Bhaktapur, about 13 km east of Kathmandu, is the best-preserved of the three old royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley. Its brick lanes, temple squares, carved wooden windows and courtyards feel like stepping back several centuries, and the city has worked hard to keep traffic out of its heart. It is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bhaktapur means "city of devotees", and it is home to Newar craftspeople whose families have made pottery, carved wood and painted thangkas for generations.
Quick answer: Bhaktapur is about 45 minutes by road from central Kathmandu. Don't miss Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the 55-Window Palace, the five-storey Nyatapola temple in Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square and juju dhau, the famous "king curd". Foreigners pay a city entry fee. Allow half a day to a full day, or stay overnight.
Bhaktapur at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | About 13 km east of Kathmandu |
| UNESCO | Part of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site |
| Highlights | Durbar Square, Nyatapola, Pottery Square |
| Entry | City entry fee for foreign visitors |
| Time needed | Half a day to a full day |
| Festival | Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year, April) |
Top things to see
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square with the 55-Window Palace and the Golden Gate.
- Taumadhi Square and the Nyatapola, Nepal's tallest pagoda temple, built in 1702.
- Pottery Square, where potters work in the open.
- Dattatreya Square and its woodcarving museum with the famous Peacock Window.
- Juju dhau, the creamy local yoghurt.
Tips
Stay overnight to enjoy the city after day-trippers leave. Visit during Bisket Jatra in April for chariot pulling and celebrations. Combine with the Nagarkot–Changunarayan hike.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Bhaktapur deserves at least half a day, and a night if you can spare it. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.