Patan Durbar Square

 Krishna Mandir | The most impressive temple in all the Durbar squares, and Patan’s most important, Krishna Mandir houses shrine to Lord Krishna, with shrines to Radha and Rukmini on either side

 Mul Chowk | Central courtyard of the Palace and the most beautiful of the three main chowks in the complex

 The third of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Durbar Squares is also the most authentic, with a distinct lack of souvenirs stalls and touts giving a friendly, relaxed vibe.

(to be continued)

Patan Durbar Square

 Like most of the classical Newari architecture found in the Kathmandu Valley, Patan was mostly constructed during the Malla period (14th - 18th centuries), leaving a Royal Palace, and assorted Hindu and Buddhist temples and idols surrounded by public squares.

Some of our recommended sites to visit in Patan include:

Patan Museum | Housed in the former royal palace, the museum exhibits objects and treasures from Nepal’s rich cultural history, including bronze and copper casts, and traditional crafts from Patan

(to be continued)

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

A visit here takes around 40 minutes from Kathmandu, but once inside the old-town, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the streets are pedestrianised, providing a calmer atmosphere than Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Nyatapola temple in Bhaktapur Durbar Square,

The classic Newari marvel, Patan is a far less-touristy and dare we say it, more attractive version of Kathmandu Durbar Square.

(to be continued)

Kathmandu Points of interest 4

 Juju Dhau | Okay, this isn’t necessarily a place, but rather a local staple food - Newari yoghurt. 

Made from buffalo milk, it’s sweet and creamy and served in a traditional clay bowl. We could eat this all day… trust us!

 (to be continued)

Kathmandu Points of interest 3

 Nyatapola temple | The tallest pagoda ever built in Nepal, this five storey temple based on the five basic elements

Dattatreya Square | Located in the older, east end, Dattatreya Square is our favourite square in Bhaktapur. Flanked by Dattatreya temple and an array of traditional Newari buildings, it’s a quieter and more comfortable here, with far less tourists making it to this part of Bhaktapur

(to be continued)

Pashupatinath temple

 The UNESCO World Heritage listed city is known for it’s artistry and crafts; walking the streets you’ll notice pottery makers, craftsmen, painters and carpenters doing their thing - we recommend buying your souvenirs here, where the quality is great and directly from the local

Points of interest in the city of Bhaktapur that we recommend you visit include:

Pashupatinath temple/Pagoda, the Royal bath, Chyasalin Mandip, Siddhi Lakshi temple, Vatsala temple (currently being restored)

(to be continued)

Kathmandu Bhaktapur

 The ancient Newari city of Bhaktapur, with it’s pagodas, temples, palaces, narrow laneways and warm-brick facades, is the most extraordinarily beautiful ‘city’ in Nepal.

Founded in ninth century, Bhaktapur ruled the Kathmandu Valley from 1200 - 1482, when the king, Yaksha Malla, devided the valley into three kingdoms - Bhaktapur, Basantipur (Kathmandu), and Patan. Quarrelling and oneupmanship led to a period of growth in culture, construction, artistry, and architecture from 1400 - 1800’s, leading to the stunning set of structures found today.

(to be continued)