‘in medieval city steeped with historical works of arts within old palace courtyard’
Bhaktapur means city of Devotee which you can witness in this fascinating tour, one of the main adjoining city of Kathmandu after Patan / Lalitpur, located east of the valley rim at one time stood as capital of Nepal during Mall regime from 6th to 17th Century.
Bhaktapur as it names truly a place of devotee which you can find around this old interesting city adorned with rich culture of ancient Newar traditional life style and heritage, although slowly turning into semi modern city, but still retains its age-old custom as it was pasty hundreds of centuries.
A delight place to visit for full day which is about an hour drive from your hotel in Kathmandu, takes you to enchanting times and moments within medieval times.
Places of interest in Bhaktapur:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
One of world top Heritage Sites that reflects city's rich culture of masterpiece art and architectural design, also a central setting of the city
for architectural monuments and arts. Visit its famous golden gate at the main courtyard of the Palace lined with 55 beautiful carved
windows; the golden gate regarded as world's most beautiful and richly carved of its kind.
Bhaktapur Nyatapol Temple:
One of the highlights of Bhaktapur and landmark of the city its old and beautiful towering Nyatapol Temple, means a five storied temple
stands high 30 meters, the tallest temple within Kathmandu valley, built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1,708 AD. Each of its five terraces
holds pair of figures, starting from the bottom with wrestlers, elephant, lion, griffins and goddesses.
The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery:
Located within Bhaktapur Durbar Square treasures rare paintings and manuscripts with painted covers and illustrations are found in this
museum. Gallery contains brass, bronze, stone and wooden images of medieval art tradition of Nepal. Gallery is closed on Thursday and
public holidays.
Bhairavnath Temple of Bhaktapur:
Originally built as one-story pagoda during King Jagat Jyoti Malla period, later changed into a three-storey temple in 1718 A.D. by King
Bhupatindra Malla, this temple now stands for its artistic grandeur. Bhairavnath temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairab - the god of Terror.
Dattarya Temple:
Built in 1427 AD, the temple is said to have been built from a single tree visit a monastery having exquisitely carved peacock windows
located near the temple area.
Pottery square and market:
Around Bhaktapur there are two main pottery area, the first pottery square is at Suryamadhi east from Dattarya temple square, it is the
oldest pottery square, another pottery place leads south from the Nytapola square at Talako’s Potter’s Square walking along interesting
markets side streets the pottery is in full blaze, the wide open brick courtyard with a mix of small grey and brownish red clay pots, where
each pot is examined by hand before being turned to face the sun at new angle or dipped into a bucket of colored water. Observe the
craftsman on wheels shaping the clay in a finely tuned system of human pottery rotation from past centuries of old tradition.
With time in Bhaktapur city another interesting sites is ancient Changunarayan Temple:
Oldest and ancient temple of Nepal Changunarayan, situated on a hilltop above Bhaktapur the place also called Changu or Dolagiri.
The temple area surrounded with forest of champak trees with small Changu village which is directly north of Bhaktapur. Changunarayan
Temple dedicated to Hindu god Lord Vishnu, this temple considered as the oldest one in Nepal. The pagoda style temple has several
masterpieces of 5th to 12th century of excellent Nepalese art.
According to legends Changunarayan temple existed as early as 325 A.D. in the time of King Licchavi King Hari Datta Verma and it is one
of Nepal's richest structures historically as well as artistically. In the grounds there is a stone pillar inscription of great importance
recording the military exploits of King Man Deva who reigned from 496 A.D. to 524 A.D. The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history
found in the temple premises during the reign of the Licchavi King Mandeva dating back to 464 A.D. Proves that temple was already been
established as a sacred site in the 3rd century A.D. It is the earliest inscription known in Nepal. Another interesting place to visit and stay
as well catch the pure Himalayan air with scenic views of sunrise over chain of mountains is at Nagarkot an extension trip for a day or two
with tour of Bhaktapur and Changunarayan Temple:
A famous and popular view point of Nagarkot which north of Bhaktapur, a popular touristic spot an altitude of 2,175 m high, offers stunning sunrise and sunset views over chain of Himalayan peaks from Manaslu-Ganesh-Langtang-Jugal Himal towards east of Everest range.
A serene town of mostly Tamang ethnic tribe a hill people of Nepal with traditional farm villages and neat terraces fields within pristine woodland of rhododendron-pines-oaks and fir tree lines.
Nagarkot with cool alpine temperatures, a famous gateway for city folks to escape from hustle and bustle of city life in the comfort of nice and wonderful lodges, hotels and resorts where all rooms faces beautiful views of snowcapped peaks.
