Bhaktapur: Nepal’s Living Museum
Why visit Bhaktapur?
Visiting Bhaktapur is like taking a journey back in time to a city that beautifully preserves its medieval heritage and Newari culture. The city’s well-preserved architecture, and intricate wood carvings, take you to an era long past.
Bhaktapur offers a unique opportunity to see vibrant festivals and rituals year-round. The bustling markets allow you to see artists making pottery and weaving. Bhaktapur is the perfect place to learn about and experience Nepalese culture.
How to travel to Bhaktapur?
The easiest option for getting here is to take a private transfer. You could also include Lalitpur in this trip and make a whole day trip of this. To do both of these trips by private transfer it may cost around 2000 NPR (€14.30) for the whole day.
Taking the bus is the easiest way to travel here but can be quite difficult as most of the signs are in Nepalese. In Kathmandu, Bhaktapur buses leave from the Ratna Park Bus Stand, and in Patan from the Lagankhel Bus Park.
Top Things to do in Bhaktapur:
1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a treasure trove of Newari art and culture. It features an array of temples, palaces, courtyards, and statues. The 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, and Nyatapola Temple are just a few of the remarkable structures that are located on the square. It served as the royal palace square for the Malla kings who ruled over the Kathmandu Valley from the 12th to the 18th century.
2. Taumadhi Square
At the centre of the square stands the iconic Nyatapola Temple, a five-story pagoda-style temple that is the tallest temple in Nepal. This square is a vibrant hub of daily life and cultural activities, with locals selling traditional crafts, pottery, and delicious Newari cuisine. It is the backdrop for various festivals and celebrations, including the New Year’s festivities.
3.Dattatreya Square
This square bears the name of the deity Dattatreya, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The square has magnificent architecture, most notably the Dattatreya Temple, an intricately carved three-story pagoda-style temple built in the 15th century. Surrounding the square, you can explore traditional Newari houses with beautifully carved wooden windows and balconies.
4. Wakupati Narayan
This is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Wakupati Narayan, a deity often depicted as a four-armed Vishnu holding various divine attributes. The temple was constructed by Newari artists.
5. Pottery Square
The pottery square serves as the centre of Bhaktapur’s pottery industry, offering a glimpse into the age-old craft of pottery making. As you explore the square, you’ll witness skilled potters at their wheels, shaping and moulding clay into a wide array of functional and decorative pottery items. You can see designed pots and vases to simple clay vessels in shops surrounding the square, making it the perfect place to buy a gift.
Where should you stay in Bhaktapur?
Budget – Hostel Swastik – offers budget-conscious travellers a comfortable and welcoming accommodation option, providing a perfect base to explore this city
Medium – Tulaja Boutique Hotel – this is a charming and cosy hotel that offers a unique blend of traditional Nepali hospitality and modern comfort
High – Hotel Bhadgaon – this hotel boasts a tranquil ambience and excellent amenities, providing a serene retreat
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