Bhaktapur
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At a glance
- Country
- Nepal
- Region
- Bagmati Province
- Population
- around 80,000
- Best time to go
- October to November, March to April
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Tribhuvan International (KTM)
- Coordinates
- 27.67°N, 85.43°E
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Overview
Bhaktapur is the best preserved of the Kathmandu Valley's three royal cities, a town of brick lanes, carved wooden windows and temple squares where daily life carries on much as it has for centuries.
Day-trippers come from Kathmandu, but staying the night is the way to see it properly: early mornings with farmers drying grain and potters at their wheels, and quiet evenings when the squares empty out.
Things to see
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Photo: Bikram Pratap Singh, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The royal square, with the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows and stone temples.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann, CC BY-SA 3.0 Nyatapola Temple
Nepal's tallest pagoda, five tiers high, guarded by pairs of stone figures up its staircase.
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Photo: Bijaya2043, CC BY-SA 4.0 Dattatreya Square
One of the oldest parts of town, with a three-tiered temple, old monasteries and the famous carved Peacock Window nearby.
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Photo: Goutam1962, CC BY-SA 4.0 Pottery Square
Watch potters throw clay on hand-turned wheels, with rows of pots drying in the sun.
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Photo: Dhilung Kirat from Santa Barbara, CA, CC BY 2.0 Changu Narayan
An ancient hilltop Hindu temple with superb stone carvings, a short drive north.
Things to do
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Photo: Gaurav Dhwaj Khadka, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat juju dhau
Try Bhaktapur's famous king curd, a rich, sweet yoghurt served in clay pots.
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Photo: Sushan Mool, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bisket Jatra
The city's spectacular new year festival in April, when huge chariots are pulled through the streets.
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Photo: 松岡明芳, CC BY-SA 4.0 Hike to Nagarkot
Walk or drive up to this ridge for sunrise views over the Himalaya.
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Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 Woodcarving workshops
Bhaktapur's craftsmen still carve the intricate window frames and struts you see on its temples.
Where to stay
Old town
Guesthouses near Durbar Square and Taumadhi Square put you in the heart of things.
Hotels in Old townNagarkot
Mountain-view hotels on the ridge above, a good combination with a day in Bhaktapur.
Hotels in Nagarkot
Getting around
The old town is pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.
A taxi from Kathmandu or the airport takes around 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic; buses are cheaper but slow.
When to go
October and November are clear and dry, and March and April are warm. Bisket Jatra in April is a highlight, while the monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain.
Plan your trip to Bhaktapur
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.