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Call or WhatsApp:+977-9813599455Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya SquareGolden Gate, 55 Windows Palace and many more
The tallest Pagoda Temple of Nepal, Nyatapole Temple
Oldest temple of Nepal, Changunayaran Temple,
Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, Bansha Gopal Krishna Temple, Bashuki Nag Temple, Panauti Museum, and Panauti Makar Mela Spot
The scenic beauty of the mountainous range and elevated hills from Bhaktapur
Exploration of the Newari Community and Culture
Delectable Newari dishes and king of curd (Juju Dhau)
Pottery Square, where you can explore local potters
Home to colorful festivals, distinct culture, and excellent architecture
Doleshwar Mahadev Temple and Bhairavnath Temple
A day tour to Bhaktapur and Panauti in Nepal promises a delightful blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty. Here’s what you can expect on this enriching journey:
1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Start your day in Bhaktapur by exploring its Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
Marvel at the ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards adorned with intricate woodcarvings and metalwork.
Key attractions include the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple (one of the tallest pagodas in Nepal), and the Golden Gate.
2. Cultural Experience:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Newari culture as you wander through the narrow alleys lined with traditional Newari houses.
Encounter local artisans practicing age-old crafts like pottery-making at Pottery Square, where you can observe their skilled craftsmanship up close.
3. Culinary Delights:
Sample authentic Newari cuisine such as bara (lentil pancake), yomari (sweet dumplings), and juju dhau (creamy yogurt) from local eateries.
1. Historical Exploration:
Journey to Panauti, a serene town located at the confluence of two rivers, Roshi Khola and Punyamati.
Explore Panauti Durbar Square, which features ancient temples, pagodas, and shrines showcasing exquisite Newari architecture.
2. Sacred Sites:
Visit the sacred Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its three-tiered pagoda style.
Discover the tranquil Krishna Temple and other religious sites that highlight Panauti’s spiritual significance.
3. Scenic Beauty:
Enjoy the picturesque surroundings of Panauti, with its lush greenery, traditional brick houses, and serene riverbanks ideal for peaceful walks.
Transportation: Arrange for transportation from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur and Panauti. Private cars, taxis, or guided tours are available for convenience.
Timing: Plan your visit to Bhaktapur and Panauti to make the most of daylight hours. Consider starting early to avoid crowds and experience the sites at a relaxed pace.
Guided Tours: Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing historical insights and cultural context throughout the tour.
A day tour to Bhaktapur and Panauti offers a fascinating glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, from ancient architecture and traditional crafts to serene landscapes and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, culture buff, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, this tour promises a memorable and immersive experience in the heart of Nepal.
Also Read: Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Day Tour
The Bhaktapur and Panauti tour is an exhilarating way to unfold the hidden gems of Nepal as it is an exciting excursion to the two homes of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is a perfect day trip to escape the bustling environment of Kathmandu and explore religious sites and the ancient Nepali-Newari community. Bhaktapur and Panauti tour is accessible being located near Kathmandu, and offers you majestic sights of religious temples, ancient architecture, and old historic marks, and they present you with a cultural ambiance.
This tour is fascinating as it indulges touring two places in a single day, Bhaktapur and Panauti. Touring Bhaktapur involves visiting and exploring numerous places such as Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, Golden Gate, Nyatapole Temple, 55 Windows Palace, and nearby places like Changunarayan and Doleshwar Mahadev Temple. On the other hand, Panauti offers you the magical sights of local settlements and religious sites. Some of the major attractions of Panauti include Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, Bansha Gopal Krishna Temple, Bashuki Nag Temple, Panauti Museum, and Panauti Mela Spot.
If you are planning on visiting Nepal or wondering what to do for a day in Kathmandu, this tour will be the perfect way to explore some of the underrated and classic places. This is a historical tour that provides you with the majestic beauty of the local region that confines historic sites, ancient temples, marvelous architecture, and traditional crafts of pottery. By visiting these places you shall get insights into the cultural diversity and religious significance of Nepal. You shall explore the traditional settlements and villages and explore Newari culture in depth. People of this region are kind and shall welcome you warm-heartedly. This tour is less explored and this creates an excellent opportunity to visit the historic landmarks and explore the untouched beauty of the local culture of the region.
