Picture by Michele FinottoFamous for the best preserved palace courtyards and old city centre in Nepal, filled with pagodas and monasteries: This is Bhaktapur, what means "Place of devotees", also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa, an ancient Newar city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley at 1401 meter altitude, about eight miles from Kathmandu and bording the Hanumante river. Bhaktapur was the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom between the 14th century and the second half of the 15th century. Bhaktapur has been heavily restored since an earthquake had severely damaged the city in 1934. Today it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its pagodas, wood, metal and stone artworks and beautiful ponds. Most monuments are made from terracotta and have carved wood colums. Lying along the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Bhaktapur is surrounded by mountains and you will get magnificent views of the Himalayas.
The name "Khwopa" refers to the masks which are believed to have been worn by gods and goddesses. Bhaktapur is popular for different forms of mask dances and for its musicians who play drums (dhimay) and bamboo flutes (bansuri). The population is primarily Hindu, so you will see a lot of Hindu religious sites and art. But there are nineteen Buddhist monasteries (Vihars) as well, for example Catur Varna Madavihar, Lokeswor Mahavihar, Prasannasheel Mahavihar, Chatu Brahma Mahavihar, Jaya Kirti Mahavihar, Sukra-Varna Mahavihar and Dipanker Mahavihar.
Today Bhaktapur is the third largest city in the Kathmandu Valley with a population of more than 300000 people. It is also a significant pottery centre.
Picture by Michael Foley
Picture by Francisco Anzola
Ta Pukhu (Siddha Pokhari): This is a big rectangular water pond near the main city gate. It was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in the early 15th century and is associated with a number of myths. From this spot a wide range of snowy peaks are visible on clear days.[
Pictures by Dhilung Kirat
Layaku (Durbar Square): It is a conglomerate of pagoda and shikhara-style temples, mostly dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses grouped around a 55-window palace of brick and wood.
Picture by Adam Jones
Picture by randomixGolden Gate
Picture by mariusz kluzniak, taken in 2004
Picture by meghla_akashe_pori_:)
55 window palace: The palace of 55 Windows was built by king Yaksha Malla in 1427. It is a unique masterpiece of wood carving. The palace was remodeled by king Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century.
Picture by Adam JonesFrom Durbar Square a narrow alleyway leads to Taumadhi Tole (Temple Square), which suffered relatively little damage in the 1934 earthquake. This square is dominated by the Bhairava and Nyatapola Temples.
Picture by Greg WillisBhairava Temple (Bhairabnath): Built in 1717. it houses a gilded bust of Bhairav, considered either a manifestation of Lord Shiva or a deity that guards his home.
Picture by Greg WillisView from Nyatapola temple
Picture by Richard Mortel
Picture by Richard Mortel
Picture by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Nyatapola Mandir: Built in 1703, dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi. With five stories the tallest pagoda in the valley, rising to a height of 50 metres on a five-tiered platform. This temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on five terraces, on each of which squat a pair of figures, flanking the stairway: first two famous wrestlers (Jayamel and Phattu, the so called Dvara Pallas), then two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and on top Baghini and Singhini — the tantric tiger and the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones immediately below. Breathtaking are the carvings on the 108 struts supporting the five roofs.
Picture by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Picture by Lori Branham
Picture by Richard Mortel
Picture by Richard Mortel
Picture by Richard Mortel
Picture by Richard Mortel
Picture by Frances EllenView from Nyatapola Café
Pottery Square (also: Talakwa): Southwest of Taumadhi Tole. The pavements are filled with black clay items drying in the strong sunlight. And you see the double roofed Jeth Ganesh temple and a Vishnu temple.
Picture by Michael FoleyIndra Varna Mahavihar (also: Inacho Baha): Located at Inacho, between Durbar Square and Dattatraya Square, built in 1671, on top of a water spout (Patinga Hiti). You can see two lion statues, tantric wood-carved windows and prayer wheels. There is an image of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Dattatraya Square (Tachupal Tole): Around this square lie many Hindu monasteries, called maths, as well as temples and museums. The Pujari Math, which houses the Woodcarving Museum and dates back to the early 15th century, is adorned with the intricately carved Peacock Window.
Picture by randomix
Picture by randomixThe peacock window at Pujari Math
The Chikanpha Math, across the street, houses the Brass and Bronze Museum, with its collection of ancient Malla housewares and ritual metalware. During the Mohani (Dashain) festival, in the Wane Layaku complex, which lies just southwest of the Dattatreya Temple, a rare Ghau-batacha (water clock) is displayed.
Picture by Antoine Sipos
Picture by Antoine SiposPeacock Guesthouse
Dattatraya temple: The three-story pagoda-style Dattatreya Temple, with statues of the Hindu trinity, was built by King Yaksha Malla in 1428. It is claimed that the building was constructed from a single piece of wood from one tree. At the entrance are two large sculptures of the Jaiput wrestlers, Jaimala and Pata (as in the Nyatapola Temple), a “Chakra”, and a gilded metal statue of Garuda, a bird-like divinity. Around the temple are wood carved panels with erotic decorations.
Picture by Antoine Sipos
Picture by Antoine Sipos
Picture by momo
Picture by Adam JonesBhaktapur Market:
Picture by Mike Christoferson
Changu Narayan: The oldest temple in the valley, built in 464 by Kind Mandev. The Changu Narayan lies 6 km north of Bhaktapur. A popular hiking trail leads from here to Nagarkot.
Picture by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Picture by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Picture by Adam Jones
Picture by Adam JonesRead more about Bhaktapurs sights on Visit Bhaktapur.
Where to stay in Bhaktapur
Cosy Hotel: From 20 USD. Pottery square. 17 guest rooms. From three terraces you discover views on Bhaktapur and its surroundings: green hills but also the breathtaking Himalayas. You walk a few meters and visit Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square and Durbar Square. Excellent according to reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Heart of Bhaktapur Guesthouse:
Hotel Heritage: A five minutes walk from the historical centre. Five floors, no elevator, huge rooms. Very good reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Milla Guesthouse: From 70 USD. Devli Square 4. Double-rooms with attached bathroom on the first and second floor with a top floor dining and reading area - a hidden gem according to very good reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Picture by Milla Guesthouse
Picture by Milla GuesthousePlanet Bhaktapur Hotel: A 10 minute walk down the hill leads to the old city. Big and comfortable basic rooms (with heaters), good Italian food and a lovely garden according to very good reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Shiva Guest House: Durbar Square 11. Restaurant offers different cuisines. Small rooms. The views of Durbar Square are great, but you hear the noise as well according to good reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Sunny Guest House: From 40 USD. Taumadhi Square 11. The rooms in building 2 are large and beautiful. Rooftop restaurant. Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com.
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