Description
Three Durbar Square Day Tour
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square are the three durbar squares inside Kathmandu valley. The meanings of durbar squares are the royal palaces of the past. Before the unification of Nepal, there used to be various small kingdoms, all of these durbar squares were the parts of Nepal before unification. Temples, courts, idols, statues and many others are the parts of durbar squares. Besides that, durbar squares are the perfect examples of the life and style of the ancient kingdom.
Nepal was once a divided land that had many small and large kingdoms with their own monarchs, and the Durbar Squares were the ruling seat of royal power. The three Durbar Squares are the most prominent remnants of the old kingdoms of Nepal and all three of them are listed under the UNESCO World heritage sites. During the day you will explore all of these 3 durbar squares and can enjoy knowing the history of Nepal and witness the centuries old monuments.
Tour Itinerary
09:00 AM: Meet your guide
10:00 AM: Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
12:30 PM: Lunch
01:30 PM: Explore Patan Durbar Square
03:00 PM: Move towards Bhaktapur
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known by the name Basantapur Durbar Square. Situated in the heart of Kathmandu, it is one of the most visited touristic sites during the Kathmandu city tour. There is always a huge crowd any time of the day. During the morning time many people visit Basantapur to pray to the gods. Meanwhile, during the day time it becomes one of the central points for all the tourists. In the evening, you can see busy people walking through the streets of the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the ideal places to witness the centuries old art and architecture.During your visit you can notice the spectacular architecture and the skills of the Newar artists as well as other craftsmen. This durbar square holds the palaces of the kings of the Malla as well as the Shah dynasty of Nepal.
Besides that you can also witness some of the temples, monuments and the amazing architecture. The name Kathmandu was derived from the beautiful temple Kasthamandap that lies inside the Basantapur Durbar Square, which was built in the 15th century? Some of the popular places to visit inside the Kathmandu Durbar Square includes the Kaal Bhairav Temple, Kumari Ghar, The royal palace, The Hanuman doka Museum and many more.
Kathmandu Durbar Square Facts
Other Name: Basantapur Durbar Square
Listed in UNESCO: 1979 A.D.
Location: Basantapur, Kathmandu
Popular Sites:
- Kumari Ghar
- Kal Bhairav
- Hanuman Dhoka
- Kasthamandap
Kumari Ghar
This ancient building houses the six year old “living goddess” revered by the people of Nepal. Each Kumari is chosen based on 32 characteristics of physical perfection plus her horoscope. Once the child is accepted she remains indoors at all times except for religious ceremonies. Occasionally, she will briefly appear at the upper window. Pictures of her are strictly forbidden.
The most important festival for the Kumari is Indra Jatra, a celebration of the harvest held in late August or early September. Besides that, Indra Jatra is also one of the major Newari festivals in Kathmandu valley. On the third day of the festival, the Kumari Devi is carried around Durbar Square in a chariot. At regular times, it remains open from 9:00-12:00 noon and 4:00-6:00 pm. This Ghar built in the year 1757 by the King Jaya Prakash Malla.
Kal Bhairav
Kal Bhairav is one of the major attractions inside the Kathmandu Durbar Square that you will be visiting during the Kathmandu city tour. An amazing art and statue of the god Kal Bhairav can be seen in the middle of the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Huge numbers of people visit this temple every Saturday. Besides that, huge numbers of devotees also visit this temple during other days of the week too. It is believed that if you worship Kal Bhairav with good heart then all of your wishes is fulfilled.
Kal Bhairav is the terrifying avatar of Hindu god Shiva who is also called the Lord of Time and Death. The idol of Kal Bhairav is seen standing in a violent form, stepping over a dead body holding a decapitated head in one hand. This avatar of Lord Shiva is fierce and unforgiving. He is mostly associated with vetala (Ghouls) and pisaca (ghosts). The name ‘Bhairava’ literally means a terrifying form that is not afraid of anything. Thus, he can protect his devotees. He is also believed to be the supreme one after Lord Vishnu and can create, sustain and dissolve life on earth.
