The Three King's Cities

Overview

In the past there were many small kingdoms in Nepal till 18^th century before King Prithivi Narayan Shah conquered all small Kingdoms and united Nepal. Among various kingdoms the three Kingdoms within the Kathmandu Valley were very powerful and represent historically as well as artistically huge important and well preserved sites where the spirit of the past still is present. This one day trip is a must see to discover Nepal’s unique history that is reflected in buildings, temples and villages.
After breakfast our guide will transport you from your hotel to Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, in the center of the city, has the largest area among the three palaces in the Kathmandu valley with numerous important monuments. The palace known previously as Gutaupo Palace in the middle ages, got its name as Hanumandhoka Palace in the 17th century. After then King Pratap Malla established an idol of  ‘Hanuman (monkey god)’ in front of the main gate of the palace. Likewise the Palace is also known as Basantapur Palace after King Prithivi Narayan Shah added the nine storied ‘Basantapur’ Palace in 1769 AD. After unification by King Prithivi Narayan Shah development and expansion in other palaces stopped however, Kathmandu becaming the first choice of Shah and various new monuments were added later.

We will continue our sightseeing and drive to the second King’s city: Patan.

The Patan Durbar Square has a very rich history of the Malla civilization with different beautifully carved monuments to make this courtyard rich in arts and crafts. The square offers myriad opportunities for visitors willing to study and research artistic and architectural masterpieces, the history and culture of Lalitpur. Most of the monuments in the Durbar Square were built by Malla Kings from 16th to 18th century.

We will stay for lunch in Patan and after we drive to the final and probably most preserved King’s city: Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is in Bhaktapur district of Nepal which is the smallest among the 75 districts of Nepal. Bhaktapur is also called ‘Khwopa’ or ‘Bhadgaon’ in the Newari dialect, which means the city of devotees. This city is rich in ancient arts, religious values, architectural masterpieces and ancient sculptures, and walking there is going back in time as it is one open museum although it is still inhabited. This spectacular square was the capital of the Malla Kingdom till 1769 A.D. Bhaktapur is renowned for the ‘Juju Dhau’(Royal Sweet Yohurt), potteries and the artistic wood carving.

After Bhaktapur and a lot of impressions we drive back to Kathmandu in 45 minutes and drop you off at your hotel.

Service Included on Trip Cost

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes