As I arrived in the ancient city of Bhaktapur in Nepal, I was immediately reminded why I had chosen to revisit. This was my second time in Kathmandu, a one-and-a-half month stay that had allowed me to explore the ins and outs of the Nepali capital. Located 14 km to the east of Kathmandu, a 50-minute bus ride had brought me to Bhaktapur’s centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, where I walked through the streets, completely in awe of the multi-storey temples, intricate Newari architecture, and delicacies prepared in traditional kitchens.
I returned on a quest to rediscover the magic of history, culture, mythology, and gastronomy that the communities of Nepal’s Bhaktapur have kept alive for centuries. Read on as I discuss the essentials of planning a visit to Bhaktapur, including the city’s top attractions, must-try local cuisine, best hotels, and more.
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History of Bhaktapur
Traditional folklore suggests that the entire Kathmandu Valley, including the site of Bhaktapur, was once a lake. Historical evidence reveals that King Anand Dev Malla founded the city in the 12th century. Since then, it served as the capital of the Greater Malla Kingdom for the next three centuries. Bhaktapur’s most extraordinary monuments were constructed under the Malla kings, many of which exist.
Inhabited by the Newari community, Bhaktapur is known for its beautiful historical buildings and temples, rich cultural practices, and vibrant festivals. Several ancient structures and houses were damaged during the 2015 Nepal earthquakes. Restoration work has been undertaken to preserve the city’s heritage.
Best time to visit Bhaktapur, Nepal
The best time to visit Bhaktapur is from March to April and October to November. Bhaktapur is best explored on foot, and the pleasant weather during the spring and autumn months is ideal for a visit. Monsoons in Bhaktapur run from June to August and are best avoided. Meanwhile, December and January are the coldest months.
Get your timing right with our guide to the best time to visit Nepal.
Top attractions to visit in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the city. Once serving as the royal residence of the ruling family, it is now the most popular tourist attraction in Bhaktapur. The Square is encircled by 18th-century buildings, temples, and statues built in the Newari architectural style. Defined by uniformity, intricate wood carvings, exposed brick structures, metal-plated doors and windows, and Shikara and Pagoda-style roofs, the buildings in Bhaktapur are a testament to the city’s artistic refinement.
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry fee: NPR 1,800 (INR 1,120) for foreign nationals, NPR 500 (INR 312) for SAARC nationals, and free entry for children under 10 and all Nepali citizens.
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Nyatapola Temple
Built in 1702, the Nyatapola Temple in Bhaktapur is dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi. At 30 metres, it is the tallest temple in Nepal, comprising a five-storey pagoda-style roof. It is constructed on top of five terraces, adding to the temple’s height. A stone staircase with stone sculptures of mythical creatures on either side leads visitors to the temple’s entrance. The height offers a striking view of Taumadhi Square and beyond.
Taumadhi Square
The Square around Nyatapola Temple is well-known for its architecture and stone sculptures. The concrete also functions as a storytelling medium, weaving narratives of ancient legends, folklore, and everyday life in Bhaktapur. Taumadhi Square also hosts the annual Bisket Jatra, a celebration of the Nepali New Year. Festivities include a procession of thirty-two chariots, tug-of-war, a tongue-piercing ceremony, and more.
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The Palace of Fifty-five Windows
The Palace of Fifty-five Windows in Bhaktapur dates back to the 18th century. Built by King Jitamitra Malla for his fifty-five wives – one window for each of them – this striking building has an exposed red brick exterior with carefully crafted wooden carvings. It is also considered to be a ‘monument of love’. Though visitors are no longer permitted to enter the palace, the monument is worth admiring from the outside. Also, visit the Golden Gate at the entrance to the Palace’s inner courtyards, a small but lavishly designed doorway.
Bhairavnath Temple
The Bhairavnath Temple in Bhaktapur is next to the taller Nyatapola Temple on Taumadhi Square. Dedicated to Lord Bhairava — an incarnation of Lord Shiva — the now three-storey temple was first inaugurated as a single-storey structure in the early 17th century. In the 18th century, it gained its present height and stylistic grandeur, including seven golden pinnacles on top. Built in the pagoda style, Bhairavnath Temple is one of the must-visit temples in Nepal.
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Pottery Square
Located next to Taumadhi Square is Pottery Square, which, as the name suggests, Bhaktapur’s Pottery Square is famous for its pottery ware and terracotta work. It is also popular for thangka paintings, a Tibetan painting style done on a cotton or silk canvas depicting scared Buddhist subjects and scenes, and paubha paintings – a religious painting style of the Newari people that depicts deities, monuments, and mandalas, drawing influence from both Hinduism and Buddhism. Pottery Square is the best place in Bhaktapur to shop for pottery, clayware, and other traditional handicrafts.
Siddha Pokhari
Siddha Pokhari is an artificial pond built in the 15th century near the entrance to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is a rectangular water body teeming with fish. The pond is surrounded by the old building of Bhaktapur and flanked by snow-clad mountains visible on clear days. On Ashwin Krishna Dwitiya, Siddha Pokhari hosts an annual fair, during which devotees come together to pray to Goddess Idrayani by taking a holy dip in the pond. On this day, the pond is brightly lit with oil lamps.
