Bhaktapur
South Asia · Nepal
Did you know?
- Pottery Square offers mask making, wood carving, and thanka painting to watch.
- Clay pots hold juju-dhau, a buffalo-milk yogurt known as the King of Yogurt.
- Quiet lanes are best explored on foot because rickshaws and taxis stay outside.
See also
Overview
Bhaktapur offers a medieval ambiance shaped by its temples and Newari traditions. The city showcases Newari art and festivals in a UNESCO World Heritage setting.
Languages: Nepali
Why go?
Bhaktapur, known as the City of Culture, offers a medieval ambiance with more temples per square meter than Patan or Kathmandu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, heavily restored after earthquakes, and showcases Newari traditions, art, and festivals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
From Kathmandu, take a minibus (40-60 min) to Kamal Binayak or a big bus to Charansingh. Fare is around 40-50 NPR, though foreigners may be charged 50 NPR. Express buses from Bag bazar save time. Taxis from Thamel cost about Rs 1000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Walking is the best way to explore Bhaktapur's quiet, dusty lanes. Rickshaws and taxis are not allowed inside, but be cautious of motorbikes in narrow streets.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Bhaktapur offers quiet guesthouses as an alternative to Kathmandu. Options include Nyatapola Guesthouse (semi-private doubles from NRP600), Peacock Guest House (USD7-10), and Pagoda Guesthouse (s/d US$20-30). Some accept Visa with a surcharge.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food & drink
Don't miss Juju-dhau, the 'King of Yogurt,' made from buffalo milk set in clay pots. Try street-side Bara-wa (Rs 50) from Taumani Square, or local Newari dishes like Samay Baji at small joints (Rs 10-30 per dish). Tourist restaurants serve dal bhat and international cuisine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site with palaces and temples. Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, is 6 km north. Explore Pottery Square and observe mask making, wood carving, and thankas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Bhaktapur is famous for pottery, black clay masks, and woodcarvings. Thanka paintings and metalwork are also available. Bargaining is common.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby day trips include Nagarkot (18 km) for Himalayan views, Pharping (sacred site), Thimi (pottery), and Dhulikhel (20 km, sunrise views). All are accessible by bus or taxi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Bhaktapur Guest House
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Cosy Hotel
phone:- +977 9841231795.
Recorded price: USD40
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Golden Gate Guest House
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Nyatapola Guesthouse
A simple and clean bed-and-breakfast run by a family of woodcarvers on the upper floors of a traditional house on top of their art shop. Located in a small street connecting Pottery and Taumadhi squares in the heart of the old town. Semi-private doubles from NRP600
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Pagoda Guesthouse & Cafe
Offers a rooftop restaurant; Wi-Fi
Recorded price: s/d US$20-30; without bathroom s/d US$15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Peacock Guest House
Located at Dattatraya Square. Peaceful with attractive 15th century architecture.
Recorded price: USD7-10
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Shiva Guest House 1&2
A traditional Newari house. Offers 24 rooms in two buildings, most with attached bath. Restaurant serving Nepali Dal Bhat, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Indian and Continental cuisine. Free Wi-Fi
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bara-wa
The ladies only sell one item: Bara-wa. It's a pan fried rice patty, like uttapam, with an omelette cooked on top, topped with a light channa (chickpea) curry. Marinated meat is an optional add-on. Rs 50. An additional Rs 50 for meat.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Guesthouses like Peacock Guest House start at USD7-10. Some accept Visa with a small surcharge.
Transport
Public buses from Kathmandu cost 40-50 NPR; taxis around Rs 1000. No rickshaws inside the city.