About this experience
Patan tour is an opportunity to touch the era when there were separate principalities in the Kathmandu Valley, each with its own history, legends, and royal dynasty. Among these ancient principalities, Patan stood out for the beauty and elegance of its architecture and craftsmanship. Therefore, the second name of this city is Lalitpur, which translates as 'Beautiful City.' Let's go explore it!
What to Expect
Let's start with a visit to the living goddess Kumari, if her schedule allows: together with the honor to this girl come traditional duties, mainly related to participation in numerous ceremonies. Following the tradition, to receive Kumari's blessing, it is recommended to make a monetary offering, and you can also please the girl-goddess with a small gift from your country - a doll, toy, or stationery item, the main thing - red in color.
Then we will take a stroll through the cozy streets of the ancient city, where stone and wood turned into unique small houses with carved shutters of little windows, and the elaborate ornament of the temples indicates the divine in everything - from the plots of ancient legends to erotic scenes, stunning in their frankness.
Turn after turn - and we will find ourselves on the Durbar Square, where the skill of Newar architects and craftsmen reached its peak. This square is entirely included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. We will explore the temples and numerous statues, discuss the role they played over the centuries, and delve into the deep symbolism of these forms.
Visit the museum, where against the background of royal chambers are placed the most valuable, from a cultural point of view, historical artifacts. Also, this is an opportunity to see Durbar Square from the windows of the palace.
Unique shrines
- Golden Temple. The most significant temple for many generations of Newar Buddhists. It impresses with the sophistication of details and authenticity
- Kumbeshwar. One of the oldest Hindu temples, which has been receiving a continuous stream of pilgrims since the 7th century
- Shri Bagalmukhi. This temple is known to locals for easily immersing oneself in a meditative state while in it
- One of the four stupas, which in the 4th century A.D. erected by the ruler Ashoka around the perimeter of Patan. Circumnavigating this stupa will be a beautiful end to getting to know the Beautiful City
Organizational Details
- The tour takes place in comfortable transport depending on the size of your group (car/minibus). We can also arrange a trip for large groups of up to 20 people - details inquire in correspondence
- The cost of entrance tickets is not included in the tour price. Count on approximately $28 per person
- The cost also does not include offerings in temples (for the goddess Kumari, approximately 1000 Nepalese rupees, which is about $10) and food expenses
- The order of visiting objects and the route itself may be changed depending on the situation in the city and the country
- The tour will be conducted by me or another guide from our team
