3 Old Royal Durbar Square Tour in Kathmandu
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
This is the definitive one-day cultural immersion into Nepal's royal past. On this exclusive 8-hour private tour, your expert guide will escort you to the three legendary kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, all of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Explore the living, breathing heart of the old city, home to the Kumari (Living Goddess) and a dazzling array of temples and palaces.
Patan Durbar Square: Discover the "City of Fine Arts," a masterpiece of Newar architecture famed for its stone Krishna Mandir and exquisite Golden Temple.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Step back in time in this incredibly preserved "living museum," and marvel at the iconic 55-Window Palace and the five-story Nyatapola Temple.
Travel in comfort and discover the stories behind the intricate wood carvings, sacred statues, and timeless traditions. This is the perfect way to experience the valley's three royal cities in a single, unforgettable day.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Please note that there has been significant damage to some of the sites visited on this tour due to the earthquakes in April and May 2015
What To Expect
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Your adventure into Nepal's royal history begins with a seamless pickup from your hotel. We'll transport you directly to the vibrant, ancient heart of the old city: Kathmandu Durbar Square, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prepare to be surrounded by a living museum of stunning pagoda temples, ancient palaces, and intricate wood carvings that have stood for centuries. The absolute "must-see" highlight of this tour is our guided visit to the Kumari Ghar (Palace of the Living Goddess). This sacred, beautifully carved courtyard is the residence of the Kumari, a young prepubescent girl revered as the living incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju. Your guide will explain this unique, world-famous tradition, and with luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the goddess herself at her window.
Hanuman Dhoka
Step into the very heart of Nepal's royal history with a guided visit to Hanuman Dhoka. This is not just "some part" of the Kathmandu Durbar Square—it is the historic Royal Palace complex itself, a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour begins at the palace's main entrance, the "Hanuman Gate" (or dhoka), which is famously guarded by a striking, red-cloaked statue of the monkey god Hanuman, a protector of the palace. Your guide will lead you inside this magnificent maze of palaces, temples, and courtyards (chowks). You'll marvel at the intricate Newari wood carvings, and pass by the museums that now house the treasures of Nepal's Malla and Shah kings. This is the historic epicenter of old Kathmandu—an essential stop on your tour.
Options
3 Old Royal Durbar Square Tour in Kathmandu
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Transfers in a private vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off (for hotels in Kathmandu Valley)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (for hotels outside Kathmandu Valley)
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Entry Fee (~USD 30 PP)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing day tour
D1117AJlucyg,Jan 4, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour covered all the main areas of Kathmandu and outer regions. Our tour guide, Rabina was lovely and so welcoming - it was great for us two girls to have such a warm, friendly face. Rabina answered all our questions and made our experience an unforgettable one!
Related Experiences
Operated by Himalayan Planet Adventures