The Bhaktapur and Panauti tours from Kathmandu can be done throughout the year as this touring happens near Kathmandu. Bhaktapur, being situated around 12km from Kathmandu, is an easily accessible touring route. This tour is easily accessible and is located near Kathmandu, and it can be done at any time of the year with no forthcoming challenges. But planning this tour during a suitable time shall give you the advantage to relish the beauty of heritage sites in comfortable weather and let you immerse in a local festive atmosphere. Numerous festivals in Nepal fall in different seasons and you can book your tour considering the festivals you want to explore.
Mahashivaratri is celebrated in March, and during this time, you shall get insights into the local religious practices and grand celebrations by devotees and others. Both Spring and Autumn hold a festive atmosphere and possess ideal weather. This tour can be perfectly done in Spring and Autumn and is doable in winter as well, but the fluctuating weather can impose the quality of the tour you’ll experience. It isn’t much suitable during Monsoon when there is heavy rainfall and the road conditions tend to be slippery.
Bhaktapur, an important and fascinating World Heritage Site, made up of three large squares filled with shrines, temples and activity; Bhaktapur is the essential Newari city with some of the finest architecture in Nepal. In its heyday (14th-16th centuries) Bhaktapur was the most powerful of the Kathmandu Valley kingdoms and its capital for 300 years.
Despite earthquakes and frequent rebuilding, Bhaktapur today retains a medieval feel; its neighborhoods are still caste oriented and centered around the old ponds or tanks (built to store water for drinking, washing and religious ceremonies) and which continue as a social focal point. Local people here are predominantly farmers or engaged in the traditional crafts of pottery, metalwork, art and woodwork which have supported the city since its establishment in the 12th century to service the trade route between Tibet and India and remain active industries. A fascinating place to explore!
Panauti was a commercial town in medieval time, but now it is very much at clam. With a very well preserved backwater and a fascinating place to explore with interesting temples and impressive Rana mansions which have been restored. There are 03 rivers including Brahmayani, Roshi & Punyabati. This town was derived from the holy river of Punyabati. Here is metal works and agriculture with beautiful rice terrace, where we can see agriculture base culture & lifestyle. Panauti local people celebrate several festival and fairs here. There are stupas , stone art and temples around with beautiful woodcarvings.
Panauti offers the beautiful Hindu Temple i.e. Indreshwor Mahadev (12-13 centuries) which has single plinth base, pagoda type with 03 storied, 03 main gates & 06 tundals. The temple dedicated Shiva destructed god in Hindu pantheon. The festival that is most celebrate is like 12 years Makara Mela, Swosthani Purnima & Shivaratri.
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Indigenous Newari Culture
Pottery Square
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The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a former royal palace and is one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square holds religious and historical significance as it was once home to the Malla Kings of Nepal. This is the Newari city, and the beauty of this region is magnificent. It holds numerous temples, monuments, and many historical sites from the 17th-18th Century to explore. It is divided into 4 squares: Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square, and Dattatreya Square. The entire beauty of the region encircles the Newari lifestyle and ancient architecture. Bhaktapur Durbar Square being located 12-13 km from Kathmandu, is an easily accessible tour, and this tour beholds the beauty of various temples, monuments, palaces, and courtyards that represent traditional Nepali Architecture.
