Bhaktapur
Discover Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur (भक्तपुर) is a city in Nepal known variously as City of Culture, Living Heritage, Nepal's Cultural Gem, An open museum and a City of Devotees. Bhaktapur is an ancient city and is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colourful festivals, traditional dances and the indigenous lifestyle of the Newari community. It is just 12 km east of Kathmandu, the modern capital of Nepal, but you may feel a bit like you've gone back to the Middle Ages, given the ambiance of traditional homes, lifestyles and environment here. The conch-shaped historic city is at an altitude of 1,401 m, and was founded in the 12th century by King Anand Dev Malla; it was the capital city of the Greater Malla Kingdom in the Kathmandu Valley till the 15th century AD. Many of Bhaktapur's greatest monuments were built during the Malla period. Bhaktapur has more temples per square meter than Patan or Kathmandu and is far enough out of the city to keep the crowds away. As a World Heritage site listed by the UNESCO, Bhaktapur has been heavily restored following an earthquake in 1934 which severely damaged the city, but you will still see signs of damage from the 2015 quakes.
What to Experience in Bhaktapur
Taste of Bhaktapur...
Don't leave Bhaktapur without trying some of their famous yogurt with local honey: Juju-dhau, literally the "King of all yogurt." It's made from fresh buffalo (or sometimes cow) milk and is set to thicken in clay pots like those Bhaktapur is famous for. Small local restaurants are found on the main road into the city, but they will probably only serve Dhal Bhat Takari (lentils, rice, and mild vegetable curry) or Newari food: Samay Baji - flattened rice, marinated meat (usually buffalo, and often offal), lentils, pickled vegetables, potatoes, bamboo shoot curry, tea and momos. Tourist restaurants can be found in almost every building surrounding the main squares. Here is a sampling: Bhaktapur can be a good alternative to Kathmandu for staying overnight because of its quiet streets and unique ambiance. Furthermore, it is located close to the Kathmandu international airport and on the road connecting Kathmandu and Kodari (Chinese border), which makes it particularly suited for spending the first night in Nepal. There is an ATM next door, and the guest houses accept Visa but add a small percentage to cover bank charges. Dhulikhel is another beautiful destination, 20 km away, at an elevation of 1600 m, a small Newar town with lodges and hotels for overnight stay, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets to watch.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsIf you are not arriving as part of a tour group, you may take minibus (bound for Kamal Binayak stop in Bhaktapur) or big bus (bound for Charansingh stop in Bhaktapur) from the bus stop near Bhadrakali. You can save time by taking Express Bus (this does not stop in between except in Maitighar and Sallaghari) from Bag bazar in Kathmandu. Micro buses shuttle between Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, which provide a fairly quick way to get to Bhaktapur. For those who haven't experienced a public bus in South Asia, it will be a way to (literally) rub shoulders with locals. In either case it takes about 40–60 minutes and drops you off just outside of the city. The fare from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur was approximately 40 NPR by bus for local people. Foreigner's will be charged more, e.g. 50 NPR. You pay when you get off the bus. Since foreigners may be charged for a different price, do ask about the price before getting on the bus to avoid disputes when getting off the bus....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Once in Bhaktapur, walking is the best way to experience the quiet, dusty lanes squares. Rickshaws, tuk-tuks or taxis are not allowed inside the city: an inconvenience more than made up for by the quiet and clean air. However, locals are permitted to use motorbikes, and consequently some caution is needed when walking around the narrow streets. The primary reason for visiting Bhaktapur is because its Durbar Square is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Katmandu Valley. There are other worthwhile things to see as well. Bhaktapur is a significant pottery centre. You will see it everywhere, drying in the sun, displayed on tables and shelves in front of shops and homes. The city is equally famous for artistic masks made from black clay with colourful decoration. The masks portray various gods and deities and carry special significance in festivals. Thanka, a traditional type of painting, is also created in the city.
Where to Stay
Bhaktapur can be a good alternative to Kathmandu for staying overnight because of its quiet streets and unique ambiance. Furthermore, it is located close to the Kathmandu international airport and on the road connecting Kathmandu and Kodari (Chinese border), which makes it particularly suited for spending the first night in Nepal. There is an ATM next door, and the guest houses accept Visa but add a small percentage to cover bank charges. Dhulikhel is another beautiful destination, 20 km away, at an elevation of 1600 m, a small Newar town with lodges and hotels for overnight stay, and beautiful sunrises and sunsets to watch.
Money & Budget
Bhaktapur is a significant pottery centre. You will see it everywhere, drying in the sun, displayed on tables and shelves in front of shops and homes. The city is equally famous for artistic masks made from black clay with colourful decoration. The masks portray various gods and deities and carry special significance in festivals. Thanka, a traditional type of painting, is also created in the city. Metalwork and jewellery can also be found, but there's more selection in Patan's backstreets. Don't leave Bhaktapur without trying some of their famous yogurt with local honey: Juju-dhau, literally the "King of all yogurt." It's made from fresh buffalo (or sometimes cow) milk and is set to thicken in clay pots like those Bhaktapur is famous for.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Bhaktapur
people walking on brown concrete pathway near brown concrete building during daytime
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur, Nepal in Night.
a large brick building with a clock tower in the background
Bhaktapur Durbar Square🇳🇵
Bhaktapur, old city near Kathmandy in Nepal
Bhaktapur, old city near Kathmandy in Nepal
a building with a red roof
Wooden Lakheys
Dattatreya Temple in Dattatreya Square, blue sky in the background.
a very tall building with a very tall tower on top of it
people walking on brown concrete pathway near brown concrete building during daytime
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur, Nepal in Night.
a large brick building with a clock tower in the background