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The City of Devotees

Bhaktapur is in many ways the most medieval of the three major

cities in the Kathmandu valley. Much of its glorious architecture dates from the end ofthe 17th century. The city is famous for its pagoda-style architecture. Tourists are more

often attracted to the Hindu temples, pottery crafts, colourful markets and lively people ofBhaktapur.

Fast facts

Location 14 km east of Kathmandu

Other Names Bhadgaon or Khwopa

Known For Cultural and artistic achievements

Area Four square miles

Latitude 27.67N

Longitude 85.43E

Tourism Language English

Nearby Cities Kathmandu and Patan

Striking Features

Bhaktapur, as the names suggests, is a holy city with pagoda-style temples.

Bhaktapur is the third largest city in the Kathmandu valley. Bhaktapur is also known by woodcarving artists, for it's cap known as Bhadgaon

Topi, and for it's curd known by Nepalese as the `Bhaktapur ko Dahe' (meaning

Curd made in Bhaktapur).

The markets in the city are very lively and colourful.

Places to VisitDurbar Square

As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the

art and architecture and the spacial layout here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows,

situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The NationalArt Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece

in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs.

There is an entrance fee of Rs. 30 for SAARC nationals and Rs. 500 for other foreignvisitors.

Taumadhi Square

It lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved lane. The toweringfive-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the square. The monument gracefully soars

into the sky atop a five-story plinth. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by

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stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one

immediately below.

Dattatreya Square

It takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three-headed combination of

the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva. If you want to experience the feel of thetraditional urban layout of Bhaktapur, Dattatreya Square is it. Set in a maze of streets

lined with richly ornamented houses, the square is famed for its many ornate Hindu

monasteries known as Math. The National Woodworking Museum is also housed here.The Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street.

Potters Square

A two-minute walk south of Durbar Square brings you to Bolachhen, also known asPotters Square because of the many potters seen here moulding wet clay into different

kinds of earthen ware. It has a display of fresh pottery left out to dry in the open square.

This place can be approached from Taumadhi Square also. The elephant-headed Lord

Ganesh is the patron of potters, thus the Jeth Ganesh temple in the square.

Siddha Pukhu

Siddha Pukhu, a pond dating back to the Lichhavi period, is better known as Ta-Pukhu,

meaning big pond. Though situated right at the bus stop, it provides a serene atmosphere

with its sashaying fish and the stone images of different Hindu and Buddhist gods.

Surya Binayak

Surya Binayak is one of Kathmandus most popular pilgrimage spots. Situated in a thick

forest to the south of Bhaktapur, it is a 20-minute walk from the trolley bus terminal. Thetemple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesh, is crowded with devotees especially on

Tuesdays and Saturdays