Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is a city of ancient history and culture, with a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences. As one of the three ancient royal cities of Nepal, Bhaktapur is home to some of the most spectacular and iconic architectural and cultural sites in the country. From grand palaces and ancient temples to vibrant markets and bustling streets, Bhaktapur has something to offer for every traveler. Here are the top 20 places to see in Bhaktapur Nepal.
1. Durbar Square: Durbar Square is the heart of Bhaktapur and one of the most iconic sites in the city. This ancient palace complex is full of intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and ornate architecture from the Malla era. Visitors can explore the many temples, palaces, and courtyards, including the Taleju Temple, the Palace of Fifty-five Windows, and the Golden Gate.
2. Nyatapola Temple: Nyatapola Temple is one of the most iconic and impressive structures in Bhaktapur. This five-story temple is dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi and is renowned for its intricate architecture and grandeur. The temple is also home to a unique set of statues of guardians, known as Bhairavs, which guard the entrance.
3. Dattatreya Square: Dattatreya Square is a vibrant market square in Bhaktapur, known for its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere. Here, visitors can find a variety of traditional Nepali crafts, clothing, and souvenirs, as well as delicious local food and snacks.
4. Bhairabnath Temple: Bhairabnath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhaktapur and is dedicated to the Hindu god Bhairab. This temple is renowned for its intricately carved stone sculptures and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.
5. Changu Narayan Temple: Changu Narayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the nearby village of Changu. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The temple complex is home to many intricately carved stone sculptures and shrines, making it a must-visit for any traveler to Bhaktapur.
6. Pottery Square: Pottery Square is a vibrant market square in Bhaktapur, known for its pottery and clay crafts. Here, visitors can find a variety of handmade pottery, including traditional Nepali clay pots and sculptures.
7. Taumadhi Square: Taumadhi Square is another bustling market square, known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional Nepali crafts. Here, visitors can find a variety of traditional Nepali clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs, as well as delicious local food and snacks.
8. Bhaktapur Durbar Museum: Bhaktapur Durbar Museum is a museum located in the old palace complex of Bhaktapur. Here, visitors can explore the history and culture of Bhaktapur through a variety of artifacts, including traditional paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the Malla era.
9. Siddha Pokhari: Siddha Pokhari is a large pond located in the heart of Bhaktapur. This pond is renowned for its religious significance and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.
10. Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal, located just outside of Bhaktapur. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.
11. Changunarayan: Changunarayan is an ancient Hindu temple located on the outskirts of Bhaktapur. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is home to many intricately carved stone sculptures and shrines.
12. Bhimsen Tower: Bhimsen Tower is a five-story tower located in the heart of Bhaktapur. This tower is renowned for its intricate architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in the city.
13. Bhandarkhal Garden: Bhandarkhal Garden is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Bhaktapur. This garden is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls and is home to a variety of trees and plants.
14. Narayanhiti Palace Museum: Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a museum located in the former palace of the Nepali royal family. Here, visitors can explore the history and culture of Nepal through a variety of artifacts, including traditional paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the Malla era.
15. Changu Lake: Changu Lake is a beautiful lake located on the outskirts of Bhaktapur. This lake is renowned for its religious significance and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.
16. Siddha Pokhari: Siddha Pokhari is a large pond located in the heart of Bhaktapur. This pond is renowned for its religious significance and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.
17. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the heart of Bhaktapur and one of the most iconic sites in the city. This ancient palace complex is full of intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and ornate architecture from the Malla era. Visitors can explore the many temples, palaces, and courtyards, including the Taleju Temple, the Palace of Fifty-five Windows, and the Golden Gate.
18. Bhimsen Tower: Bhimsen Tower is a five-story tower located in the heart of Bhaktapur. This tower is renowned for its intricate architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in the city.
19. Changu Narayan Temple: Changu Narayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the nearby village of Changu. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The temple complex is home to many intricately carved stone sculptures and shrines, making it a must-visit for any traveler to Bhaktapur.
20. Bhandarkhal Garden: Bhandarkhal Garden is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Bhaktapur. This garden is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls and is home to a variety of trees and plants.
Bhaktapur is a city of ancient history and culture, with a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences. From grand palaces and ancient temples to vibrant markets and bustling streets, Bhaktapur has something to offer for every traveler. These are the top 20 places to see in Bhaktapur Nepal.