples, stop at historic squares, and visit an art gallery with a local guide. Bhaktapur, a World Heritage Site, is known variously as the city of culture. Despite being just 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Bhaktapur gives the feeling of prehistoric times thanks to the traditional homes, lifestyles, and environment. Get to know the elegant art, rich culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances, and indigenous lifestyle of the Newari community while exploring this ancient city. Visit the following places during the tour: • Bhaktapur Durbar Square • Golden Gate • Nyatapole Temple • Bhairabnath Temple • National Art Gallery • Pottery Square • Char Dham Temple • Dattatreya Temple • Taleju Bell • Changunarayan Temple

Tackle the popular Chisapani to Nagarkot trek. Experience great views and peaceful mountain paths, as well as beautiful jungles, waterfalls and wild flowers. Day 1 Arrive at Kathmandu airport and be transferred to your hotel. If you are already in Kathmandu, the pickup can be arranged from anywhere in Kathmandu. In the evening, attend the orientation meeting and welcome dinner. Overnight at Himalayan Suite Hotel.  Day 2 Drive to Sundarijal by car and trek for 3-4 hours to Chisapani. Chisapani offers you a broad view of the Himalayas. Overnight at trekking lodge.  Day 3 Hike for 6-7 hours from Chisapani to Nagarkot. Once in Nagarkot, admire the sunset and stunning views of the mountains of eastern Nepal, including Mt. Everest. Overnight at Hotel Himalayan Villa.  Day 4 You'll be transferred from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur via the Changu Narayan temple. Enjoy a sight-seeing tour in Bhaktapur and drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Himalayan Suite Home. Day 5 After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your departure.

You will begin with breakfast at 8:00AM in the morning. From there your friendly guide will pick you up from your hotel in Thamel or Kathmandu, and following a one-hour drive you will reach the Changu Narayan Temple. The Changu Narayan Temple gives you the opportunity to learn a lot about Nepalese culture. You will also encounter old-style houses, and will learn about the lifestyle around Changu Narayan. Following that, take a 4-hour hike from the Changu Narayan Temple to Nagarkot, the place from where the Himalayas appear like white diamonds. You can also check out the incredible views over Langtang, Shisapangma, Mount Everest, and Gauri Shankar from this location. Your guide will help you to learn more about the beautiful Changu Narayan Temple, along with Nagarkot. Your tour will later end after around 8-9 hours, at which point you will be returned back to your hotel to rest.