3 Old Royal Durbar Square Tour in Kathmandu

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Kathmandu Durbar Square

  Your adventure into Nepal's royal history begins with a seamless pickup from your hotel. We'll transport you directly to the vibrant, ancient heart of the old city: Kathmandu Durbar Square, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prepare to be surrounded by a living museum of stunning pagoda temples, ancient palaces, and intricate wood carvings that have stood for centuries. The absolute "must-see" highlight of this tour is our guided visit to the Kumari Ghar (Palace of the Living Goddess). This sacred, beautifully carved courtyard is the residence of the Kumari, a young prepubescent girl revered as the living incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju. Your guide will explain this unique, world-famous tradition, and with luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the goddess herself at her window.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 2

  Step into the very heart of Nepal's royal history with a guided visit to Hanuman Dhoka. This is not just "some part" of the Kathmandu Durbar Square—it is the historic Royal Palace complex itself, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour begins at the palace's main entrance, the "Hanuman Gate" (or dhoka), which is famously guarded by a striking, red-cloaked statue of the monkey god Hanuman, a protector of the palace. Your guide will lead you inside this magnificent maze of palaces, temples, and courtyards (chowks). You'll marvel at the intricate Newari wood carvings, and pass by the museums that now house the treasures of Nepal's Malla and Shah kings. This is the historic epicenter of old Kathmandu—an essential stop on your tour.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Kumari Chowk

  Prepare for one of the most unique cultural encounters in the world. This guided visit takes you inside the Kumari Chowk, the sacred courtyard and residence of the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists as the "Living Goddess." Located in the heart of the Kathmandu Durbar Square UNESCO World Heritage site, this 18th-century palace is a masterpiece of Newari architecture. Your guide will point out the exquisitely carved windows and stunning wooden details that make this one of the most beautiful courtyards in Nepal. This is not a museum; it is a living, sacred home. While photographs of the goddess are forbidden, you will wait in the courtyard for the chance of a truly special moment: a rare public appearance of the Living Goddess as she briefly greets devotees from her window. It's an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Kathmandu.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 4

  Prepare to be awestruck by one of the most powerful and impressive attractions in the Kathmandu Durbar Square UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the massive, open-air statue of Kala Bhairav, the "Black Terror" or "Anger God." This 17th-century masterpiece, carved from a single giant stone, depicts the fearsome, destructive incarnation of the Hindu god Lord Shiva. You will see him trampling a demon, adorned with a garland of skulls. This is not just a statue; it's a living shrine and a "must-see" highlight. For centuries, this deity has been revered as the supreme judge (people once swore oaths of truth before it) and the divine protector of the entire royal palace complex. Your guide will explain its fascinating, and sometimes terrifying, history.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Patan Durbar Square

  This is a major highlight of your tour! Prepare to be amazed by Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the royal heart of the ancient city of Lalitpur, famously known as the "City of Fine Arts." This square is an open-air museum of magnificent Newari architecture. Your guide will lead you through a dense concentration of the finest temples, palaces, and courtyards in Nepal. Key "Must-See" Highlights: The Krishna Mandir: A 17th-century architectural masterpiece, unique for being built entirely of stone. Its walls are carved with the epic stories of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Patan Museum: Housed within the former royal palace, this is one of South Asia's finest museums, showcasing exquisite bronze statues and sacred Hindu and Buddhist art. The Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar): Just a short walk away, this stunning, gilded 12th-century Buddhist monastery is a true hidden gem. This is where Nepal's royal history and artistic heritage truly come to life.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• Durbar (Central) Square (Pass by)

  Prepare to step into Nepal's artistic heart. This guided visit takes you to Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient royal center of Lalitpur, globally renowned as the "City of Fine Arts." This single square boasts the most stunning concentration of Newari architecture in the valley. Forget vague tours of "temples and palaces"; we will show you the masterpieces. Your guide will lead you through the former Royal Palace complex, now home to the world-class Patan Museum with its priceless bronze statues.