Hanuman Dhoka
Hanuman Dhoka is the ancient royal palace of the Shah dynasty of Nepal. This palace got its name because of the stone image of the Hindu deity Hanuman which is situated at the entrance gate of the palace. The eastem wing which consists of the 10 courtyards is believed to be one of the oldest which was built in the 16th century. Later on it was expanded by Pratap Malla during the 17th century. As of now the Hanuman Dhoka durbar is made public for the locals. This ancient royal palace is now a museum. You can see the ancient art and architecture of the ancient time. Besides that, you can also witness some of the vintage photos and roval seats. You can also view the collections of the currencies that are used in the ancient times. This museum shows the lifestyle, childhood the marriage ceremonies of the Kings and the Queen of Nepal.
Kasthamandap
Kasthamandap is a 3 storied pagoda style temple which was built in the 16th century. It is also believed to be one of the oldest wooden buildings of the world. Built under the reign of king Laxmi Narsingha Malla, Kathmandu city got its name from this temple. Rich in history, Kasthamandap is one of the major places to witness the ancient architecture. It is one of the sites inside Kathmandu which is harmed by the devastating earthquake of 2015. As of now this temple is under construction and is expected to be completed soon.
This temple holds various myths. Besides that, it is also believed to be built during the Lichchhavi period in Nepal. Kasthamandap temple is one of the must visit places which was built by a single tree and was made completely out of the woods. This temple is devoted to Guru Gorakhnath, you can also witness the four statues of lord Ganesh around the temple.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square lies in Lalitpur district of Nepal. The square floor of this durbar square is tiled with red bricks. Besides the ancient palace, you can also witness many idols as well as the temples. The handcrafted sculpture as well as the wood carvings is also the main highlights of the Patan Durbar Square. Patan Durbar Square lies in the Patan city of Nepal, about 8 kilometers south-east of Kathmandu city. It is believed to be founded during the 3rd centuries. Besides that it is a must visit place to witness the beautiful Newari craftsmanship. Beautiful stone works can be enjoyed all over the Patan Durbar Square. There are 3 main courtyards or the chowks inside the Patan Durbar Square. Mulchowk, Sundari chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk are the three most popular chowks of this durbar square and you can explore all of these places during the Kathmandu city tour.
Patan Durbar Square Facts
Location: Patan
Listed in UNESCO: 1979 A.D.
Popular Sites:
- Krishna Mandir
- Golden Temple
- Patan Museum
- Taleju Bhawani Temple
Krishna Mandir
Krishna Mandir is one of the most beautiful Shikhar style temples built in the 17th century by the king Siddhi Narshing Malla. It is one of the most popular places inside the Patan Durbar Square. Besides that, Krishna Mandir is also the biggest temple of Nepal built in the Shikhar style. Above all do not forget to witness the crafts inside the Krishna Temple while visiting the Patan Durbar Square. Believed to be made by a single stone, huge numbers of devotees visit this temple during the Krishna Janmashatami festival.
Golden Temple
Golden Temple, locally known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is one of the significant temples inside the Patan Durbar Square. These temples reflect the Newari culture and show the beautiful architecture of the ancient time. This finest architecture of the Newars is called Golden temple because of the gold gilded pinnacles and walls. Both the Hindus and the Buddhist are found worshipping inside this temple. There is a statue of the Gautam Buddha and many other statues of Hindu gods. The caretakers of this temple are called the Bapacha of the gods.
Patan Museum
Patan Museum is one of the must visit places inside the Patan Durbar Square. Inaugurated by the Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah in 1997, it has become one of the most popular places to witness the traditional sacred arts and architectural settings. Besides that, this place also holds wide collections of artifacts. Patan Museum especially holds the art and sculpture of the ancient time. If you are into history and artifacts then it is a must visit place during your visit to Patan Durbar Square.
