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Patan Culture & history

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Kathmandu Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

1. Kathmandu Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

See the sights of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal on a 6-hour tour of an area that covers 218 square miles (350 kilometers). Kathmandu Valley contains 3 fabulous cities of great historic, religious, and cultural interest: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). The Kathmandu Valley has often been described as an open-air art gallery with thousands of sacred shrines in brick, stone, metal, and wood scattered throughout it. On your tour, you will not be able to see the entire valley, but you will be taken to some of the most important and monumental sites. Many of these are squares or temples that are also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square This square is home to a house full of woodcarvings of different gods and goddesses. In this 3-story palace you will also find the living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists venerate her, and she serves as an illustration of the harmony between the Hindu and Buddhist people. One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kashamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu City is derived from the name of this temple, and it is said that this temple is built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can see the statue of a Hindu god Gorakhnath and in the 4 corners of the temple one can see Ganesh statues. The most visited temple of Kathmandu is Maru Ganesh. The people of Kathmandu Valley believe that the 4 Ganesh statues in the 4 corners of Kathmandu Valley protect the people living in Kathmandu. Every day people go to worship this temple, and especially on Tuesdays, you can see a long line of people waiting for hours to worship. Other interesting things to see here are Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old Palace, Saraswoti Temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big Drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Tal. Swayambhunath/Monkey Temple Swayambhunath / Monkey Temple is a 2,500-year-old Stupa situated overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Its name comes from the holy monkey living in part of the complex. The painted eyes on 4 sides symbolize the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and the site is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath is a temple of Lord Shiva and the most sacred of the 275 Shiva temples worldwide. It is also the oldest temple in Kathmandu. The Bagmati River runs alongside the temple, and is the site not only of pilgrims who bathe in the river, but also contains a special area where members of the royal family are cremated. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the biggest in the world. It is the most important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come here by the thousands during the winter festival to pay their respect. Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square is home to the former Patan Royal Family. The most photographed of Kathmandu’s 3 Durbar Squares, it features a remarkable display of Newari architecture. Its main attractions include the Krishna Temple, with its 21 golden pinnacles, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, a Buddhist Monastery that houses local treasures, and the central courtyard of Mul Chowk.

Kathmandu: Private 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour

2. Kathmandu: Private 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour

Kathmandu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains 7 monuments and historic sites that have been recognized by UNESCO. These monument zones are the Durbar squares of the three cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and the religious temples of Swayambhu, Bouddha, Pashupati, & Changu Narayan. Pashupatinath Temple As one of the must visit legendary Hindu temple, this site welcomes millions of visitors every year. The temple is located on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, which runs down to the Ganges. Here, you get a chance to witness open public crematorium with all the rites and rituals being performed. You come to see even the holy men posing for pictures with painted face, dreadlocked hair & ash-applied body. Swayambhunath Temple Swayambhunath is approx. 2600 years old Buddhist Stupa, looking over the entire Kathmandu valley. It is often referred to as the Monkey Temple due to the hundreds of monkeys- the local dwellers. The main Stupa, ancient sculptures, temple of child protector goddess, monasteries, etc are the main attractions here. Boudhanath Bouddhanath is considered as one of the largest Stupas in the world, constructed back in the 4th century. The shrine itself resembles a Tibetan village since the locale comprises Tibetan monasteries. Besides this, there are a no. of painting schools with Lamas painting Thanka, the best souvenirs from Nepal. Patan Durbar Square Located about 5 km away from the capital city in the district of Lalitpur. It is a fusion of two influential religions, Buddhism and Hinduism. The town of patan perfectly showcased the genuine art, architecture, culture, religion and heritage. The classic architectural design displayed on the houses, fine handwork on the doors & windows represents the aesthetic ancient beauty. Kathmandu Durbar Square Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic site situated in the heart of old Kathmandu city. The durbar square is surrounded by palaces, courtyards and temples. It is a pleasant place to visit due to its historical significance, magnificent Newari architecture, & bustling bazaars. Bhaktapur Durbar Square Bhaktapur Durbar Square located in Bhaktapur, a city in the Kathmandu Valley showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, temples, palaces, & intricate artwork. It is filled with numerous other shrines, statues, and courtyards, each displaying remarkable architectural and artistic craftsmanship. Changunarayan Temple Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest temples in Nepal, is located on a hilltop in the village of Changu Narayan, near Bhaktapur. It is believed to have been built in the 4th century during the Lichhavi dynasty, making it one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Nepal. Outline Itinerary: Our guide and driver will pick you up from your pick up point and your guided sightseeing tour starts. You will have a lunch break between the tour and you will be escorted to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Kathmandu: Private UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour 5-6 Hour

