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Patan UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Patan UNESCO sites

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: Jewels of the Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour

2. Kathmandu: Jewels of the Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour

Explore the best of Kathmandu on a private sightseeing tour that takes you to four of the city's most iconic sites. Start at Pashupati Nath Temple, where you'll experience the spiritual heart of Nepal and witness ancient Hindu rituals. Next, head to Boudha Nath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's one of the largest stupas in the world, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and observe the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Afterward, make your way to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards that offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and architecture. Finally, visit Swyambhu Nath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which sits atop a hill and offers stunning views of the city. Throughout the tour, you'll have a knowledgeable guide who will provide insights into the history and culture of each site. You'll also have the flexibility to customize the itinerary to your preferences and pace. Don't miss the opportunity to see the best of Kathmandu on this private tour.

From Kathmandu: Durbar Squares Full-Day Tour

3. 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.

Kathmandu: 5-Day Kathmandu Valley Tour

4. Kathmandu: 5-Day Kathmandu Valley Tour

Receive a wonderful introduction to the history, culture, and heritage of Nepal on a 5-day tour of the Kathmandu Valley. The tour is designed for those who want a more leisurely holiday with enough time to take in the rich cultural heritage Nepal provides. Start the tour with your arrival in Kathmandu with a meet and greet with your guide and transfer to your hotel. The next day, begin your sightseeing by taking the 8-mile drive outside of the city to Bhaktapur, also known as Khwopa. Then, drive to Nagarkot - a village at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley with exceptional views of the Himalayas. Discover how Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by 7 groups of monuments and buildings: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu (Hanuman Dhoka), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and the Hindu temples Pashupati Nath and Changu Narayan.  On day 3, continue sightseeing in Nagarkot then head off to the ancient religious city of Kritipur. Return to Kathmandu in the evening. The next day, continue sightseeing in the city with another overnight stay. On the final day, check-out of your hotel where the tour will end.

Kathmandu Valley: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Day Tour

5. 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.

Kathmandu: 6-Day Kathmandu and Lumbini Tour

6. 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.

Other Sightseeing Options in Patan

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What people are saying about Patan

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 34 reviews

Excellent guide and driver, very well organized tour and friendly tour operator, who accommodated my schedule and pick up location. I would definitely use this company again.

A private visit not to be missed! Perfect service. Our guide Latan was really great. A visit that allows you to discover the main sites without losing energy.

The prepared and professional guide. Excellent company for touring! I would definitely recommend it and would go back with them! Thank you

The guide was very good, precise. Transportation excellent. In a short time, we had time to see the most significant sights.

the guide tour was great! he shared with me a lot of valuable information about Nepal and the culture I really enjoyed it!