Old Palaces Tour

The Old Palaces Tour of Kathmandu Valley offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Visitors can discover the stunning Newari architecture and royal legacies that have shaped Nepal’s past, from the iconic Durbar Squares to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. With private transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this comprehensive 8-hour tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the intricate stories that lie within the walls of these grand palaces. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Nepal’s captivating past, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• An 8-hour tour that covers four key historical sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including the Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, as well as the Narayanhiti Palace Museum.
• Provides insights into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, with a focus on the architectural styles and artistic craftsmanship of the Newari people.
• Includes private transportation, an expert multilingual guide, and all entrance fees, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
• Offers a flexible cancellation policy with the option to reserve a spot without immediate payment.
• Allows visitors to explore the historical significance and the impact of the 2015 earthquake on these iconic Nepalese landmarks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Old Palaces Tour offers a comprehensive 8-hour experience, priced at $46.45 per person.

Customers can reserve their spot without immediate payment and enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour begins with pickup from Thamel and takes visitors to the stunning Kathmandu Durbar Square, showcasing Newar architecture and craftsmanship.

Next, they’ll explore the three courtyards of the Patan Durbar Square, rich in Newari heritage.

The final stop is the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, renowned for its historical significance, before visiting the opulent Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal estate of Nepal.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a pickup from Thamel, the bustling heart of Kathmandu, before embarking on a journey to the city’s most renowned historical sites.

Visitors will first explore the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional Newar architecture and intricate craftsmanship.

Next, they’ll visit Patan Durbar Square, divided into three distinct courtyards and rich in Newari heritage.

The tour then takes a 25-minute drive to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, renowned for its historical significance.

The final stop is the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal estate, where guests can enjoy the opulent rooms and artifacts of Nepal’s royal family.

Cultural Insights

While exploring the Old Palaces Tour, visitors can expect to gain valuable cultural insights. They’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of Nepal’s royal family at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, seeing the opulent rooms and artifacts that showcase the nation’s rich heritage.

Plus, the tour allows travelers to encounter local culture by experiencing traditional markets and observing the impacts of the 2015 earthquake on these historical sites.

The cultural insights offered by the Old Palaces Tour include:

1. Exploring the Narayanhiti Palace Museum and learning about Nepal’s royal history.

2. Experiencing traditional markets and observing local handicrafts.

3. Discovering the effects of the 2015 earthquake on historical sites.

4. Engaging with the vibrant Newari architecture and craftsmanship.

Tour Inclusions

The Old Palaces Tour includes various amenities to enhance the experience for participants. Transportation in a private vehicle, whether a car, van, or bus, is provided based on the group size. Plus, the tour incorporates a professional guide fluent in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, French, and Hindi, to facilitate seamless communication and cultural understanding. Entrance fees and mineral water are also covered during the tour, while government taxes and service charges are accounted for.

Tour Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Private vehicle (car, van, or bus)
Tour Guide	Multilingual (English, Japanese, Chinese, French, Hindi)
Entrance Fees	Covered
Mineral Water	Provided
Taxes & Charges	Government taxes and service charges included

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Cancellation and Payment

Customers can cancel their Old Palaces Tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility should their plans change.

Plus, the tour operator offers a ‘Reserve now & pay later‘ option, allowing customers to book their spot without immediate payment. This can be particularly useful for those who want to secure their place on the tour but need more time to finalize their travel arrangements.

The pricing for the Old Palaces Tour is as follows:

1. $46.45 per person

2. Duration: 8 hours

3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

4. No immediate payment required to reserve your spot

This flexible cancellation policy and payment option make the Old Palaces Tour an attractive choice for travelers.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from Thamel, a popular tourist hub in Kathmandu, where participants are transported in a private vehicle – be it a car, van, or bus – based on the size of the group. The mode of transportation ensures a comfortable and efficient journey as the tour explores the historical sites of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

Vehicle Type	Group Size
Car	1-3 people
Van	4-7 people
Bus	8+ people

The private transportation allows the group to move between the key destinations on the itinerary, including the iconic Durbar Squares and the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, at their own pace while learning about the rich cultural heritage of Nepal from the expert guide.

Newari Architecture and History

Newari architecture showcases the remarkable craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage of Nepal’s indigenous Newar people, whose influence can be seen across the historic Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

These ancient palace complexes feature:

1. Intricate woodcarvings, metalwork, and stone sculptures that adorn temples, courtyards, and royal residences.

2. Pagoda-style roofs and brick-and-timber construction techniques that have withstood the test of time.

3. Vibrant painted facades and ornate architectural details that reflect the Newars’ artistic sensibilities.

4. A harmonious blend of Buddhist and Hindu influences, showcasing the diversity of Nepal’s cultural heritage.

Exploring these Newari masterpieces provides a fascinating glimpse into Nepal’s captivating history and the enduring legacy of its indigenous population.

Additional Information

Beyond the captivating Newari architecture and rich cultural insights, the Old Palaces Tour offers additional practical considerations for travelers. Itineraries may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, so it’s important for participants to remain flexible.

While the tour package includes transportation, guide services, and entrance fees, meals and gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t covered, allowing travelers to customize their spending. Visitors should also note that tips and gratuities for the guide and driver are optional, providing them the flexibility to reward service as they see fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, travelers can bring their own snacks on the tour. The tour package does not include meals or beverages, so bringing personal snacks is allowed and recommended to have during the day.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but visitors are recommended to wear comfortable, modest clothing that respects local cultural norms. Covering up and avoiding revealing attire is generally advised when visiting historical sites.

Are There Any Restroom Stops During the Tour?

Yes, there are typically restroom stops during the tour. The tour itinerary includes visits to historical sites, where restroom facilities are available for use by tour participants. Adequate breaks are provided to allow for restroom access throughout the day.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Palace Museums?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the palace museums, but they may be restricted in certain areas or for certain exhibits. It’s advisable to check with the tour guide or museum staff for any specific photography guidelines.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Each Stop on the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary allots approximately 1.5-2 hours at each main stop, allowing visitors ample time to explore the historical sites and enjoy the local culture. The duration for each location may vary slightly based on group size and interests.

Recap

The Old Palaces Tour offers an immersive exploration of Kathmandu Valley‘s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Visitors can expect to discover stunning Newari architecture, gain insights into Nepal’s royal past, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the iconic sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a reasonable price tag, this tour provides an exceptional experience for those seeking to explore the captivating essence of Nepal.

You can check if your dates are available here: