Ancient Cities : Bhaktapur and Patan - 1 Days

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, has many names and even more facets. Also known by the name of Bhadgaon, Khwopa, and Khwopinggram in earlier days, this ancient Newar city, which used to be a Malla kingdom until towards the end of the 15th Century. The core palace area, known as the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bhaktapur is home to ancient traditions, festivals, colorful celebrations, wooden and stone craftwork, and temples displaying excellent medieval local architecture.

Additionally, beautiful ponds, masked dances with typical Newari music, narrow stone-paved gallis (streets), and a well-knit neighborhood are the special attributes of Bhaktapur. Nyatapola or Panchatale Mandir (Five-storied temple), 55-windowed palaces, Dattatreya Square, Pottery Square locally Known as ‘Kumari Chowk’ or ‘Tachapal Tole’, and Taumadhi Square are some major places of interests.

Changu Narayan Temple

The Changu Narayan Temple, located about 7 kilometers north of Bhaktapur is one of the oldest shrines in the valley. Sitting atop a ridge at the northern edge of Bhaktapur, the pagoda-styled, two-storied temple is dedicated to the Hindu god ‘Narayan’. It is also enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage.

Patan Durbar Square

The picturesque Patan, also known contemporarily in Nepali as ‘Lalitpur’ and as Manigal and Yala in the local language, was founded by the Kirats around the 3rd Century BC. The Malla dynasty ruled the town between 1200 to 1800 AD and made significant contributions to the area, evident even today.

Siddhi Narasimha Malla and Yog Narendra Malla are a few notable kings who contributed to the current architecture and monuments that Patan is well-known for. The Patan City is designed in the shape of a Dharma Chakra, which is a shape that exhibits paths to enlightenment based on the teachings of Buddha. Patan is the center of exquisitely ancient craftwork in urbanization.

The Patan Durbar Square features intricately stone-carved temples like Krishna Mandir, the freshly renovated Bhimsen Temple, the Vishwanath Temple, and the famous Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihara). Patan Museum, Banglamukhi, and Kumbeshwar Mahadev Temples also incite fascination among visitors.

Ancient Cities Trip Highlights

• Visit 3 of the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the Kathmandu Valley
• Changu Narayan temple is renowned for its intricate carvings and stone sculptures built in the Nepali pagoda style.
• Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square which exhibits a splendid collection of ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards, displaying the rich medieval architecture and cultural heritage of Nepal.
• Visit Patan Dubar Square showcasing an outstanding collection of historic palaces, temples, and exquisite architectural wonders that reflect the city’s rich cultural and aesthetic legacy.
• Discover and closely observe the local craftsman and artists in action: Bhaktapur is prominent for pottery and stone crafts while Patan is famous for metal works and statues.

If you’re new to trekking, it’s better to choose an itinerary with more days. Adding an extra day will help you enjoy the journey without getting too tired and missing out on the experience.

For more information about Annapurna Base Camp or if you are interested in other trips, Visit Acces Nepal Tours and choose your dream package.