A day tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square can be a wonderful experience, as both these places are rich in cultural heritage and historical significance. Here is how we will do the day trip:
Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours (including travel time from Kathmandu)
Morning: Depart from Kathmandu (Please mention your hotel name)
9:30 AM: Start your day early to make the most of your time. Depart from your accommodation in Kathmandu and head towards Bhaktapur. The drive can take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
10:00 AM: Arrive at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the three medieval palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Purchase your entrance ticket and start your exploration.
Take a leisurely walk around the square, admiring the exquisite architecture, intricate wood carvings, and traditional Newari craftsmanship.
Visit the major attractions within the square, including the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and Bhairavnath Temple.
Don’t miss the Golden Gate, which leads into the courtyard of the Palace of 55 Windows. It’s a stunning example of Newari metalwork.
Lunch:
1:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Newari lunch at a local restaurant in Bhaktapur. Newari cuisine is known for its unique flavors and variety of dishes.
Afternoon: Travel to Patan
2:00 PM: Depart from Bhaktapur and head towards Patan Durbar Square. The drive to Patan takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
Patan Durbar Square:
2:30 PM: Arrive at Patan Durbar Square and purchase your entrance ticket.
Explore the intricately designed temples, palaces, and courtyards that showcase Newari architecture at its finest.
Visit the Krishna Mandir, a stunning stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, and Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, also known as the Golden Temple.
Take a walk through the narrow lanes of Patan to discover hidden gems like traditional Newari houses and local workshops.
Patan Museum:
3:30 PM: If time permits and you’re interested in art and history, consider visiting the Patan Museum, which is just a short walk from Durbar Square. The museum houses a remarkable collection of art, sculptures, and artifacts from various periods of Nepal’s history.
Evening: Return to Kathmandu
4:00 PM: Start heading back to Kathmandu, which should take around 30 minutes to an hour.
Note: The above time is approximate. The time can be different depending on the traffic and the time you spend in each location.