Bhaktapur City Tour in Nepal: A Journey into Nepal’s Medieval Soul

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Bhaktapur City Tour in Nepal: A Journey into Nepal’s Medieval Soul

Budget

NPR 1000

Per Person

Rating

No review has been posted yet

Duration

1 Days

Trip Overview

Located just 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a living museum of Nepalese art, culture, and medieval architecture. Known as the “City of Devotees,” Bhaktapur offers an immersive journey through time, with its narrow alleys, centuries-old temples, courtyards, and timeless traditions. A Bhaktapur city tour is a must for those who want to witness Nepal’s cultural heart untouched by the bustle of modernity.

Overview and Historical Background

Bhaktapur, or Bhadgaon, was once one of the three medieval kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, alongside Kathmandu and Patan. It served as an independent kingdom until the late 18th century when it was unified under King Prithvi Narayan Shah.

The city flourished during the Malla period (12th–18th century) and remains a well-preserved example of ancient Newar urban planning and craftsmanship. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its brick-paved streets, carved wooden windows, and impressive pagoda-style temples.

Top Attractions on a Bhaktapur City Tour

1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

At the heart of the city lies Durbar Square, one of the most captivating historic sites in Nepal. The square is surrounded by royal palaces, intricately designed temples, and open courtyards. Highlights include:

- 55-Window Palace (Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar) – Once the royal residence,famous for its finely carved wooden windows.

- Vatsala Temple – A beautiful stone temple with a tall Shikhara design and a large bronze bell.

- Golden Gate (Lu Dhowka) – A spectacular gilded gate that leads into the palace courtyard.

- Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla – A bronze statue honoring Bhaktapur’s most revered king.

2. Nyatapola Temple

Standing tall at 30 meters, Nyatapola is the tallest pagoda temple in Nepal. Built in 1702, it is dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, a powerful Tantric goddess. The five-story temple is a masterpiece of engineering and artistic achievement, with stone guardians lining its staircase.

3. Taumadhi Square

Just steps from Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square is home to both Nyatapola Temple and Bhairabnath Temple, a stunning three-tiered temple dedicated to Lord Bhairab, the fierce manifestation of Shiva.

4. Pottery Square

In Pottery Square, you can witness traditional pottery-making as artisans shape clay into pots, lamps, and ceremonial vessels. Visitors can even try their hand at spinning the wheel or purchase handmade souvenirs directly from the craftspeople.

5. Dattatreya Square

This quieter square is famous for:

Dattatreya Temple – Dedicated to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

Peacock Window – Known as the "Mona Lisa of Nepalese woodcarving"

Traditional museums and ancient residential courtyards

6. Siddha Pokhari (Large Sacred Pond)

Located near the main entrance to Bhaktapur, this man-made pond is a serene place for a stroll and a favorite among locals, especially during festivals.

Bhaktapur Culture and Festivals

Bhaktapur is a center of Newar culture, where art, religion, and daily life are deeply intertwined. The city comes alive during festivals such as:

- Biska Jatra – Celebrated in April, involving chariot races and tug-of-war competitions

- Gai Jatra – A humorous festival honoring the dead

- Indra Jatra and Dashain – Featuring processions and masked dances

Throughout the year, the city echoes with the sounds of temple bells, traditional music, and daily rituals, offering an authentic cultural experience.

Package Highlights:

Timeless Architecture – Preserved heritage buildings and temples that date back centuries
Rich Newari Culture – From art and craft to festivals and rituals
Authentic Experience – Less commercialized and more immersive than Kathmandu
Photographer’s Dream – Aesthetic alleyways, temples, and traditional life in motion
Day Trip Friendly – Easy to visit from Kathmandu and worth every moment

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Trip Information

Start : Kathmandu
Finish : Kathmandu
Difficulty : Easy
Max Altitude : 1400m
Group Size :
Season :

Trip Gallery

Trip Itinerary

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Morning:Pickup from Kathmandu (30–45 minutes by car)Start at Bhaktapur Durbar SquareVisit the 55-Window Palace and Golden GateExplore Taumadhi Square and Nyatapola TempleMidday:Walk to Pottery SquareObserve or try traditional pottery-makingLunch at a rooftop café with a view of the templesAfternoon:Head to Dattatreya Square and Peacock WindowVisit local museums and artisan shopsOptional: Walk to Siddha Pokhari for sunsetReturn to Kathmandu by early evening

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Cost Includes

English-speaking guide
Entrance tickets
Round-trip transport from Kathmandu (if booked as a package)

Lunch and drinks
Souvenirs
Tips for guide

Essential Info

Entrance Fees and Costs

Foreign visitors are required to pay an entry fee to Bhaktapur:

NPR 1,800 (approx. $13–15 USD)
SAARC Nationals: NPR 500
Nepali citizens: Free

Tour Cost (Guided):

Group tour: $30–$50 USD per person
Private guided tour: $60–$100 USD, including transport

Extra Info

How to Get to Bhaktapur

By Private Car/Taxi: 30–45 minutes from Kathmandu
By Tourist Bus: Available from Kathmandu’s Ratna Park or Thamel area
By Local Bus: Inexpensive but slower and less comfortable

Private transport is highly recommended for convenience and comfort.

Trip Date And Time

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Mr. Sonam G. Sherpa

Mr. Ang Dawa Sherpa