About this experience
This trip to 20 ponds, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is a visit to many corners of this museum city. Although it is a demanding tour where you must walk for at least 8 hours, the findings of many preserved structures in every nook and cranny makes the trip worth it. This will be a first-time tour into the deep part of Bhaktapur city, showcasing its heritages and monumental structures along with the ponds that existed for centuries is the main aim of this trip.
In this package, we have included the 20 ponds, and the UNESCO Heritage Site of Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, built centuries ago during and after the Malla regime. You will enter the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, but the star of this trip are the ponds in Bhaktapur. The ponds are in various locations distributed over 10 km throughout Bhaktapur city. After reaching Bhaktapur, you will walk from one pond to another with a lunch break during the hike. The trip usually starts at 8 in the morning and ends after 8 hours at most.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr–10 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr–10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Private transportation
- Professional and Licensed Guide
- Hotel Pickup and Drop Off
Not included
- Food and Drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry Fee (~USD 15 PP)
Itinerary and highlights
The main attraction of this trip are the corners and alley ways of the Bhaktapur city which includes many ponds and smaller temples which are located along the way. And also, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square as a whole experience. The first stop is Maheshowri temple. You will visit many ponds like Jela Pokhari, Khancha Pokhari, Nhade Pokhari, and Kumari Pokhari. Then a quick stop at Chupinghat Mahadev Temple and other major ponds in Bhaktapur like Laiko Pokhari, Mangal Pokhari, Kadha Pokhari, Degamana Pokhari, Tekha Pokhari, Bhajuya Pokhari, Rani Pokhari, Siddha Pokhari, Guhye (Na Pukhu) Pokhari, Bal Maasan Pokhari, Kaldaha Pokhari, Indrayani Pokhari, Bhandarkhal Pokhari, Sundhara Pokhari, Taleju Pokhari, and Nag Pokhari along with major attraction of Bhaktapur Durbar Square such as Nyatapola temple, 55 windows palace, Vatsala Temple, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, and Golden Gate.
Siddha Pokhari is a huge pond made by human at the entrance of Bhaktapur. The pond is big enough to ride a small boat. It is a bustling spot where locals often hangout. The environment around the pond is beautiful.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the most iconic landmark in Bhaktapur. The architectural and historical importance has been recognized by the UNESCO and listed as a World Heritage Site. Some of the popular temples and structures in the durbar square are: Nyatapola temple, 55 windows palace, Vatsala Temple, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Golden Gate, and many other temples. In terms of food, the curd from Bhaktapur is famous throughout Kathmandu valley and has been called “JUJU DHAU” translated as “Kings of Yogurt”, and liked by all due to its creamy texture and thick consistency.
Nyatapola temple is a five-leveled temple over 30 meters tall. It is one of the tallest temple in Nepal. You can see 5 pairs of statues of ancient animals and deities at the sides along steps of the temple. It is said that each statue is 10 times stronger as you climb up the stairs. The temple is dedicated to the ancestral deity of Malla royal family: Siddhi Laxmi. The image of Siddhi Laxmi is said to be 10 feet tall but as the temple opens once a year in July, peaking a look is difficult.
Dattatreya temple is located in the east side of Bhaktapur, in Dattatreya Square of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The temple is associated with the deity Dattatreya which is composite of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The huge temple is said to be built using the stem of a single tree. The idols of the three gods with a huge tree at the back is one of its important feature.
Another iconic stop is the 55 Window Palace of Bhaktapur. The palace is right near the golden gate entrance. Its name comes from the 55 windows carved around the palace. There are carvings of many designs and deities around the palace with sacred wall paintings.
Meeting and pickup information
- We will pickup inside ring road including Bouddha area.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- zh-CN — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Himalayan Planet Adventures
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a demanding trip with at least 8 hours of walk in Bhaktapur city.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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