  Admission ticket free
• 6
  Patan Museum

  This is an absolute "must-see" highlight of your Patan Durbar Square visit. Prepare to explore the Patan Museum, widely acclaimed as one of the finest and most beautiful museums in all of South Asia. The museum itself is a masterpiece, housed within the stunningly restored Keshav Narayan Chowk, a former royal palace in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Follow your expert guide through serene, gilded courtyards and into galleries filled with a priceless collection of sacred art. You'll discover the deep history and meaning behind intricate cast-bronze statues and gleaming gilt-copper masterpieces of Hindu and Buddhist deities. This is the definitive place to witness the rich artistic and cultural traditions of Nepal's Malla

  15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 7
  Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)

  Discover one of the most magnificent hidden gems in the Kathmandu Valley. This guided visit takes you to Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, famously known as "The Golden Temple." Located just north of Patan's main Durbar Square, this 12th-century Buddhist monastery is a breathtaking masterpiece of Newari architecture. As you pass through its unassuming stone gateway, you'll enter a stunning courtyard. The entire facade of the main temple is covered in gleaming, gilded copper plates, which gives the monastery its famous nickname and offers an unparalleled photo opportunity. This is not just a monument; it's a living, breathing center for local Newari Buddhism. Your guide will point out the intricate details, from the elaborate prayer wheels and sacred statues of Shakyamuni Buddha to the resident monks who still practice their ancient rituals. This is an essential stop to see Patan's rich artistic and spiritual heritage up close.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 8

  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. Your guide will point out its most famous feature: the stunning, stone-carved friezes. The first-floor beams vividly depict the epic battles of the Mahabharata, while the second floor illustrates the story of the Ramayana. It's a true masterpiece of sacred art and a perfect spot for stunning photographs.

  10 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9
  Bhaktapur Durbar Square

  Prepare to be transported back in time. This guided visit takes you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site that many travelers consider the grandest and best-preserved of the Kathmandu Valley's three royal cities. This is not just a square; it's a "living museum." As you step onto the ancient brick-paved streets, you'll be immersed in a world of timeless Newari art and architecture. Your guide will lead you to its world-famous treasures, including the iconic 55-Window Palace, the breathtakingly intricate Golden Gate, and the nearby Nyatapola Temple—Nepal's towering five-story pagoda. This is a "must-see" highlight, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Nepal's medieval golden age.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 10
  Pottery Square

  This is an unforgettable, "must-see" cultural highlight of your Bhaktapur visit! Step into the vibrant Pottery Square (Kumha Tole), a living, breathing workshop where the ancient Newari craft of pottery has been perfected for generations. This isn't just a place to watch—it's an interactive experience. You'll see master artisans from the local Prajapati community at their traditional wheels, skillfully shaping wet black clay into masterpieces. The entire square is a photogenic marvel, filled with thousands of pots drying in the sun. The best part? You get to join in. For a small fee paid directly to the artisans, you can sit at a potter's wheel yourself. A local will guide you as you try your hand at spinning the wheel and making your own clay pot. It's a fun, authentic, and hands-on way to connect with Nepal's living history.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 11
  Nyatapola Temple

  Prepare to be awestruck by the undisputed icon of Bhaktapur: the magnificent Nyatapola Temple. This is the legendary "5-story temple" you've come to see, and it is the tallest pagoda in all of Nepal. Dedicated to the powerful goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, this temple is a masterpiece of Newari engineering. Enjoy walking around its bustling courtyard and capturing photos of this breathtaking structure.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Located in the vibrant Taumadhi Square (right next to the main Durbar Square), this 18th-century architectural marvel, Nyatapola, is a "must-see" highlight of your UNESCO World Heritage tour. Its most famous feature is the massive, five-level stone staircase that leads up to the temple. Your guide will point out the legendary pairs of guardian statues that flank the stairs—from mighty wrestlers and elephants to lions and griffins.

  Admission ticket free
• 12
  55 Window Palace

  This is one of 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. Don't miss this essential stop.

  5 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 13
  Dattatreya Temple

  Don't end your tour at the main Durbar Square! This guided walk takes you to the magnificent Dattatreya Square, an equally important and historic plaza that many visitors miss. This area is the "must-see" artisan heart of old Bhaktapur. The square is dominated by the monumental Dattatreya Temple. Dating to 1427, this three-story pagoda is a masterpiece, famously said to have been built from the wood of a single tree. It's also unique for being dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, the combined incarnation of the three supreme Hindu gods: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This square isn't just a temple; it's a cultural hub. Your guide will also show you the nearby Woodcarving Museum and the world-famous Peacock Window, an icon of Newari art. This is an essential stop to fully experience Bhaktapur's heritage.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• 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

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