Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati · Nepal
Bhaktapur & Patan
The two best-preserved Newari cities in the valley — Durbar Squares, courtyards and metalwork alleys.
Bhaktapur & Patan is an easy hill destination in Kathmandu Valley, Bagmati, Nepal, reaching 1,400 m. The best time to go is February to April and October to December. Plan 2 to 3 days on the ground from Kathmandu and about ₹2,500 per person per day.
What to do in Bhaktapur & Patan
The one thing not to miss
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
And Nyatapola temple in the square beyond.
- 2Patan Durbar SquareAnd the Patan Museum inside the old palace.
A sample plan: 3 days
Day 1
Kathmandu to Bhaktapur & Patan
About 45 minutes on the road. Check in and take a short walk to get your bearings.
Day 2
Bhaktapur Durbar Square · Patan Durbar Square
Details for each are under What to do, above.
Day 3
Bhaktapur & Patan to Kathmandu
Leave after breakfast; hill roads are slower than the map suggests.
A starting point built from the things to do above. Move days around to suit your pace.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
The finest urban heritage in Nepal, easily done as day trips from Kathmandu.
Why not
Entry fees for non-Nepalis are steep, and both squares are earthquake-restoring in places.
Before you go
- Permits
- Indian citizens: passport or voter ID. Separate entry fee for each Durbar Square.
- Guide
- Not needed; a local guide adds a lot.
- Safety
- Uneven brick paving — watch your footing in the courtyards.
- Phone & internet
- Excellent.
Permits, food and festivals in Nepal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: Tourist Police, Kathmandu, Kathmandu.
All emergency contacts for Nepal →What to pack for Bhaktapur & Patan
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
4 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Compact umbrella Showers are frequent in the rainy months.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
1 item
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip Hill towns mean slopes, steps and wet stone.
For day outings
2 items
- Day pack, 20–30 litres For day outings: water, a layer, a camera.
- Water bottles, 2 litres in total Refill rather than buying plastic bottles.
Health and sun
4 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 The sun burns faster in the hills than in the plains.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- Motion-sickness bands or tablets The approach roads are long and winding.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
Documents and money
4 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesIndians need a passport or voter ID to enter Nepal; other nationals need a passport and visa.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsIndian citizens: passport or voter ID. Separate entry fee for each Durbar Square.
- Indian ₹100 notes, or Nepali rupees₹100 notes are the safest Indian currency to carry in Nepal; larger notes are not always accepted. Change money in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trail.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereExcellent.
- Universal travel adapter Nepal's sockets differ from India's in many lodges.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
1 item
- A guidebook for Nepal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Kathmandu.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it.
By road
From
Kathmandu
- Distance
- about 13 km
- Drive time
- about 45 minutes
- Kathmandu
- Koteshwor
- Bhaktapur
From
Kathmandu
- Distance
- about 6 km
- Drive time
- 20–30 minutes
- Thamel
- Patan Durbar Square
Buses and shared taxis. Local buses and taxis run to both from central Kathmandu.
Pickups & drivers
From Kathmandu. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Bhaktapur & Patan yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Bhaktapur & Patan: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Bhaktapur & Patan?
The best months for Bhaktapur & Patan are February to April and October to December. January, May and September are possible but not ideal. Snow is rare here.
How difficult is Bhaktapur & Patan?
Bhaktapur & Patan is rated easy. No trekking is needed, starting at 1,350 m and reaching 1,400 m.
How many days do you need for Bhaktapur & Patan?
Plan 2 to 3 days on the ground, counted from Kathmandu. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Bhaktapur & Patan cost?
Expect about ₹2,500 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹7,500 for 3 days, before the cost of getting to Kathmandu.
How do you reach Bhaktapur & Patan?
By road: from Kathmandu it is about 13 km, about 45 minutes (Kathmandu → Koteshwor → Bhaktapur); from Kathmandu it is about 6 km, 20–30 minutes (Thamel → Patan Durbar Square). Local buses and taxis run to both from central Kathmandu. The nearest gateway is Kathmandu.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Bhaktapur & Patan?
Permits: Indian citizens: passport or voter ID. Separate entry fee for each Durbar Square. Guide: Not needed; a local guide adds a lot.
Is Bhaktapur & Patan suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is great; with seniors it is great. It is busy in season. Uneven brick paving — watch your footing in the courtyards.
What should you pack for Bhaktapur & Patan?
Pack fleece or light sweater, sun cap or hat, compact umbrella, rain jacket or poncho, comfortable walking shoes with grip, day pack, 20–30 litres, water bottles, 2 litres in total, sunscreen, spf 50, small first-aid kit and your own medicines. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Bhaktapur & Patan?
Excellent.
Who should not go to Bhaktapur & Patan?
Bhaktapur & Patan suits most travellers, including children and senior citizens. The one drawback to know about: Entry fees for non-Nepalis are steep, and both squares are earthquake-restoring in places.
Close to Bhaktapur & Patan
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Kathmandu Valley & Nagarkotabout 12 km
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