Patan and Bhaktapur Boutique Tour from Kathmandu

 We will meet at West Gate of Kathmandu Guest House. KGH will be our meeting point for thamel and then we will head towards Patan to start the tour from Patan Dhoka.

Our tour begins at Patan Dhoka, the historic gate that marks the entrance to the ancient city of Patan. The gate is beautifully decorated with paintings of the Asta Matrika, or the eight mother goddesses. From here, we’ll take a leisurely walk through narrow alleys, where you’ll discover the rich history of the area while observing the daily life of the locals

At Pimbahal, we’ll step back in time to see how ancient tourists, pilgrims, and traders cooked their food, fetched water, and rested. You’ll also hear the fascinating story of Gaya Baje, a Hindu priest, and learn about the Buddhist king who built 84,000 stupas with Buddha’s relics. This is a place where different faiths have coexisted for centuries. After exploring Pimbahal, we’ll head toward Nagbahal, wandering through its many courtyards, both large and small, to uncover more of its history.

Nagbahal is a special courtyard dedicated to serpents, where the grand festival of Samyak Mahadan, a celebration of giving, takes place every five years. After exploring this fascinating site, we’ll continue our journey toward the Golden Temple.

The Golden Temple in Patan is a magnificent three-story pagoda adorned with a gilded roof and intricate carvings. Dedicated to Gautam Buddha, this serene sanctuary offers a unique blend of history, worship, and tranquility.

The temple is steeped in fascinating legends, including one about a king who dreamt of a golden mouse, leading to the temple's creation. Another unique tradition is the temple's young priests, all under the age of 12, who perform sacred rites. Next, we’ll head towards the historic royal palace area.

Manga Hiti, also known as Manga Dhara, is a historic stone water spout in the heart of Lalitpur (Patan), Nepal, built during the Lichhavi period. It features beautiful carvings of gods and intricate designs, showcasing traditional Nepali craftsmanship.

Once a vital water source, it was also a place for community gatherings. The spout is part of an old water system that used underground canals and gravity to bring water from nearby sources. Today, it still serves as a reminder of Lalitpur’s rich history and connection to nature. Next we will head toward Patan Museum.

Patan Museum, is a beautiful place that celebrates Nepal’s rich art, culture, and history. It is housed in a restored Malla-era palace, which itself is a stunning example of traditional Nepali architecture.

The museum showcases amazing sculptures, wood carvings, and artifacts from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Many of these pieces are centuries old, offering a glimpse into the region’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

One of the most peaceful spots in the museum is its lovely courtyard, where visitors can relax and soak in the traditional design. The displays are thoughtfully arranged with clear explanations, making it easy to understand the history and meaning behind each artifact.

Patan Museum is not just about its collection—it’s also about the experience of walking through its beautifully carved doors and windows and feeling the connection to Nepal’s past. It’s considered one of the best-managed museums in South Asia and a must-visit for anyone interested in Nepal’s culture and history.

Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautiful reflection of Newar art and culture. Once the royal palace of the Malla kings, it is filled with intricately carved temples, peaceful courtyards, and historic buildings.

Visitors can admire landmarks like the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Mulchowk, Sundari Chowk, which features a stunning stone bath. The square is not just a historical site but also a lively place where art, history, and everyday life come together, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich heritage.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects Nepal's rich history and culture. Known for its traditional Newar architecture, the square is home to ancient temples, charming courtyards, and the historic royal palace.

Highlights include the 55-Window Palace, the impressive Temples like Taleju, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Dwarika, Jagannath, Vatsala, Pumpkin God, and the intricately designed Golden Gate, Golden Fountain, beautiful heritage buildings from past which servrs as supreme court and other administrative body. With its peaceful atmosphere and timeless beauty, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a wonderful place to experience Nepal’s art and heritage. Then we will pass through the alley towards the pottery square filled with local art and crafts.

Pottery Square, is a lively and unique area famous for its traditional pottery-making. The square is filled with local artisans creating and selling handmade clay pottery, offering visitors a glimpse into this ancient craft that has been passed down for generations.

As you walk through the square, you'll see rows of drying pottery, from simple pots to beautifully decorated items. The area’s vibrant atmosphere and the skill of the potters make it a fascinating place to visit. It’s also a great spot to learn about the pottery-making process. Another stop would be the Nyatapol square.

Taumadi Square, is known for the impressive five-story Nyatapola Temple, one of the tallest and most beautiful temples in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi and features stunning carvings and statues of guardians at its entrance.

Nearby is the Bhairab Temple, dedicated to the fearsome deity Bhairab, adding to the square’s spiritual significance. The square also hosts a large chariot, which is used during festivals, making it a vibrant and important cultural hub in Bhaktapur. Slowly moving towards Dattatraye square.

Dattatraya Square, is home to the historic Dattatraya Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god who embodies the unity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The square is also famous for the beautiful Peacock Window, a masterpiece of intricate wood carving.

Nearby, you can visit a traditional wood-working area where artisans continue the centuries-old craft of carving and crafting wood into stunning designs, adding to the rich cultural atmosphere of the square. We will also taste the famous yogurt, Juju Dhau, often called the "king's yogurt," a local delicacy once made for royalty, adding a sweet touch to your visit.