Bhaktapur (भक्तपुर) is the third largest city in the Kathmandu Valley, after Kathmandu and Patan. It was once the capital of the great Malla Kingdom in the mid 15th century. Bhaktapur, whose name means "town of devotees", is also known as Khwopa and Bhadgaon.
The city of Bhaktapur is located 13 km to the east of Kathmandu. It is situated some 1,401 meters above sea level. Many tourists make day trips there from Kathmandu.
In present-day Nepal, Bhaktapur is well known as a centre for traditional handicrafts, such as the making of pottery and tapestry. It also draws many tourist to admire the beautiful architecture of its medieval houses in the inner city, and the ornately carved temples in its Durbar Square.
The heritage sites in Bhaktapur were restored between 1974 and 1986 with the assistance of the government of the Federal Republic of Germany. It stands today as a showcase of medieval Nepali architecture.
Naga Pokhari, a snake water tank, which is the Royal Bath, in Bhaktapur
The heritage buildings in Bhaktapur, along with those in Kathmandu and Patan, were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1979. The details are as shown below:
Location: N 27 42 14.22 E 85 18 30.888 covering a core zone of 188.95 hectares and a buffer zone of 239.34 hectares of the Kathmandu Valley
Inscription Year: 1979
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: III, IV, VI
Pashupati Temple, Bhaktapur
Many budget travelers catch a bus from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. There are mini buses from the Kamal Binayak bus stop and regular buses from the Chyamasingha bus stop that go to Bhaktapur. The journey takes about an hour, and the fare is around 35 Nepali rupees. Alternatively, you can negotiate with a taxi to drive you to Bhaktapur, either per journey, or for the whole day. A one-way taxi fare to Bhaktapur will set you back around 800 to 1000 Nepali rupees.
Travel within Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is best appreciated on foot. The central area of Bhaktapur is a pedestrian zone, so your taxi will drop you somewhere outside the inner city, and you can walk in to explore.
Dattatreya Square, Bhaktapur
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Dattatreya_Square,_Bhaktapur#mediaviewer/File:Dattatraya_square_temple_(12679231833).jpg Author: Francisco Anzola
Places of Interest in Bhaktapur
Siddhi Pokhari The biggest of Bhaktapur's ancient water tanks.
Durbar Square Medieval palace square with the highest concentration of heritage buildings.
Sun Dhoka Gate, regarded as a masterpiece of Bhaktapur, that leads to the Royal Palace of Bhaktapur.
Palace of 55 Windows 18th century building within the Royal Palace complex.
National Art Gallery Museum, housed within the Royal Palace, exhibiting exquisite fine arts and scrolls.
Chayasilin Mandap Octagonal pavilion that was reconstructed in 1987 following the 1934 earthquake.
Siddhi Laxmi Mandir Also known as Lohan Dega or Stone Temple, this is a two-storey arcaded sikhara at one corner of the Durbar Square.
Batsala Durga Stone sikhara with a profusion of pillars and arches decorated with divinites.
Pashupati Temple One of the oldest temples in Bhaktapur and the Kathmandu Valley, dating to the 15th century.
Nyatapola Temple The tallest temple in Nepal, with a height of 30 meters.
Bhairavnath Temple Set at right angles to Nyatapola Temple, this is a rectangular temple with a three-tier roof.
Chuping Ghat Riverside terrace where the Music Department of Kathmandu University is located.
Dattatraya Square Public square with the Dattatraya Temple, the former centre of ancient Bhaktapur.
Pujari Math The oldest and most important ashram or pilgrim hostel in Bhaktapur.
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Disclaimer
Please use the information on this page as guidance only. The author endeavours to update the information on this page from time to time, but regrets any inaccuracies if there be any.
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