Introducing Thimi

Thimi (known historically as Madhyapur) is the fourth-largest town in the valley, outranked only by Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. It's a typical Newari town and its 'capable people' (the name of the town is derived from this Newari expression) operate thriving cottage industries producing pottery and papier-mâché masks. You'll pass a string of mask shops if you head west from Thimi along the northern road to Bhaktapur. Thimi isn't spectacular but the lack of traffic or tourists make it a pleasant stop-off en route to Bhaktapur.

The town's main road runs north-south between the old and new (Arniko Hwy) Bhaktapur roads, which form the northern and southern boundaries of the town.