Bhaktapur & Panauti Day Trip from Kathmandu

About this activity

Smartphone tickets accepted
Duration: 7 hours
English
Immediate confirmation
FREE Cancellation
From
€35 €32
FREE Cancellation
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Experience Highlights

Experience an unforgettable day trip from Kathmandu to discover Bhaktapur and Panauti, two medieval gems of the Kathmandu Valley. This approximately 7-hour tour, with an English-speaking guide, will introduce you to the rich Newari heritage, centuries-old pagodas and traditional handicrafts.

The tour departs promptly from Royal Mountain Travel (Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu). The group is small (max. 10 travellers), ideal for a close and personalised experience.

You will stroll through Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site, and then discover the tranquil village of Panauti, with its rana mansions, 12th century temples and the Punyabati River.

  • Book now and explore two of Nepal's most picturesque towns.
  • Discover Newari handicrafts and the secrets of local entrepreneurs.
  • Immerse yourself in the living history of an ancient valley.

What’s included

  • English-speaking guide throughout the day
  • Transport in air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance to monuments (Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Panauti temples)
  • Lunch and drinks

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Step by Step

Bhaktapur, the "City of Devotees", was the capital of a powerful medieval kingdom between the 14th and 16th centuries. Arriving at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you will be greeted by three squares filled with temples, palaces and ceremonial fountains where you will feel the atmosphere of a settlement devoted to the Newari culture.

As you wander through the narrow lanes, you will discover craftsmen working in clay, wood and metal, trades that have flourished since the 12th century. Your guide will explain the significance of the sacred water tanks, the caste-based social organisation and the influence of trade on Bhaktapur's position on the route between India and Tibet.

After three hours in Bhaktapur, you will head to Panauti, a former trading centre that has been converted into a haven of peace. You will walk along three rivers (Brahmayani, Roshi and Punyabati), admire the rice terraces and see the architecture of the restored rana mansions.

In Panauti you will be amazed by the three-storey pagoda-style Indreshwor Mahadev Temple (12th-13th century) and its biannual festivals such as the Makara Mela. You will also have the opportunity to meet local entrepreneurs who keep alive the traditions of handicrafts and agriculture.

On the way back to Kathmandu, you will share impressions with your guide and the rest of the group, completing a day that combines spirituality, art and living culture in two of Nepal's most photogenic settlements.

Other Things You Should Know

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