In Bhaktapur, there is one free tour that focuses on the heritage and history of the ancient city, using the familiar 'free tour' method: the tour itself is free of charge in advance, and a local guide leads you on foot through Durbar Square, ancient temples, and stone alleys, and at the end, each participant gives the guide a tip according to their feelings and ability.
Bhaktapur, also known as the "City of Devotees," is the third largest city in the Kathmandu Valley and is considered the most preserved of the Nomadic heritage cities in the region - its cobblestone streets, carved wooden houses, and historic squares are recognized as part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike bustling Kathmandu, the ancient city center is closed to vehicle traffic, making a walking tour the most natural way to get to know it.
Those planning a visit to the Kathmandu Valley can combine a free tour of Bhaktapur, located about 13 km east of Kathmandu, as a day trip from the nearby city or as a stopover on the way to other destinations in the valley. Reservations are made in advance through GuruWalk, the world's leading platform for free tours, and the number of places on each tour is limited.
Recommended free tours in Bhaktapur
One free tour of Bhaktapur focuses on the heritage and history of the ancient city, passing through Durbar Square, temples, and traditional craft squares.
Historical Tour & Heritage walk
A tour focusing on the history and heritage of Bhaktapur, passing through Durbar Square, ancient temples and the alleys of the traditional Noor city, with an emphasis on the story behind the historical sites.
Why go on a walking tour of Bhaktapur?
A museum city in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley
Bhaktapur developed as an independent Nuwar kingdom in the Middle Ages, and its historic center has survived almost intact - making it one of the most impressive centers of traditional architecture in South Asia. Durbar Square, the heart of the old city, combines the 55-window palace with the famous Golden Gate and stone and wood sculptures that tell the story of the Malla dynasty kings. A local guide knows how to point out details that are easy to miss on your own: a relief of a goddess, an ancient inscription, or an explanation of the unique Nuwari construction technique that combines red bricks and carved wood.
A short walk from there leads to Taumadhi Square with the Nyatapula Temple, the tallest pagoda in the entire Kathmandu Valley, and next to it is Pottery Square, where families of potters still shape and dry pottery using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. A tour with a local guide also allows you to discover quieter corners off the main tourist trail - inner courtyards, small temples and workshops - and hear explanations about daily life in a city that continues to function as a vibrant Newar community, not just a tourist site.
Areas and starting points of the tours
The areas the tours pass through
- Durbar Square - The most magnificent and central square, with the Palace of 55 Windows, the Golden Gate and historic temples; often the starting point or climax of the tour.
- Taumadhi Square - Home to the five-story Nyatapula Temple, one of Bhaktapur's most recognizable symbols, and a bustling square with traditional teahouses.
- Pottery Square - The area where pottery is still produced using the traditional method, and also the place where the famous local yogurt is often served in clay bowls.
- Dattatreya Square - The edge of the historic old city, with ancient temples and carved Noir wooden houses along narrow alleys.
Because the Old City is compact and closed to vehicle traffic, most of these areas can be easily traversed on foot, and the guide usually builds a route that connects them through lesser-known alleys and not just the main thoroughfares.
Important tips before you go out
Tips before you set off
It is recommended to book a place in advance through Gorowalk, because the number of participants in each tour is limited and available places run out during peak seasons. The most common language of instruction in Nepal is English, and sometimes additional languages are also offered - it is worth checking this in advance on the booking page of the specific tour. It is worth arriving a few minutes before the start time so as not to miss the beginning of the explanation, and make sure that your phone is charged if you want to take pictures.
Bhaktapur is experienced mainly on foot on uneven stone pavement, so comfortable shoes are a must, and light clothing is recommended in the hot season and layers in the winter because the altitude of the valley brings cool mornings. As with any free tour, there is no fixed payment in advance - at the end, it is customary to tip the guide in cash, in the local Nepalese rupee, depending on the quality of the tour and personal satisfaction. It is worth arriving with a little cash, because it is not always possible to pay by card in the old city area. Note that entry to the Durbar Square complexes involves a separate entrance fee to the city, which is not related to the tip given to the tour guide. During the monsoon season, from about June to September, it is worth considering the possibility of afternoon rain and planning the tour for the early morning hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the free tours in Bhaktapur really free?
Yes - there is no fixed upfront payment. This is a "pay what you feel" model: At the end of the tour, it is customary to give the guide a tip based on your impressions and personal satisfaction.
Do I need to book in advance?
It is highly recommended to book in advance through Gourwalk, as the number of places on each tour is limited and fills up especially during peak seasons.
In what languages are the tours held?
The most common language is English. Additional languages may vary from tour to tour, it is worth checking in advance on the specific booking page.
Is the tour suitable for families with children?
A walking tour of an ancient city with stone pavement and stairs is usually suitable for families, but it is recommended to check with the guide in advance if there are any special considerations for small children or strollers.
How much is it customary to tip a guide?
There is no fixed amount - the tip is given based on personal feelings and the quality of the tour, and it is customary to pay it in cash.
What is the difference between the free tour and the entrance to Durbar Square?
The entrance fee to the Durbar Square sites themselves is a separate cost charged by the local authority, and is not related to the tip given to the guide at the end of the free tour.