Here are the lists of sites you can explore during your tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Statues of Ugrachandi and Ugrabhairava
Gopinath Krishna Temple
Lun Dhwakha (Golden Gate)
Yakshasvara Temple (Pashupati of Bhaktapur)
Vatsala Temple
Statue of Bhupatindra Malla
55 windows palace
Chyasilin Mandap
Taleju Bell
Nyatapole Temple is the tallest pagoda-style temple in Nepal that was constructed in the early 18th century. This temple has five-storey roofs and represents traditional architecture. This temple is a beautiful sight to explore as it holds religious importance from ancient times. It is believed that the temple was constructed in dedication to Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, who was believed to be a reincarnation of Goddess Parvati. Though this ancient monument has survived two earthquakes, the impact of the earthquakes caused minor damage to the Nyatapole Temple. While it is not accessible to visit the inside of Nyatapole Temple, you are freely allowed to explore the rest of the temple.
Nyatapole Temple beholds different monuments at the stone staircase entrance of the temple that resembles religious importance. There are five layers of stone monuments in the stone staircase of Nyatapole Temple and each layer is believed to be 10 times stronger than the monuments of layers below. At the bottom, there are two Rajput wrestlers who are believed to be 10 times stronger than humans. The monument follows with giant statues of pairs of Elephants above the Rajput wrestlers who are 10 times stronger than Rajput wrestlers. Above the Elephants, there lies big cats and above big cats, there lies Sardulas. Sardulas is believed to be a creature of local Newari Mythology. Above all of them, there lies Simhani and Vyaghrani, the strongest of all the guardians. This site holds religious value and is one of the best temples to visit, as the architecture of this building will leave you stunned.
This is another major site of Bhaktapur Durbar Square to visit and explore. The palace of fifty-five windows was created in ancient times by King King Bhupatindra Malla in the 18th century. It is believed that he built this palace for his 55 wives, with 1 window for each of his wife. Being one of the historical sites, the inside of this palace is closed, while the entrance to several courtyards is known as the Golden Gate (Sun Dhoka). Just beside the palace, there is a holy pool named NagaPokhari that carries religious importance. It is believed that the goddess used to take ritual baths in that holy pool. Furthermore, there are tempera paintings on the palace’s first-floor walls and fifty-five intricately carved windows. The tempera paintings show various Devi (Lordess) dances, as well as the social life and cultural practices of the locals, and include self-portraits of the king and queen. 55 Windows Palace holds historical significance and is a must-visit site of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Changunarayan is another major tourist attraction while touring the Bhaktapur area. Changunarayan lies at a 5km distance from Bhaktapur and is known as the oldest temple in Nepal. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, the Changu Narayan temple is home to several of his avatars, as well as a few other deities. The architecture of Changunarayan is outstanding and is neither Shikhara nor Pagoda style, but purely Newari. The temple has 4 gates, and each gate is guarded by holy animal gargoyles, i.e., lions, elephants, Sarabha, and Garuda himself. Being rich in architectural designs and holding religious importance, this is the must-visit place when traveling around the Bhaktapur region.
The settlements of the Bhaktapur region are mainly Newari Community. It consists of a cluster of temples, monuments, and monasteries and beholds traditional practices. The Bhaktapur region is rich in traditional monuments and discloses ancient relics. This region consists of architectural sites, handicrafts, art, and painting sections. During your tour to Bhaktapur, you shall get insights into the local traditions and culture of the Newar community. People of this region get dressed in local customs, and the festive atmosphere oozes out a vibrant vibe around you. It contains numerous museums that display ritual and religious objects. You shall enjoy roaming around the beautiful ancient city while observing local arts and handicrafts.
Alongside the richness of culture and traditions, Bhaktapur also presents you with a wide range of Nepali-Newari dishes. Newari food is delicious and has a separate fanbase here in Nepal. Some of the delicious Newari foods are Selroti, Yomari, Sapu Mhicha, Bara, Chatamari, Choila, Dhau, Lakhamari, and Chyanng. Moreover, Bhaktapur presents you with delicious Juju Dhau, the king of curds. The place is majestic, and it offers you a wide range of options when it comes to serving your hunger and food cravings.
Panauti is located in the Kavrepalanchowk district of Bagmati province of Nepal, which is about 32km southeast of Kathmandu. It is one of the UNESCO heritage sites and is a historical city of beautiful country Nepal. Being one of the oldest towns in Nepal, it encompasses many temples and monasteries. The largest and tallest pagoda-style temple is Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, which beholds cultural and religious significance. This place lets you immerse in the local culture, ancient relics, and distinct architecture and also serves magical views of the stunning hills and distant mountainous landscapes. It is situated at the convergence of the Rosi and Punyamati rivers and is traditionally a rich place.
There is an additional river named Lilawati that converges with the two rivers Rosi and Punyamati and forms a tri-junction called Triveni. These rivers are known to be sacred, and it is believed that bathing in such rivers invites good fortune into life. Panauti is home to the king’s palace, which is filled with numerous relics and antiquities such as coins, bricks, stone taps, and water wells. Encircling such beauty and religious importance, this region has been one of the famous touring destinations.
Panauti is rich in religious sites and holds numerous temples. One of the famous temples of this site is Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, which lies close to the Triveni rivers. Indreshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the most famous and largest pagoda-style temples in Nepal. The pinnacles of these temples are made up of hand-beaten coppers and are covered with a thick golden leaf. The temple is old and resembles the ancient architecture. There is present of a Shivalinga inside Indreshwar Mahadev Temple which invites thousands of devotees from many parts of the world. People seek this temple to get insights into religious importance.
Another major religious site is Brahmayani Temple. The Brahmayani temple lies towards the north bank of the Punyamata River. From the outside, the Brahmayani temple looks like a normal Newari temple, with three levels of roofs, four entire walls, and the customary roof brackets, and a gajur finial. The temple’s interior is designed like a pith, with a C-shaped stone shrine at the middle of an open, unobstructed ground level. This place holds religious importance and is also known as one of the eight Matrikas.
Furthermore, there lies another temple in Panauti that resembles ancient architecture. This temple is Krishna Narayan Temple and was built in the 17th century. This is situated on the north side of the Tribeni rivers and is constructed in dedication to Lord Krishna (the eighth reincarnation of Bishnu). These temples hold great religious significance and are considered sacred places. These temples are the home to worshipping and ears to numerous chanting prayers. Many Hindus come, visit, and worship these temples, and the rituals and local practices performed in these temples portray religious importance.
Panauti Peace Gallery is a cultural and art center in the historical place of Nepal, Panauti city. It represents numerous arts, paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts. These arts are designed to represent ancient traditions and customs and showcases rich cultural importance. It is an outstanding place to visit and get insights into Nepali culture, art, and traditions.
Nepali culture includes Jatras alongside numerous festivals, rituals, and ceremonies. While there are numerous jatras performed in all parts of the world, Jya: Puhni jatra ( also Panauti Jatra) is very dear to the people of Panauti. Panauti Jatra lasts for 3 days while the local’s enthusiasm rises 1 week prior to the Jatra. This Jatra holds religious significance to the locals of Panauti and the preparation begins from Siti Nakha. Siti Nakha is a festival of the Newar community where they all gather and worship their Kuldevta (Family deities) and feast together. The ninth day of Siti Nakha is the 1st day of Panauti Jatra.
On the first day of the Panauti Jatra, the devotees bring out the goddess Bhadrakali from her temple and send her to Brahmaini (her paternal home). On the second day, the celebration is wild, with local performances and a collaborative feast. The enthusiasm sustains and on the third day, the chariots of gods are collided. On this day, the devotees dashes the chariot of Mahadev and Bhairav to the chariot of Bhadrakali, representing the mating of gods.
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Wear comfortable and appropriate clothes as this tour takes you to sacred places
Respect other cultures and religions
Follow the instructions of your guide
Bring cash with you as you may want to try delectable cuisines
Learn a few simple greetings in Nepali so you can converse with the friendly locals
Don’t dispose of wrappers anywhere
Immerse in historical places and local culture
Bring a camera with you to capture stunning monuments, temples, and palaces while also being mindful of photography restriction sites.
Be mindful of removing your shoes before heading to the temples.