Changu Narayan Temple
A 20-minute car ride from Bhaktapur Durbar Square brings you to Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest temple in Nepal. Varying historical sources suggest different dates of the temple’s initial construction, though it is agreed that it was first built between the 2nd and 5th centuries. The temple’s two-tier pagoda-style exterior with detailed wood and stone carvings was reconstructed in 1702 after a major fire. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Changu Narayan Temple is built atop a hill, with gargoyles of the Garuda, lions, sarabha (part-lion, part-bird), and elephants guarding each of the temple’s four entrance gates. It is one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal.
Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm
Entry fee: NPR 350 (INR 220) for foreign nationals, NPR 250 (INR 155) for SAARC nationals, and free entry for children under 10 and all Nepali citizens.
Thimi
Located 6 km west of Bhaktapur, Thimi is a small municipality in the Bhaktapur district. It is an ancient cultural city, a ‘living museum’ of Newari culture. Thimi is well-known for its production of pottery of traditional clay masks. It also hosts significant festivals and celebrations like Bisket Jatra, Mahakali Dance, and Bhairav Dance. The town has several temples worth visiting, like Siddhakali Temple, Lokeshwar Temple, and Vishnu Bir Temple.
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Must-try food in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Local food in Bhaktapur is influenced by Nepal’s dietary practices and regional cuisine, especially the Newari community. Juju dhau, also known as the ‘king of yoghurts’, is Bhaktapur’s most popular local delicacy. Made of buffalo milk, the creamy yoghurt is sweet and comes in clay pots. Samay Baji is a Newari thali (platter) comprising beaten rice, lentil pancakes, soybeans, grilled meat, alu dum, pickles and more. Also, try bara, a lentil pancake topped with vegetables, eggs or minced meat. Chatamari is a rice crepe topped with vegetables and/or meat. Choila is a spicy grilled meat dish made of chicken or buff, cooked in spices and herbs. Returning to the sweeter side, try yomari, a steamed dumpling stuffed with jaggery and sesame seeds.
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Visit King Curd for the best juju dhau in Bhaktapur, Nepal, whereas Newa Lahana is well-known for its authentic Newari cuisine. Amako Bara Pasal is a small yet widely celebrated female-owned eatery specialising in bara. Meanwhile, Garuda Bar’s rooftop setting offers refreshing drinks with a striking view of Nyatapola Temple.
Best hotels to stay
Since Bhaktapur is located very close to Kathmandu, it is an ideal day trip from the capital city. Here are the best luxury hotels in Kathmandu to choose from during your stay. Check in to the brand new Hilton Kathmandu, the city’s tallest hotel that carefully incorporates traditional Nepali elements with contemporary design, sophisticated rooms and great dining. Meanwhile, The Dwarika’s Hotel offers the best of Nepali heritage and hospitality. The hotel is an effort to preserve the grand architectural style of the Newari community, as reflected in the buildings of Bhaktapur, boasting wood carvings, impeccably decorated rooms and top-notch options for dining.
Book your stay at Hilton Kathmandu via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Dwarika's Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Soaltee Kathmandu via Booking.com
The Soaltee Kathmandu blends traditional elements with modern methods to craft an elegantly designed space, well-equipped and, above all, luxurious. Their three on-site restaurants and bar bring flavours from around in grand style. For a more intimate experience, choose Baber Mahal Vilas, a family-run boutique hotel operated by the descendants of Maharaja Chandra Shumsher Rana, Nepal’s longest-ruling President. The property provides the best of luxury and service in a historically significant setting. You could also stay at the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, located in the city’s historic centre, which seamlessly blends eco-conscious and sustainable practices with luxury living and fine dining.
Book your stay at Baber Mahal Vilas via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Kathmandu Marriott Hotel here
(Feature image credit: Alix Lee/Pexels)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Bhaktapur is located 14 km east of Kathmandu. It takes 40-50 minutes to reach Bhaktapur from Kathmandu by road.
Entry to Bhaktapur Durbar Square costs: NPR 1,500 (INR 935) for foreign nationals, NPR 500 (INR 312) for SAARC nationals, and free entry for Nepali citizens and all children below 10 years.
Bhaktapur has many temples and religious sites, so we recommend wearing something that covers your knees and shoulders. Additionally, wear comfortable walking shoes as walking is the best way to explore Bhaktapur.
Bhaktapur celebrates major festivals like Bisket Jatra, Indra Jatra, Sithi Nakha, and Dasain, among others.
Locally made pottery ware, clay masks, paintings, and wooden handicrafts are some of the best souvenirs to buy in Bhaktapur.
Bhaktapur is a small town and walking is the best way to navigate your way around the tourist centres.
Bhaktapur is located 40-50 minutes away from Kathmandu, making it an ideal day trip. You will need 3-5 hours (or more) to cover the top attractions in Bhaktapur.
Written By
Himanshu Dutta
Himanshu graduated with a Bachelors in English Literature from St. Stephen\'s College, New Delhi. His ..Read More
