Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is a beautiful city in Nepal that is known for its rich culture and history. It is located just 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the 12th century, and it was once the capital of the Malla Kingdom. It is home to many temples, palaces, and other historical monuments. It is also a great place to learn about the Newari culture, which is one of the oldest cultures in Nepal. It is a cultural city in Nepal known as Khwopa in the Newari language. It was once the capital of Nepal from the 8th to the 15th centuries. The city has a unique Newari culture that is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is home to many temples, palaces, and other historical monuments, and is a great place to explore on foot. The city is also known for its delicious Newari cuisine and its festivals, which are observed with full and equal enthusiasm by Hindus and Buddhists alike. It is a unique city with a worldwide reputation for its ancient architecture, arts, and culture, dating back to the Lichhavi and Malla dynasties. Visitors can explore the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changunarayan Temple, 55 Windows Palace, Dattatraya Temple, and Siddha Pokhari, among other attractions. The city is also known for its Newari language, arts, culture, costumes, Juju Vhau (King sweet curd), clay pots, and wood carving artistry. Foreign tourists must pay an entry fee to visit.

Places to Visit in Bhaktapur

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is an elegant and open space facing south, surrounded by buildings dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries. The most notable buildings in the square include the 15th century Palace of 55 Carved Windows (Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar), the palace entrance, the Golden Gate (Sun Dhoka), and the Nyatapola Temple, the tallest five-tiered pagoda in Nepal.

The Durbar Square is a testament to the glory days of the Malla dynasty, when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The intricate carvings on the buildings, the stunning temples, and the bustling streets of Bhaktapur make it a must-visit destination for any traveller to Nepal.

NYATAPOLA TEMPLE: Nyatapola Temple is a five-story pagoda that stands tall above the city of Bhaktapur. It is a remarkable landmark that has withstood the test of time, including the devastating earthquake of 1933. The temple is dedicated to the Tantric goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, and the steps leading up to it are flanked by stone sculptures of deities and mythical beasts. Each sculpture is 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.

Nyatapola Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Bhaktapur, and it is a truly awe-inspiring sight.

BHAIRAVNATH TEMPLE: The Bhairavnath Temple is a unique place of worship dedicated to Bhairav, the God of Terror. It is a three-storied temple located in Bhaktapur. What makes this temple special is that it houses only the head of Bhairav in its inner sanctum. According to legend, a skilled Tantric expert cut off Bhairav's head to ensure that he remained in Bhaktapur.

The temple is built in a pagoda style and is known for its remarkable artistic beauty. It stands right next to the famous Nyatapola Temple, which has five stories. Together, these two temples create a stunning architectural sight in Bhaktapur.

TAUMADHI SQUARE: Taumadhi Square is a beautiful square in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is home to the Nyatapola Temple, which is one of the tallest temples in the country. The temple is five stories tall and is made of brick, wood, and stone. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked with stone figures of deities and mythical beasts.

Taumadhi Square is a great place to visit if you are interested in Nepali culture and history. The square is also a great place to take photos and to simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

DATTATREYA SQUARE:Dattatreya Square is a square in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is named after the Dattatreya Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Dattatreya. Dattatreya is a combination of the three Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple is said to have been built from the trunk of a single tree.

Near the temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows. The monastery is a great place to see traditional Nepali architecture. The peacock windows are a beautiful example of the craftsmanship of the Newar people, who are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley.

SIDDHA POKHARI:Siddha Pokhari is a large rectangular pond located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is one of the oldest and largest ponds in the city, and it dates back to the Lichhavi period (c. 300-800 CE). The pond is home to a variety of fish, and it is surrounded by stone images of Hindu and Buddhist deities.

Siddha Pokhari is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. It is a peaceful and relaxing place to spend an afternoon, and it is also a great place to take photos. The pond is also a popular spot for religious ceremonies, and it is especially busy during the festival of Indra Jatra.

THIMI: Thimi is a Newar town about 8 km east of Kathmandu. It is a laid-back town where most people farm or make pottery. Thimi supplies Kathmandu with pottery and vegetables. The two important deities in Thimi are Balkumari, the Mother Goddess, and Karunamaya, the Buddha of Compassion.

CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE (World Heritage Monument): Changu Narayan Temple is a World Heritage Site located on a ridge overlooking Bhaktapur, about 12 km to the east of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is one of the oldest temples in the Kathmandu Valley. The temple was built during the Licchavi period and is decorated with intricate wood and stone carvings.The temple is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the surrounding village, which is home to a number of traditional Newar shops and restaurants.

SURYA BINAYAK: Surya Binayak is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh. It is located in a dense forest to the south of Bhaktapur, and you can reach it by walking for about 20 minutes from the nearby bus stop. The temple is quite popular and tends to be crowded with devotees, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Bhaktapur Food Delights

Bhaktapur is a great place to try traditional Newari cuisine, such as Samay Baji (flattened rice, marinated meat, lentils, pickled vegetables, potatoes, bamboo shoot curry, tea and momos). There are also many tourist restaurants in the city, serving a variety of international cuisine. Some popular restaurants include Bara-wa, a local Newari joint, Cafe Beyond, which serves mainly Korean cuisine, and Red Chilli Restaurant.

Here are some of the best restaurants in Bhaktapur:

Bara-wa: Bara-wa is a local restaurant that serves traditional Newari cuisine. The food is delicious and affordable, and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. If you're looking for a unique dining experience, Bara-wa is a great option.

Here are some of the traditional Newari dishes that you can try at Bara-wa:

Bara: Deep-fried lentil fritters

Wa: Shallow-fried lentil patties

Chowmein: A stir-fried noodle dish

Thukpa: A noodle soup

Dhido: A thick rice porridge

Pakhala Bhat: A dish of rice and lentil soup

Red Chilli Restaurant: Red Chilli Restaurant is a popular tourist destination in Bhaktapur. It is known for its delicious Indian and Nepali cuisine, as well as its lively atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the heart of Thamel, making it a convenient place to stop for a meal before or after exploring the city.

Overview

Bhaktapur is a medieval city in Nepal, located in the Kathmandu Valley. It is one of three Newar cities in the valley, along with Kathmandu and Lalitpur. Bhaktapur is known for its well-preserved Newari architecture, which includes temples, palaces, and courtyards. The city is also home to a number of traditional craft workshops, where you can see artisans working on woodcarving, metalwork, and pottery. Bhaktapur is home to some of the most stunning examples of Newar architecture. The city's Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a number of temples, palaces, and courtyards. The square is a must-see for any visitor to Bhaktapur. It  is a charming city with a lot to offer visitors. It is a great place to learn about Newar culture and see some of the finest examples of traditional architecture in Nepal.