The 6 Best Durbar Square Tours in the Kathmandu Valley

1.Bhaktapur & Patan Durbar Square Day Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · from $50Our pick

Set out at 9:15 am in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a local English-speaking guide, such as Rajendra Manandhar. Visit Bhaktapur’s three main squares, Patan Durbar Square, its carved courtyards, and the 12th-century Golden Temple. Allow 6 to 8 hours, plus entrance fees.

“We have visited tei cities. Patan and bhaktapur. Our guide, Rajendra Manandhar, was kind, patient and very aknowledges. He told us a lot about the history and also took pictures of us. I can truly reccomend. Thank you for this great experience.”

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2.Kathmandu Sunset Tour by Rickshaw Including Durbar Square Visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · from $50

Join a small-group evening rickshaw ride from Thamel through Asan market to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Your guide points out temples, shrines, shops, and local life, with the square’s entrance fee included. Expect about 2.5 hours, a 6 pm start, and no included food or drinks.

“we were in luck as there was a festival happening that evening...people everywhere, locals and tourists.... drums and chanting, people dancing. I enjoyed myself.”

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3.Old Kathmandu Walking Tour, Historic World Heritage Durbar Square

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $28

Walk through Kathmandu’s old quarters with a local guide such as Mahesh Shreshtha or Modo. See Newar Buddhist courtyards, Asan Market, Seto MachhindraNath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kumari Chowk, and Kathesimbu before tea at Cafe Mitra.

“This was an excellent tour. I was able to learn and experience so much, including meeting a Hindu priest at a small beautiful temple and interacting with him and getting to see the living child goddess. Modo was a great guide.”

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4.City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · from $110

Spend about eight hours with a private guide exploring Patan and Bhaktapur, including Krishna Mandir, the Patan Museum, Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, and the 55-Window Palace. Pickup is available inside Kathmandu’s Ring Road, including Boudha.

“A well guided and informative tour. I would definitely recommend thanks to our excellent guide.”

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5.Bhaktapur Old City and Durbar Square Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $65

Travel from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur with a private vehicle and guide, then explore Durbar Square, Pottery Square, Siddha Pokhari, Nyatapola, Dattatreya, Bhairavnath, Taleju, and the 55 Window Palace. Guide Rabina has received special praise for her friendly, clear explanations.

“A fascinating city. The only damper was the rain. With so many damaged buildings due to the 2015 earthquake, I hope the people of Bhaktapur can rebuild sooner rather than later. Our guide was so welcoming and knowledgable. The ride out of Kathmandu also gave us a view of everyday Nepalese life.”

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6.Kathmandu Durbar Square – Private/Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $15Best value

Join a guide such as Santosh, Sandip, or Shreeya for a three-hour walk from Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Visit Wasya Dyaa, Seto Machindranath Temple, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kumari Ghar while learning local customs, beliefs, and city stories in a group of no more than five.

“Santosh from Amazing Kathmandu was a very punctual guide, with lots of local knowledge on religion, local customs and local stories. We had an amazing tour for 3 days. Even though I have been to Kathmandu several times, Santosh”

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