Kathmandu Valley – Bhaktapur

Along with Kathmandu and Patan, Bhaktapur was one of the three medieval city states that originally occupied the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur was on the old India to Tibet trade route, but really grew during the reign of King Yakshe Malla (15th century) with another growth spurt in the 18th century. The city was damaged in the 2015 earthquake and is characterised by three major squares:

Durbar Square
Just like those of both Kathmandu and Patan, the Durbar Square has many temples, as well as a King Malla column, Taleju Bell and a Royal Palace area; the latter is accessed by a magnificent Golden Gate (which has the 55 Window Palace to its right) and in its Mul Chowk is a Hindu only temple.

Taumadi Tole
Nearby, the second major square has the tallest temple in Nepal, the five storey Nyatapola Temple wits stairway flanked by stone figures, and the Bhairabnath Temple.

Tachupal Tole
The third major square was the original central square of Bhaktapur and the seat of royalty until the 16th century. The Dattatreya Temple is the main building on the square and along from this is a street of ornate houses, one of which houses the Woodcarving Museum with its 15th century Peacock Window facing out on view.

We also enjoyed visiting the Potter's Square and walking the backstreets. Bhaktapur is an excellent day trip to make from Kathmandu.Read more