20 Ponds Walking Heritage Tour in Bhaktapur

5.0 (one review) 8–10 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

one review

5.0

Siddha Pokhari — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Na Pukhu Pokhari — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 8–10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English, Chinese
Operated by: Himalayan Planet Adventures

Ages: Adults (11–65 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Professional and Licensed Guide
Included: Hotel Pickup and Drop Off

Not included

Not included: Food and Drinks
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Entry Fee (~USD 15 PP)

Itinerary

Bhaktapur

6 hours

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

10 min

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

2 hours Admission not included

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

10 min

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

15 min

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.
55 Window Palace

15 min

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.