Bhaktapur – also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa – is one of the most beautifully preserved historic cities in Nepal. Located around 13 kilometres east of Kathmandu, it forms part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors a rare glimpse into medieval Newari culture, architecture and daily life.
For travellers visiting Bhaktapur for the first time, the city is wonderfully walkable and filled with unforgettable sights, flavours and experiences.
Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the cultural heart of the city and one of the finest heritage complexes in Nepal. The square is home to royal courtyards, temples and stone monuments dating back to the Malla dynasty.
Highlights include the 55-Window Palace, the ornate Golden Gate (Sun Dhoka) and the Vatsala Temple with its famous ‘barking bell’. The square is lively throughout the day, making it an excellent place for photography and observing local life.
Visit Nyatapola Temple and Taumadhi Square
The five-storey Nyatapola Temple is Nepal’s tallest pagoda-style temple and one of Bhaktapur’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in 1702 and dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, it is admired for its remarkable earthquake-resistant design.
The surrounding Taumadhi Square is a pleasant area filled with cafés, shops and traditional buildings.
Wander Through Pottery Square
Pottery Square (Talako Tole) is one of the most charming parts of Bhaktapur. Here, local families continue the centuries-old tradition of pottery making. Visitors can watch artisans shaping clay on wooden wheels while rows of pots dry naturally in the sun.
Handmade bowls, lamps and souvenirs can be purchased directly from the craftsmen, and some offer short hands-on experiences.
Discover Dattatreya Square
Quieter and less crowded, Dattatreya Square offers a more peaceful atmosphere. The area is known for the Dattatreya Temple, beautiful wood carvings and the famous Peacock Window. It is an excellent spot for photography and for experiencing the artistic heritage of Bhaktapur.
Taste Traditional Newari Cuisine
Bhaktapur is celebrated for its traditional Newari food. Popular dishes to try include:
Juju Dhau (King Curd) – a thick, creamy yoghurt made from buffalo milk
Bara – savoury lentil patties
Chatamari – a rice flour crêpe
Choila – spiced grilled buffalo meat
Samay Baji – a ceremonial platter featuring several local delicacies
Small restaurants around Durbar Square and Taumadhi Square serve authentic home-style meals.
Visit Changu Narayan Temple (Nearby)
A short drive from Bhaktapur lies Changu Narayan Temple, considered one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal. The hilltop shrine is famous for its stone inscriptions, ancient sculptures and sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley.
Shop for Local Handicrafts
Bhaktapur is an excellent place to buy authentic Nepali handicrafts, including:
Thangka paintings
Pottery and metalwork
Handmade paper products
Purchasing locally helps support traditional artisan communities.
Walk Through Traditional Neighbourhoods
One of the best ways to experience Bhaktapur is simply by walking through its narrow brick lanes. You will see locals sun-drying grains, children playing in courtyards, and beautifully carved wooden windows set into old brick houses. These quiet streets reveal the city’s living heritage.
Optional Excursion: Nagarkot
For visitors who wish to see Himalayan scenery, Nagarkot is a popular nearby hill station. On clear days, it offers panoramic sunrise and sunset views of snow-capped peaks.
Experience Local Festivals
If your visit coincides with major festivals such as Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year), the city becomes especially vibrant with chariot processions, music and traditional dances.
Bhaktapur is far more than a historical attraction – it is a living cultural city where ancient traditions continue in everyday life. Whether you are admiring temples, tasting Newari dishes, watching potters at work or wandering quiet courtyards, Bhaktapur offers a deeply authentic and memorable experience for every visitor.
PC: Saroj Pandey, WordPress.org, Wikimedia Commons
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