Bhaktapur Half Day Tour

Trip Overview

Key Information

Group Size

2-12

Meal

Self

Grade

Easy

Accomodation

None

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Wi-fi

Everyday

Bhaktapur literally translates to the place of devotees. This medieval city is inhabited mostly by the Newar community. The city is an open museum of the Malla rulers. The pagoda style temples built during the Malla dynasty and dedicated to different gods and goddesses still convey the stories of the bygone era. The arts and culture, monuments, wood carvings, sculptures and pottery from Bhaktapur are second to none. Bhaktapur has the best-preserved palace courtyards and the old city center in Nepal which is also listed as a World Heritage site.

The city is rich in culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. The city is also famous for a special type of curd known as juju Dhau, meaning the king of curds. The main landmark of this city is the Layaku (Durbar Square), Nyatapole temple, Bhairab Nath temple, Dattatreya temple, and Siddha Pokhari. The city mainly consists of four different squares namely Durbar square. After taking a tour of the Durbar Square we will have a local meal. We will drive back to Kathmandu to end our tour of Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur Half Day Tour Itinerary

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Day 1 : A Half Day Guided Tour of Bhaktapur city from Hotel in Thamel and back to Thamel

Food Lunch

Tour will starts at 8:00 Am

Drive and Tour of Bhaktapur medieval period city of few hours of great interest around its Durbar Square (Palace Courtyard)

Starting from the hotel at Thamel the tourist hub of Nepal in the center of Kathmandu city,

Our city and tour guide will pick you for a short drive towards the eastern rim of Kathmandu valley to reach our first-morning tour of Bhaktapur one of the oldest and interesting medieval period city in Nepal.

Drive of 45 minutes leads past city hub of Kathmandu on Nepal / Tibet-China Friendship Highway known as Arniko Highway, riding along farm villages and the town of Thimi and then drive diverts north to reach wonderful Bhaktapur city.

Located at 13 k.m. distance from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur an interesting and charming place, which is a country third largest city after Kathmandu and Patan / Lalitpur retaining its ancient heritage since past 12th to 15th century till present. Bhaktapur city was once a capital of Nepal during great Malla Kingdom regime around 12th to 15th century, with four square miles of land situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, home of traditional art and architecture, pottery and weaving industries, rich local customs and culture, and the every-day life of Bhaktapur people. The untouched ancient city of Nepal's Malla dynasty's with its achievements in arts and crafts are reflected throughout the Bhaktapur city.

At Bhaktapur tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

One of the world best Nepal heritage sites reflecting the city's rich culture, art, and architectural design, it is also the central setting of the city for architectural monuments and arts. Famous golden gate entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows; the gate is regarded as the world's most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind.

Bhaktapur Nytapola Temple:

Highlights of Bhaktapur and landmark Nytapola Temple, meaning 5 storied temples of 30 meter high, the tallest temple of Kathmandu valley.

It was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 AD. Each of its five terraces holds a pair of figures, starting from bottom wrestlers, elephant, lion, griffins, and goddesses.

The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery:

Located within Bhaktapur Durbar Square treasures rare paintings and manuscripts with painted covers and illustrations are found in this museum. The gallery contains brass, bronze, stone and wooden images of medieval art tradition of Nepal. The gallery is closed on Thursday and public holidays.

Bhairavnath Temple of Bhaktapur:

Originally built as one-story pagoda during King Jagat Jyoti Malla period, later changed into a three-story temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla, this temple now stands for its artistic grandeur. Bhairavnath temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairab - the god of Terror.

Dattatreya Temple:

Built-in 1427 AD, the temple is said to have been built from a single tree visit a monastery having exquisitely carved peacock windows located near the temple area.

Pottery square and market:

Around Bhaktapur there are two main pottery area, the first pottery square is at Suryamadhi east from Dattarya temple square, it is the oldest pottery square, another pottery place leads south from the Nytapola square at Takako's Potter’s Square walking along interesting markets side streets the pottery is in full blaze, the wide open brick courtyard with a mix of small grey and brownish red clay pots, where each pot is examined by hand before being turned to face the sun at new angle or dipped into a bucket of colored water. Observe craftsman on wheels shaping the clay in a finely tuned system of human pottery rotation from past centuries of old tradition.