Bhaktapur
is temples that mirror the mountains
Welcome to Bhaktapur
The third of the medieval city-states in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur was always described as the best preserved. Tragically, the 2015 earthquake caused terrible devastation, with whole streets of traditional houses lost to the disaster. Only a few temples were destroyed but many traditional buildings that survived the earthquake have since been declared uninhabitable and are now being torn down. The scars of the... Read More
Top experiences in Bhaktapur
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Food and drink
-
Café NyatapolaNepali International
-
Cafe BeyondKorean
-
Newa Chhen RestaurantNepali
-
Peaceful Garden CaféNepali International
-
No-Name RestaurantNepali
-
New Watshala Garden RestaurantNepali International
-
New Cafe de PeacockNepali International
-
Namaste CafeCafe
-
Palace RestaurantNepali International
-
Shiva’s Café CornerCafe
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $29.99
Bhaktapur activities
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.
Private Half-Day Bhaktapur Sightseeing with Nagarkot Sunset Tour from Kathmandu
1:30pm: The tour guide will assist you at your hotel to start a journey to Bhaktapur.2pm: Reach Bhaktapur and start sightseeing:The Palace of Fifty-Five Windows: The Palace of Fifty-five Windows is the main architectural structure dominating the entire Durbar Square. It was built in 15th century during the reign of King Yaksha Malla and was remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century.There is a balcony of fifty-five windows with a sculptural design, and it is considered to be a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.Golden Gate: This is the main entrance to the main courtyard to the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows. The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly molded specimen of its kind in the entire world.The door is surmounted by a figure of the Hindu goddess Kali and Garuda and attended by two heavenly nymphs.The gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla. It is an eternal beauty in itself.Batsala Temple: This temple dedicated to a mother goddess is full of intricate works on stone.This temple is known for its dog-barking bell. This bell is believed to produce a death knell when it is rung up. It was hung by King Ranjit Malla in 1737 AD. It was rung every morning when goddess Taleju was worshiped.Statue of Bhupatindra Malla: The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship can be seen on a column facing the palace. Of the square's many statues this is considered to be the most magnificent.Lion's Gate: This gate has two beautiful stone statues of Hindu deities installed on its either side. It is said that the hands of the artisans who produced this were cut off immediately after they gave a finishing touch to the statues so that they could never be replicated. Mini Pashupati Temple: Some people call it a royal dream temple. Folklore says once a Bhadgaon King who was a great devotee to Lord Pashupati had a dream in which Lord told the king to build a temple for Pashupati to be built right in front of this palace.Nyatapola Temple: In Newari language, nyatapola means five stories—the symbolic of five basic elements. This is the most famous pagoda of Nepal ever built with such architectural perfection and artistic beauty. This temple is dedicated to Sidhilaxmi, the tantric goddess of supreme power and success.Bhairava Nath Temple: The Bhairava Nath temple is dedicated to the god of terror and death.4pm: 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.
Full Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour Including Bhaktapur
We Begins with Kathmandu Durbar square which is the nearest destination from thamel, a local touristic place in Kathmandu.The Durbar square is home to a house full of woodcarvings of different gods and goddesses. In this 3-story palace you will also find the living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists venerate her, and she serves as an illustration of the harmony between the Hindu and Buddhist people.One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kashamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal is completely collapse by the recently earthquake in Nepal on 25th of April. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu City is derived from the name of this temple, and it is said that this temple is built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can see the statue of a Hindu god Gorakhnath and in the 4 corners of the temple one can see Ganesh statues.After Durbar square drive 30 mins west to vist Swayambhunath. Swayambhunath is a 2,500-year-old Stupa situated overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Its name comes from the holy monkey living in part of the complex. The painted eyes on 4 sides symbolize the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and the site is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites.From Swyambhunath we drive about another 30 mins to Pashupatinath is a temple of Lord Shiva and the most sacred of the 275 Shiva temples worldwide. It is also the oldest temple in Kathmandu. The Bagmati River runs alongside the temple, and is the site not only of pilgrims who bathe in the river, but also contains a special area where members of the royal family are cremated.Drive to Boudhanath Stupa takes about 20 mins from Pashupatinath, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the biggest in the world. It is the most important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come here by the thousands during the winter festival to pay their respect.Before we drive to the last destination of our tour Bhaktapur city, we 'll have a lunch at restaurant around Boudhanath Stupa. After lunch we'll dive to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is an old Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. The square houses the 55-window palace, which was home to royalty until 1769 but is now a National Gallery. Close by is the Golden Gate, which leads into Mulchok Court, home to the Taleju Temple. This temple, like others in the main towns of the Kathmandu Valley, is dedicated to the goddess Taleju. Entrance to the temple is restricted to Hindus.Drive back to Kathmandu takes about only 45 mins, if you had arrived at the Bhaktapur a little earlier than we've expected because of less traffic jam, then you can spend some more time in this beautiful Bhaktapur city.
