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Bhaktapur City Tour – Cultural Gem of Nepal

Bhaktapur durbar square
Pottery making in Bhaktapur

Lauded by various names such as the city of devotees, the city of culture, living heritage, and Nepal’s cultural gem, Bhaktapur, one among the three city-states in the Kathmandu valley, stands with dignity irrespective of the devastation caused by the 2015 earthquake.

However, the cultural aspects remain unshaken and well preserved as artisans can be seen weaving textiles and timbers being incised, etc.

Located 20 km east of the Kathmandu valley, it’s a city packed with terra-cotta monuments, carved wood columns, palaces, and temples with intricate carvings, gilded roofs, open courtyards Bhaktapur’s Durbar (“Royal”) Square was added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1979.

The list of attractions of Bhaktapur includes the following

  • Durbar Square
  • Taumadhi Square
  • Dattatreya Square

Things not to miss in Bhaktapur

  • Nagarkot – Standing at an altitude of 2,175, offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas and Mt.Everest.
  • Changu Narayan -Build in 464 AD by Kind Mandev, is the earliest Temple in the valley
  • Thimi – Thimi is a legendary Newar city noted for its unique vegetable garden and handicrafts.
  • Bode – Here is the place where the tongue-boring festival is celebrated yearly on the Nepalese New-year
  • Surya Vinayak Shrine – It’s a shrine where Lord Ganesh is worshiped, amidst a forest on top of a hill

On the whole, Bhaktapur is a place of pure magnificence that tends to amaze anyone who steps into the magic of the town. An amount has to be paid for the entry into the town, utilized for renovation works.

It’s definitely a must-watch destination and gives you an insight into the rich culture of Nepal. When you really reach Bhaktapur, you will be speechless observing the live Newari culture, traditions, and wood carving and crafting works. Clay pottery is another best practice, not no miss while exploring the Bhaktapur tour.

Details about Bhaktapur City

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nepal, about 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu. It is known for its rich culture, art, and architecture, and is often referred to as the “City of Devotees” or “City of Culture”. A Bhaktapur City tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the city’s ancient temples, squares, palaces, and narrow streets lined with traditional houses.

Here is some detailed information about a typical Bhaktapur City tour in Nepal:

  • Duration: A typical Bhaktapur City tour takes around 4-5 hours, although this can vary depending on the specific itinerary.
  • Itinerary: The tour usually begins at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is the heart of the city and features a collection of ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards. Visitors can marvel at the intricate woodcarvings, stone sculptures, and metalwork that adorn the buildings here.

Next, the tour may proceed to the Nyatapola Temple, which is a five-story pagoda-style temple that is the tallest in Nepal. This temple was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi.

Other places of interest that may be included in the tour are:

  • Dattatreya Temple: This temple is believed to date back to the 15th century and is dedicated to the Hindu god Dattatreya. It features a statue of the god, along with other carvings and sculptures.
  • Bhairava Nath Temple: This temple is dedicated to the fearsome god Bhairava and features a large bronze bell that is rung during certain festivals.
  • Pottery Square: This square is home to a community of potters who create traditional pottery using age-old techniques. Visitors can watch them at work and even try their hand at making a pot.
  • Taumadhi Square: This square features the iconic Nyatapola Temple as well as other smaller temples and shrines.

In addition to these specific sites, visitors on a Bhaktapur City tour will also have the chance to explore the city’s narrow alleys and streets, which are lined with traditional houses and shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Transportation: Bhaktapur is located about 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu, and can be reached by car or bus. Many tour companies offer guided tours of the city, which include transportation to and from Kathmandu.

Overall, a Bhaktapur City tour in Nepal offers visitors a chance to explore the rich culture and history of this ancient city and to see some of the finest examples of Nepali art and architecture.

About the author

Great Nepal Treks and Expedition welcomes you to the land of the Himalayas, where adventure and surprise await even the most casual traveler. Whether you’re interested in performing adventurous sports, exploring nature, or savoring a local culture, Nepal is a land that will take you there and beyond. Our peculiar traditions, cultures, ethnic groups, nature, biodiversity, flora and fauna, society, and various communities will fill your heart, and the selfless smiles of the Nepali people will warm your soul. At Great Nepal Treks and Expeditions, we have put together customized itineraries, from simple day tours to complex mountain treks for both beginners & professionals. We pride ourselves on being experts at taking the hassle out of traveling in the remote outback of Nepal. Our offerings can be enjoyed as planned, or we can customize any option to fit your time schedule, budget, and particular interest. Please visit our reviews page to see what travelers have had to say about their experience with us. Join us and feel the difference!

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