Welcome to Bhaktapur

The third of the medieval city-states in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur was always described as the best preserved. Tragically, however, the 2015 earthquake caused terrible devastation and loss of life. Nevertheless, only a few temples were destroyed, there is still much to see here and tourism is vital to the community.

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Many Nepalis use the old name of Bhadgaon (pronounced bud-gown) or the Newari name Khwopa, which means City of Devotees. The name fits – Bhaktapur has three major squares full of towering temples that comprise some of the finest religious architecture in the country.

Cultural life is also proudly on display. Along narrow alleys, artisans weave cloth and chisel timber, squares are filled with drying pots, and locals gather in courtyards to bathe, collect water, play cards and socialise. To view this tapestry of Nepali life, visitors must pay a town entry fee, which helps fund temple repair and maintenance.

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Top experiences in Bhaktapur

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Bhaktapur activities

$34 Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trip to Bhaktapur and Panauti from Kathmandu

Once you are picked up at a designated meeting point, you will then travel to Bhaktapur, located about 7 miles (12km) outside of the Kathmandu.Bhaktapur is a fascinating, UNESCO-protected Newari city, consisting of three squares, shrines, and temples. You will walk around the Bhaktapur´s Durbar Square to enjoy arts, crafts, and architecture from the medieval period. You will be able to admire the Golden Gate, Window Palace, and  Naytapola. After Bhaktapur, you will head to another legendary town: Panauti. Panauti has a strong farmer tradition, so you will always be surrounded by greenery, which only enhances the beauty of pagodas and temples. It is a melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism. In Panauti, you can share a happy-local-lunch with entrepreneurs (women only) of Panauti Community Homestay. It is the best opportunity to interact with happy people of Nepal. (Note: Lunch is not included in the price)Afterwards, you will be dropped-off back at the meeting point.
$109 Day Trips & Excursions

Private Full-Day Tour With Nagarkot Sunrise and Bhaktapur

Early morning at around 5:15am, your tour begins with pickup from your accommodations in Kathmandu. Head to your first stop to see breathtaking views and the sunrise above of the Himalayas from Nagarkot.  You will be surprised to see just how much the local villages along the trail is unchanged. You will see the traditional countryside lifestyle of locals even though they are so close to the city. Nagarkot is at 2195m and it is a scenic hilltop about 32 km from Kathmandu, which is very popular as a mountain viewpoint. From Nagarkot, you can see the vista of the Himalayas ranging from the Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. Also, you might possibly see Mt. Everest but only as a dot on the horizon. With binoculars however, you can see it much better. Watch the stunning sunrise in the early morning, which can serve as a lifetime memory for you.After enjoying the sunrise, you will have your breakfast and about 9:30am, then head to Bhaktapur for sightseeing. Bhaktapur is a famous and old city around a Nepal, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its richness in cultures, temples, arts and crafts.During your Bhaktapur sightseeing, you will see Golden Gate, Nyatapole Temple, National Art Gallery, Dattatreya Temple, Potter’s Square, the palace of 55 windows, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and many other famous attractions.After visiting Bhaktapur, stop at a nice local restaurant to take break (food at own cost). You will drive for another 30 minutes before getting dropped back off to your hotel at around 2pm. 
$80 Cultural & Theme Tours

Private Day Tour: Patan and Bhaktapur from Kathmandu

Journey to the city of Patan after getting picked up from your Kathmandu accommodations. The drive will take approximately 30 minutes. Upon your arrival, you will commence the walking tour and marvel at the city of architecture and fine arts. Pay a visit to the Tibetan handicraft center at Jawalakhel to watch carpet weaving. Stroll Patan Durbar Square, also known as Lalitpur, home to the residence of the former Patan royal family. View the Newari architecture that surrounds you in multiple courtyards such as Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk. After Patan, drive for approximately 30 minutes to Bhaktapur (also known as Bhadgaon), Kathmandu valley’s most medieval city. This city once served as one of the three Kingdoms of Mallas. You will walk around the famous Bhaktapur Durbar Square and visit the famous attractions such as Lion gate, the picture gallery, the Golden gate, Potter’s square, and the 55 Window palace. Break for a traditional lunch in the square in between sightseeing adventures. Take photos of the historical monuments you witness along the way. Your tour will end with a return drop-off at your accommodations.
$142 Day Trips & Excursions

Bhaktapur Sightseeing with Nagarkot Sunset Tour

1:30pm: The tour guide will assist you at your hotel to start a journey to Bhaktapur.2pm: Reach Bhaktapur and start sightseeing4pm: Reach Nagarkot. Nagarkot has a reputation as the top spot for enjoying Himalayan views and sunrise and sunset from the comfort of your hotel balcony.The ranges include Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh himal,Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Mahalangur (the Everest range) and Numbur with the views of the Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park.  In Nagarkot you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime sunset.A visit to Nagarkot between October and March will nearly always be rewarded with a view, but be warned the mountains are notorious for disappearing behind cloudy skies on any given day6:30pm: Head back to your hotel.
$120 Day Trips & Excursions

Nagarkot Full-Day Hiking Tour from Kathmandu

Following a hotel pick up at 7:30am, you will be transferred to Sankhu/ Changunarayan by a private car. Nagarkot is located in Bhaktapur District at an altitude of 2170m, 32 km far from the heart of Kathmandu.You will reach Sankhu/ Changunarayan temple around 9am. Start hiking from Sankhu to Nagarkot for 3 to 4-hours, about 4km uphill. Hike through Telkot Village to see panoramic views of mountains from Nagarkot including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Annapuna, and the Langtang mountain ranges. Witness the local lifestyle as you watch people grazing their cattles. Arrive at Nagarkot at around 2pm. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant on the top of Nagarkot. You can enjoy some free time and explore the beauty around you until sunset. The sunset will begin around 4 to 5pm. Watch the scenic sunset view before driving back to Kathmandu. You will reach Kathmandu at 6:30pm and you will be dropped off at your hotel.
$270 Cultural & Theme Tours

5-Day Sunrise Tour in Kathmandu Near Everest

Day 1: Your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport and transfer to hotel, orientation program at 5pm. In the evening, welcome dinner with cultural program near the Hotel Holy Himalaya. Overnight at Hotel Holy Himalaya Day 2: Enjoy an hour yoga class in the morning and breakfast between 7am-9am. Then venture off to your guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu in a private vehicle. See attractions such as Swaymbhunath, Pasupatinath, Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square.Overnight at Hotel Holy Himalaya Day 3: After breakfast, drive to Bhaktapur, which is around an hour-long drive. Enjoy sightseeing in the oldest city of Bhaktapur for around 2 hours before driving to Nagarkot to see breathtaking views of the Himalaya. Nagarkot is one of the best places to enjoy sunrise, sunset and stunning views of the mountain of eastern Nepal, including Mt. Everest.Overnight at Hotel Himalayan Villa Day 4: Enjoy sunrise over Himalaya early in the morning. After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu at around 10am. Enjoy some leisure time in Kathmandu and roaming around Thamel in the evening.Overnight at Hotel Holy Himalaya Day 5: Your trip ends after breakfast at 8am. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport.
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