3. Kathmandu: Private UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour 5-6 Hour

Discover the charm of Kathmandu on a private sightseeing tour that unveils four of the city's most renowned attractions. Begin your journey at Pashupati Nath Temple, a spiritual epicenter of Nepal where you'll witness ancient Hindu rituals and soak up the spiritual vibes. Next, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Boudha Nath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere while observing the vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture. From there, make your way to Kathmandu Durbar Square, an impressive complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards that showcase the city's rich history and architecture. Finally, ascend to Swyambhu Nath Stupa, famously known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill that offers breathtaking views of the city. With an experienced guide accompanying you throughout the tour, you can delve into the captivating tales and traditions of each site. Moreover, you'll have the flexibility to personalize the itinerary as per your preference and pace. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Kathmandu on a private tour that guarantees a memorable and enriching experience.

Kathmandu Valley: Full Day Tour

4. Kathmandu Valley: Full Day Tour

Swoyambhunath - The oldest Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu Valley, a beautiful abode for lots of monkeys thus also known as Monkey Temple, is also a perfect vantage point to see Kathmandu valley. Pashupatinath- A holy pilgrimage for Hindus and Hindu Crematorium, watch as the Hindu dead bodies are cremated in the most unique way in the world; we come across men with ash rubbed body, matted locks and dreaded look which is typical look of a Hindu Holy Men known as Sadhus. Boudhanath- the biggest Buddhist temple in the world; a site for Tibetan Buddhism where we can visit monasteries, watch the Holy Monks busy in their chanting ritual going around the temple. Patan Durbar Square- A Medieval Royal Palace area which is also known as the city of fine arts, we can see the finest example of metal and stone carving back to 14th century and also the amazing Nepali Architecture.

Kathmandu: 6-Day Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour

5. Kathmandu: 6-Day Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour

Day 1: On your first day you will arrive to Kathmandu, after which you will check-in to your hotel. You will then be free to explore the town at your own leisure, before spending the night in a 3-star hotel. Day 2: Your second day will consist of sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will explore Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the Swayambhunath monkey temple. The square, situated in the heart of the city, consists of an enchanting assortment of palace buildings, artistic courtyards, and graceful pagoda temples. The former royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. There are three main courtyards or chowks, named central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk in the square. You will later spend the night in your 3-star hotel, with leisure time in the evening. Day 3: Following breakfast on the third day you will drive/fly to Lumbini. After arriving, you will check-in to the Hotel Peace Palace or similar. Day 4: Your fourth day will consist of Lumbini sightseeing, where you will discover an area that is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupendahi district of Nepal. It is sometimes claimed to be the place where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition. Lumbini is one of 4 magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha, the others being in Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi Temple and others under construction. You will later spend the night once more at the Hotel Peace Palace or similar. Day 5: On your fifth day you will drive/fly back to Kathmandu, where you will overnight in a 3-star hotel. Day 6: Following breakfast at your hotel, you will have free time until your departure, at which point you will be transported in private for your departure at the airport.