Taleju Bhawani Temple
Taleju Mandir is the largest architectural monument in Patan Durbar Square. The three-tier-roofed five storied temple dedicated to Taleju Bhawani, the tutelary goddess of Malla kings is another fine example of fine art. scripture and engineering of Malla period.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most popular durbar squares of Nepal to explore during the Kathmandu city tour. Located in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal, this durbar square reflects the art and architecture since the Lichchhavi era in Nepal. It is also the oldest durbar square among all the three durbar squares inside Kathmandu valley. There are various pagoda style Hindu temples inside the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Besides that you can also witness some other statues and the monuments which were built by different kings centuries ago. Situated 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu, you can reach Bhaktapur Durbar Square within 30 minutes from Tribhuvan International Airport. The remarkable architecture, the exquisite wood carvings and metal craft that can be seen around the city takes one back to the time of the Malla rulers who patronized art like no other dynasty.
Besides that, don’t forget to taste the “Juju Dhau” which is one of the most loved yogurts of Nepal. The meaning of juju dhau is the King of Curds. Most of the people living around the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Newars. Because of that you can witness the Newari culture and traditions. Meanwhile, you can also taste various Newari cuisines around the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Besides that, there are many attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square that you can explore during the visit.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square Facts
Distance from Kathmandu: 13 km
Location: Bhaktapur
Listed in UNESCO: 1979 A. D.
Popular sites:
- Nyatapola Temple
- Golden Gate
- Lion’s Gate
- 55 Window Palace
- Dattatreya Temple
Nyatapola Temple
Nyatapola is a pagoda style temple situated inside the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This five storied temple is also the major highlight inside this durbar square. Beside that you can also witness the remarkable architecture of the temple. Nyatapola is one of the tallest pagoda style temples of Nepal which was built by the King Bhupitendra Malla during the early 17th century. This culturally and historically rich monument is one of the very few temples inside the Bhaktapur Durbar Square that survives the devastating earthquake of 2015.
Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is one of the protected areas inside the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The gate literally is made up of gold. Besides that it is the entrance point of the temple. Only Hindus are allowed to go inside there. But the inner part of the temple is abandoned and no visitors can visit this part of the Temple. Inside the Golden gate you can also see a small pond which was used by the kings and the queens in the ancient time. Also known by the Lu Dhowka, the figures of Hindu goddess Kali and Garuda can be seen in the Gate.
Lion’s Gate
Now converted into a National Art Museum,the magnificent and beautiful gate of two stone lions guarding the entrance to the palace was built by artisans whose hands were said to have been severed upon completion by the envious Bhadgoun king so that no more of such masterpieces could be reproduced.This gate was built in the 17th century with the belief that it will protect the ancient city of Bhadgaon.Meanwhile the sculpture of Lord Bhairav and his consort Goddess Ugrachandi are also installed behind the statue of the Lions.
55 Window Palace
Built by Bhupiendra Malla about 300 years ago. However it was completed until 1754 during the reign of Jaya Ranjit Malla. It is now one of the most popular sites inside the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Although no visitors are allowed inside this beautiful palace, you can still witness the amazing Wood carving and the architecture of this palace from outside. This 55 window palace was built for the 55 wives of the king. Every queen allocated or dedicated a window, which shows the inclusion and fairness of the ruler.
Dattatraya Temple
Dattatraya temple is a circular styled (mandala-styled) temple that holds the prestige of being the only shrine, devoted to Dattatraya in Nepal. Though there is no such image of Dattatraya in the temple as normally, common people perceive (the image of Dattatraya with three heads in one body- a combined form of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma).
Package Cost :
Group size:
- 2-3 people
- 4 – 5 people
- 6 – 10 people
Cost:
- USD 55 per person
- USD 40 per person
- USD 30 per person
Transport:
- Private Car
- Private Jeep
- Japanese Hiace
Cost includes:
- Professional tour guide
- Private transportation by car/ coach
- All entry fees
Travel Tips
There are certain do’s and don’t while exploring this beautiful historically rich city of Nepal. If you are planning to explore the Kathmandu city of Nepal then here are the few travel tips that might help you:
- Always carry plenty of water with you.
- Always wear a mask.
- Open your shoes or slippers before entering religious places like monasteries, temples etc.
- Don’t wear too short an outfit.
- Public affection is not accepted in Nepal.
We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
