NP
Bhaktapur
A Newar city of brick squares, pagoda temples, potters and woodcarvers in the Kathmandu Valley
A Newar city of brick squares, pagoda temples, potters and woodcarvers in the Kathmandu Valley
The former royal square has stone temples, statues and the gilded Golden Gate of 1756, which leads into the Taleju temple courtyards.
Photo: Janak Bhatta, CC BY-SA 4.0
The old royal palace is famous for its long carved wooden balcony of windows overlooking the square.
Photo: Shadow Ayush, CC BY-SA 4.0
On Taumadhi Square, this five-storey pagoda built in 1702 is one of the tallest in Nepal. Stone guardians line its steps.
Photo: Jen Bati, CC BY-SA 4.0
Potters shape clay on wheels and leave rows of pots to dry in the sun. Small shops sell pots and masks.
Photo: Goutam1962, CC BY-SA 4.0
Around Nepali New Year in April, huge wooden chariots are pulled through the streets during this lively festival.
Expect big crowds.
Photo: Nrik kiran, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try juju dhau (king curd), momo dumplings and Newar dishes such as bara (lentil patties) and chhoila.
Rooftop cafés overlook the squares.
Bhaktapur is about 40–60 minutes from Kathmandu by bus or taxi, depending on traffic.
Foreign visitors pay an entry fee to the old city (US$15 or NPR 1,800 at the last check); keep your ticket. Inside the centre, walking is the only way around.
Nepal uses the rupee (NPR).
Check the current entry fee.
Squares and crafts.
Visit Durbar Square, the 55-Window Palace and Taumadhi Square.
See Pottery Square and Dattatreya Square, and try juju dhau.
Keep your entry ticket; it is checked.
Stay overnight to see the squares at dawn.
Remove shoes where asked.
Ask before photographing people.
Quick answers for planning time in Bhaktapur.
For foreigners it was US$15 or NPR 1,800 at the last check.
About 13km, 40–60 minutes by road.
A rich, creamy yogurt that Bhaktapur is famous for.
A five-storey pagoda built in 1702 on Taumadhi Square.
October to November or March to April.
Planning a wider trip? Our Nepal travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.