Kathmandu Valley: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour

6. Kathmandu Valley: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour

Take a simple yet exciting full-day tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is brimming with ancient history and fascinating culture, and full of must-see sights on any visit to Nepal.   To start the day, your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu or Patan (Lalitpur) and take you first to visit the oldest temple in Nepal, Swayambhunath. Here, you’ll spend about an hour exploring the ultimate pilgrimage site and get amazing views of the capital from the top of the hill. Then, drive to Patan, a city known for its cultural and artistic heritage. Visit some of the city’s temples and admire its ancient architecture before enjoying a lunch of local cuisine.   Next up is a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most famous and sacred Hindu shrines in the world. Take a spiritual swim in Bagmati River, thought to wash away all sins. Learn from your guide about Lord Shiva's importance to Hinduism here. Finally, calm your mind and soul by visiting the nearby peaceful Boudhanath stupa. Famous for its 4 pairs of eyes facing 4 directions, this shrine is thought to be eternally watching over the people and their doings. Explore the Boudhanath spinning prayer wheels and take beautiful pictures to remember this experience. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel at the end of the day.

From Kathmandu: 11-Day Langtang Valley Trek with Porter

7. From Kathmandu: 11-Day Langtang Valley Trek with Porter

Day 01: Kathmandu (1,320m)  Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) where you will be received by a representative and transferred to the hotel. Overnight stay at 3-star hotel. Day 2 : Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi (2,581m)  Take an early drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi via Dhunche (1,966m). Drive through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Dhunche. The first part of the drive up to Trishuli Bazar is quite smooth. Syabru Bensi is a beautiful village stretched out along the ridgeline and is the starting point of your trek. Overnight stay in Syabru Bensi at a teahouse lodge. Day 3: Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel (2,470m) Trek from Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel (2,470m). The trail goes along the ridge of Syabru Bensi’s main street, drops to the Ghopche Khola (2,050m), and then to Pairo (1,810m). From this point, the trail goes to Rimche (2,400m) through Bamboo (1,960m) and finally ends at Lama Hotel. Along the way, you may see red pandas, monkeys, and bears. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 4: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,430m) After having lunch at Lama Hotel, trek to Langtang village (3,430m) via Ghore Tabela (3,000m) which takes about 6 hours. See the grazing grounds of yak on the way where local people bring their livestock in the high pastures during the summer months. Pay a short visit to a monastery before reaching the destination of Langtang village. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 5: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m)  Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m). It takes about 3 hours to reach the destination. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 6: Kyanjin Gompa Excursion Day  Acclimatize at Kyanjin Gompa and go for an excursion to utilize your time. Walk up the moraine to see the spectacular icefalls and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung, or ascend Kyanjin Ri (4350m). Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 7: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2,470m) From Kyanjin Gompa, have lunch at Ghora Tabela then trek the steep descent to Lama Hotel. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 8: Lama Hotel to Sybru Bensi (1,460m)  Trek from Lama Hotel to Sybru Bensi (1,460m). Along the way, see red pandas, monkeys, and various species of bird. You may also be fortunate to experience the rich culture of the Tamang people and see how they weave clothes. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 9: Syabru Bensi to Kathmandu (1,320m)  Drive back to Kathmandu from Syabru Bensi, passing through the rural settlements on the way back to the hotel. Overnight stay at 3-star hotel. Day 10: Sightseeing in Kathmandu  Enjoy sightseeing in Kathmandu, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. Overnight stay at 3-star hotel. Day 11: Transfer to Kathmandu Airport You’ll be dropped off at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) where the tour will officially end.