Bhaktapur Old City Half-Day Tour
The ancient city of Bhaktapur has long been a favorite of travelers to Nepal. A Newari city rich in art, sculptures and tradition, its ancient streets and temples are like stepping back in time. The city is primarily closed to vehicle traffic, preserving a feeling of times gone by. The day begins with a private car that goes directly to the city of Bhaktipur. This was once its own kingdom before the unification of Nepal in 1769. The Malla kings were deeply religious and the city reflects its strong Hindu culture. The Newari people are known for their artistic ability, especially in the area of stone and wood carvings. The tour begins by passing through the ancient gates where a knowledgeable, professional guide escorts visitors to the various places of interest, providing an interesting explanation. The first part of the tour focuses on Bhaktapur's Durbar (palace) Square. Featured on the tour is the palace of 55 windows, so named because it has 55 incredibly carved and ornate windows. There are numerous temples that surround the palace, a tribute to the strong faith of the Malla Rulers. The tour leaves the Durbar Square area and weaves its way through narrow streets that are mostly walking paths. The guide explains each of the neighborhoods that the tour passes through. There are 24 neighborhoods, each with its own temples, traditions and culture. The road comes to Dattatreya Square with its famed peacock windows. Explore around the main temple along with its various smaller temples of beauty and interest.The narrow road leaves this beautiful square and continues downhill until arriving at Nyatpole Temple and the surrounding Temple Square. There are many great temples along with huge bells and a large courtyard. The tour ends just beyond Nyatpole Temple Square, passing through the final neighborhoods of Bhaktapur. The return trip is again by private vehicle, passing smaller temples until arriving at your hotel in Kathmandu. The half-day excursion includes professional guide, entrance fee as well as private vehicle to and from Bhaktapur. Trips leave from hotel at 9 am and 2 pm.
City tour of Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square
Palaces and temples are just two of the highlights of this day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Bhaktapur and Patan. These two sites offer some of the finest examples of Newari stone and wood sculpture and architecture. The day begins with a private vehicle traveling quickly to the incredible city of Bhaktapur. Once an independent kingdom, this place features an incredible Durbar Square with its palace of 55 windows. The site is surrounded by many temples that feature exquisite stone carvings of animals and idols. From there, it is an opportunity to travel through the city to other religious squares filled with temples. There are 24 distinct neighborhoods to explore, each with their own private temples. There is the opportunity to visit a Thangka School of Art where students learn from masters how to paint these incredible Buddhist religious painting. Take time to look at the incredible detail of the pictures. The colors are made up of gold and various dirt in order to produce the vivid colors. Pass through Dattatreya Square with its many temples before coming to the final destination of Nyatpole Temple Square which features more incredible temples. The journey leaves Bhaktapur and heads now to the former kingdom of Patan. Like Bhaktapur, it was conquered by the invading King Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1769 when he united the kingdoms of the country to make modern Nepal. Patan is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features its own royal palace with its golden door and window. Patan is called the City of Arts because of its incredible wood carvings. Explore the temples and then visit the Patan Museum for a chance to see world class exhibits of the finest of Newari art. Both cities were composed of the Newari people, who excelled in stone and wood sculptures. There is erotic art on some of the temples. The Patan Durbar Square is not a big area, but it is filled with many temples that are symmetrically arranged in such a way that it doesn’t feel overcrowded. A visit to a rooftop restaurant is an amazing experience; to look down on the precision layout of Patan's Durbar Square is awesome. The trip ends with a private car returning to Kathmandu which is just across the Bagmati River which divides Patan from the capital city. All throughout the journey, a private guide explains the religious, historical and cultural backgrounds to provide a richer experience. You will be drop at your hotel or main center of Thamel.
4-Day Sightseeing Tour from Kathmandu with Trips to Patan, Bhaktapur and Nagarkot
Day 1: Arrival to KathmanduUpon your arrival to Kathmandu International Airport, meet your airport representative and be transferred to your hotel, and have the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight you will stay at hotel Marshyangdi on a BB-basis.Day 2: Kathmandu (B)After breakfast you will meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and head-off to do some sightseeing of Kathmandu. At first you will visit Pashupatinath Temple - the holiest Hindu Temple in Nepal, which is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and considered as holy as the Ganga river, with cremations are performed here day and night. Afterwards you will drive to the Unesco-protected Boudhanath Stupa dating back to the 5th century.Transfer to Swayambhunath and see the monkeys living there, then head to the Kathmandu Durbar Square - a huddle of temples and shrines, with the statue of Hanuman. Head back to the hotel and stay overnight at the hotel Marshyangdi.Day 3: Kathmandu - Patan - Bhaktapur - Nagarkot (B, D)After breakfast, drive to Patan - a UNESCO-protected marvel of the Newa architecture. One of its attractions is the Ancient Royal Palace. Off to Bhaktapur, which was the capital of Nepal during the 9th through 14th centuries and has managed to preserve its ancient medieval look. See the Golden Gate, Palace of 55 Windows, Taleju Temple, Datratra Square and Pottery Square. Afterwards drive to Nagarkot to check in to Serene Resort´s hotel. Day 4: Nagarkot Departure (B)Early in the morning take the invite to experience the amazing sunrise over Himalayas. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.