Bhaktapur City Tour

Travel teaches tolerance. – Benjamin Disraeli

 About Trip 
Bhaktapur : literally translates to "city of devotees" also known as Khwopa is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal about 8 miles (13 km) from the capital city, Kathmandu. It is located in and serves as the headquarters of Bhaktapur District in Bagmati Pradesh of Nepal. It is administratively divided into 10 wards. Khwopa was the largest of the three Newa kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley and was the capital of Nepal during the great 'Malla Kingdom' until the second half of the 15th century. It has a population of more than 81,728, of which the vast majority are still Newa Nepa mi. Historically more isolated than the other two kingdoms, Kathmandu and Patan, Bhaktapur has a distinctly different form of Nepal Bhasa language. Bhaktapur has the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. This is supported by the restoration and preservation efforts of German-funded Bhaktapur Development Project (BDP). The city is famous for a special type of yogurt called "Ju Ju (king) dhau (curd). The male inhabitants of this city wear a special type of cap called the Bhadgaunle Topi, Daura Suruwal whereas the female wear Hakupatashi and Whantang Suruwal. It is the cultural dresses of newar community that they have worn from their ancient times. Newar community people were easily recognized from their dresses and their language. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples, mostly dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses grouped around a 55-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of the kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place — struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows — all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. Nyatapola Temple is a 5-story pagoda style temple located at Bhaktapur, Nepal. The temple was erected by Nepali King Bhupatindra Malla during a 5-month period from late 1701 to 1702. It is the temple of Siddha Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity. Its foundation is said to be wider than the temple's base. Bhairav Nath Temple is another pagoda temple of lord Bhairab, the dreadful aspect of Lord Shiva. It stands near the Nyatapola temple and was originally constructed by King Jagat Jyoti Malla on a modest scale. It was later remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla, a jealous lover of the arts, into what it is now a three-storeyed temple Dattatraya which is as old as the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. The three-story pagoda-style Dattatraya Temple, with statues of the Hindu trinity, (Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer), was built during the reign of King Yaksha Malla (1428 A.D. – 1482 A.D.) and was opened to the public around 1486 A.D, only after his demise. The exact date of construction of the Dattatraya temple is still obscure. This temple, according to popular belief, was constructed from a single piece of wood from one tree. At the entrance are two large sculptures of the Jaiput wrestlers, Jaimala and Pata (as in the Nyatapola Temple), a "Chakra", and a gilded metal statue of Garuda, a bird-like divinity. Around the temple are wood carved panels with erotic decorations. It was subsequently repaired and renovated by King Vishwa Malla in 1548 A.D. Changu Narayan is an ancient Hindu temple located near the village of Changunarayan in the Kathmandu Valley on top of a hill at the eastern end of the valley. It is 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) to the north of Bhakathapur and 22 kilometres (14 miles) from Kathmandu. The temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples of the valley and is believed to have been constructed first in the 4th century. Changu Narayan is the name of Vishnu, and the temple is dedicated to him. A stone slab discovered in the vicinity of the temple dates to the 5th century and is the oldest such stone inscription discovered in Nepal. It was rebuilt after the old temple was devastated. Many of the stone sculptures date to the Licchavi period. Changu Narayan Temple is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Ta Pukhu (Siddha Pokhari) is a big rectangular water pond near the main city gate. It was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in the early 15th century and is associated with a number of myths. From this spot a wide range of snowy peaks are visible on clear day. Kailashnath Mahadev is the World's Tallest Lord Shiva statue. The height of this statue is 143 feet high and is situated 20 km from Kathmandu, Nepal. The statues construction work was started in 2004 and was completed in 2012. The statue's inauguration took place on 21 June 2012. This statue stands on the 32nd position in the list of all statues by height in the world. It has been made out of copper, cement, zinc and steel. There were many professional workers and statue makers from India to make this gigantic structure possible

Trip Highlights

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the renowned 55 Window Palace, Lion Gate, Taleju?Bell, and the statue of King Bhupatindra?Malla. The royal complex offers extraordinary examples of Newar craftsmanship and historic significance.
• Nyatapola Temple & Taumadhi Square: Home to Nepal’s tallest pagoda style temple, Nyatapola, with five tiers and guardian sculptures—wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, and goddesses. The square buzzes with local energy and community events like Bisket Jatra. 
• Pottery Square: Witness the ancient craft of pottery-making in action. Artisans shape clay on spinning wheels and fire kilns—all in a lively brick courtyard. You can even try crafting your own pot.
• Dattatreya Square & Peacock Window: Visit the tranquil Dattatreya Temple, believed to be carved from a single tree, and admire the exquisite Peacock Window—often called the Mona?Lisa of Newari woodwork. This area also hosts the Woodcarving and Brass & Bronze Museum..
• Traditional Newari Cuisine: Treat your taste buds to Bhaktapur’s famous Juju Dhau (king curd), creamy and sweet buffalo?milk yogurt served in clay pots. Also enjoy regional dishes like Samay Baji, Chatamari, and Bara in local eateries..
• Siddha Pokhari (Indra Daha): This historic pond near the city entrance offers a calm setting for a relaxing stroll, especially beautiful at sunset or during festival lighting.
• Stroll Ancient Streets & Local Markets: Walk Bhaktapur’s narrow alleys, dotted with artisan workshops, traditional homes, small shrines, and spirited local markets brimming with crafts, textiles, and daily produce.
• Changu Narayan Temple (Optional Excursion): Just ~12 km away lies one of Nepal’s oldest temples, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, dating back to the 4th century. Famous for its rich stone and wood carvings, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning views over the Kathmandu Valley. Also includes a museum of ancient cultural artifacts. .
• Optional Workshops: Consider joining a thangka painting class or artisan-led studio to more deeply engage with Bhaktapur’s traditional arts.

 Suggested Itineraries

 SHORT ITINERARY 

• Day 01: Drive to Bhaktapur city for sightseeing to Bhaktapur Durbar Square and back to Hotel.
• Day 02: Depart to airport / Further Plan