Kathmandu: Private Full- Day Tour

8. Kathmandu: Private Full- Day Tour

Kathmandu Day Tour‘ begins at 09:00 AM in the morning from your hotel and will take you to a full -day tour or half- day tour in the capital city of Nepal as per the option you choose. The tour takes you to explore the historical civilization of Kathmandu Valley, get an insight into Unesco listed World Heritage Sites including Kathmandu Durbar Square with the living Goddess Kumari’s House, Swayambhunath ‘Mahachaitya’, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’, Pashupatinath Temple, a highly esteemed pilgrimage site for Hindus, Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square among others. Outline Itinerary 09:00 AM: Tour begins from your hotel The tour begins in the morning with a Tour Guide picking you up from your hotel. 09:15 AM: Kathmandu Durbar Square Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and is one of three Durbar (Royal Palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. 11:00 AM: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to c. 450–c. to 750 ce. The stupa has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on. The site has two access points: a long staircase leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which is from the top of the hill to the east; and a car road around the hill from the south leading to the south-west entrance. 12:30 PM: Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple of Lord Shiva on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. This “extensive Hindu temple precinct” is a “sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries built on an area of 246 hectares (2,460,000 m²) and includes 518 mini-temples and a main pagoda house. 02:00 PM: Boudhanath Boudhanath, also known as Khasti Chaitya is a stupa with a massive mandala that makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world. The stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner and continues to the ancient and smaller stupa of Chabahil named Charumati Stupa (often called “Little Boudhanath”) 03:30 PM: Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur has the ancient royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. The Durbar Square is a marvel of Newar architecture. The square floor is tiled with red bricks. There are many temples and statues in the area including the most famous Krishna Mandir. 05:00 PM: Drop back to your hotel

From Kathmandu: Durbar Squares Full-Day Tour

9. From Kathmandu: Durbar Squares Full-Day Tour

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.

1 day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour

10. 1 day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, at 9 am Kathmandu valley sightseeing including Swayambhunath (Monkey temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar square. Kathmandu Durbar Square: The Kathmandu Durbar Square the most visited area in Kathmandu as it is situated in the hub of the city, one can observe all walks of life from the vegetable market to all types of sellers and market along with the cultural world heritage sites of the old palace at Hanuman dhoka, the temple of Living Goddess all these fascinating interesting places can be seen on a stroll around this area. Patan / Lalitpur Durbar Square: Patan or Lalitpur the city of arts another wonderful area to be visited situated on the south of Kathmandu city divided by Baghmati River the city hosts number of interesting spots for you to marvel the historical sites this place was visited by the Indian Emperor Ashoka last 2000 BC and has built four Buddhist chaitya or stupa in the four corner of Patan city however now the city has grown and it appears, visit the Patan Durbar square as it been for 09th to 17th Century, Mahabouddha Temple the exotic Zoo host of numbers of Himalayan species of birds and animals and the Tibetan Refugee Centre. Let’s have a look at some of the Best Tourist Places in Nepal for our package Sightseeing Nepal Tour. Swayambhunath Swayambhu is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees', for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. However, Shingun may be of in Nepalbhasa name for the complex, Swayambhu, meaning 'self-sprung'. It is also known as Monkey temple. Boudhanath Bouddha, also known as Boudhanath, Khasti Chaitya and Khāsa Chaitya is a stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. Located about 11 km from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and the world.

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What people are saying about Patan

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 34 reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this very informative tour. The professional and friendly tour guide spoke good English and shared a wealth of knowledge about the objects of visit, and the overall culture and history of Nepal, and also answered any questions that I had. Just as described in the activity description I also had time to explore on my own which made the tour also relaxed. Hotel pick up and drop off happened timely and car was comfortable. As a solo traveller I found that this tour gave me the opportunity to see important landmarks comfortably and gain of insight about Kathmandu and Nepal. Highly recommended.

we enjoyed our first sightseeing in Nepal. we were promptly picked up by two very polite men, Rajan and Krishna. We went to all the places and our guide explained everything. very pleased, we have used Get your Guide in several country's and will continue to. If you want a intro into Kathmandu valley, this is a good tour. We tweeked it a bit because we don't want to walk up and down stairs. There was no problems.

We had a great day tour of Kathmandu with Kapil as our guide. We were promptly picked up from our hotel in a comfortable car with a/c. We spent 6 hours exploring Kathmandu’s main attractions, and loved seeing everything! Kapil has a great amount of knowledge, and is very personable and friendly - we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the tour company and in particular Kapil.

I highly recommend this trip especially with the best guide Kapil. We had a wonderful time and it was knowledgeable and the guide was so flexible with us especially with our 3 years daughter where he adjusted the plan so she can enjoy it too.

she was very very heloful and guided us in our Rhythm. She explained a lot about culture in Buddhism and Hinduism. thanks a lot for the very nice Tour! It was amazing!