Back in time: The Medieval City of Bhaktapur

As you walk into Bhaktapur, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here.

Area

Kathmandu

Type

Art & Architecture

History

Grade

Standard

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Difficulty

Leisurely

Duration

1-2 Hours

The Palace of 55 Windows built during the period of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754 situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate known as Sunko Dhoka in Nepali is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. Amongst the three Durbar Squares in the Valley, the Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is the best preserved.

Taumadhi Square lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved lane. The towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the square. The monument gracefully soars into the sky atop a five-story plinth. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.

Dattatreya Square takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three-headed combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva. If you want to experience the feel of the traditional urban layout of Bhaktapur, Dattatreya Square is it. Set in a maze of streets lined with richly ornamented houses, the square is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The National Woodworking Museum is also housed here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street. The oldest structure in Bhaktapur was raised during the reign of the last Malla King, Yaksha Malla who ruled the Valley before it was divided into three Kingdoms amongst his three heirs.

Potter’s Square. A two-minute walk south of Durbar Square brings you to Bolachhen, also known as Potter’s Square because of the many potters seen here moulding wet clay into different kinds of earthenware. It has a display of fresh pottery left out to dry in the open square. This place can be approached from Taumadhi Square. The elephant-headed Lord Ganesh is the patron of potters, thus the Jeth Ganesh temple in the square.

Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.

Epic Nepal

Lose yourself in the unfamiliar of this epic adventure holiday through Nepal. From the colourful city of Kathmandu to the jaw-dropping views from the Annapurna region. On this ten-day adventure we’ll use our expert inside knowledge to make sure you not only witness the country’s biggest draws, but also uncover a whole host of little-known treasures that will enrich your experience and impress everyone who sees your pictures.

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Walk Nepal

Nepal is known for its spectacular scenery and a destination that provides plenty of opportunity so explore on foot. This itinerary takes you on a glorious five-night trek into the Annapurna Range, the most dramatic mountain vista in the Himalayas and just focuses on seeing Nepal's amazing mountain scenery rather than adding other activities like rafting and wildlife.

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Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Dwarika's

Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu is a stunning example of meticulous preservation of local architecture and is a fantastic opportunity to stay in a luxurious heritage property in the heart of Kathmandu, and is simply a Scott Dunn's favourite.

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The Inn Patan

The Inn Patan is a beautifully restored traditional boutique hotel located close to Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal. With just 10 rooms, the Inn Patan provides a fantastic bolt-hole from which to explore this secret corner of Kathmandu.

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Dwarika's

Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu is a stunning example of meticulous preservation of local architecture and is a fantastic opportunity to stay in a luxurious heritage property in the heart of Kathmandu, and is simply a Scott Dunn's favourite.

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Dwarika's Resort Dhulikhel

Dwarika's Resort in Dhulikhel is a charming resort with a truly Nepali feel just an hour's drive from Kathmandu, with fabulous views of the Himalayan mountains during a clear day. It is ideal for those guests not able to reach the Annapurna Region.

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More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhu Stupa

Head into central Kathmandu for a walking tour around Kathmandu Durbar Sq with your private guide before heading to Swayambhu Stupa overlooking the valley. Finish at Kaiser Cafe for lunch.

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1-hour Scenic Flight over Everest

Gain an unforgettable view over Mount Everest with an one-hour scenic flight.

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Pashupatinath & Bodnath

Boudhanath Stupa & Pashupatinath, both close to each other to the east of Kathmandu. Boudhanath is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu whilst Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world.

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Patan

Patan is one of the major cities of Nepal located in the south-central part of Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its' rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts.

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