Located in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is the smallest city in Nepal. It is also known as Khwopa in the local language. The city is about 13 kilometres from Kathmandu.

Durbar Square

Among the many attractions of Nepal's royal city of Bhaktapur is the Durbar Square. This is a former royal palace complex which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley. The Durbar Square has a variety of monuments and temples. It is also home to a 55-window Palace, which is now a national gallery.

During the Malla era, the kings of Bhaktapur built numerous temples, shrines and palaces. It was a powerful city until the sixteenth century. However, the city's independence was threatened during the Gorkha conquest in 1769. The city was eventually closed in.

The main architectural masterpiece of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the Bhaktapur Golden Gate, also known as the Palad Dhvaka. This gateway is surrounded by nymphs. It is considered auspicious.

Temples

Known as Khwopa in Newari, Bhaktapur has a rich culture, monuments, and temples. A city of ancient architecture and art, Bhaktapur is now recognized as a World Heritage Site. It has many beautiful pagoda-style temples and examples of stone carving and wood carving.

The city has four major squares. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the main one. The Square is home to the Nyatapola Temple, which can be climbed to see breathtaking views. The other three squares are Taumadhi, Dattatreya and Potters' Square. These squares are filled with temples and shops. They are ideal places to relax after a day of sightseeing.

The most sacred temple in Bhaktapur is the Taleju Temple. This temple was built in the 15th century. The three-story structure is in the pagoda style, and features intricate erotic carvings.

Places to shop

Besides being the cultural capital of Nepal, Bhaktapur is known for its traditional Newari handicrafts. Visitors can buy handmade products here, directly from the factory. It is important to know where to shop in Bhaktapur before visiting this town.

The main Durbar Square is filled with ancient structures. It is a great place to walk around. There are numerous temples and royal residences on the Square. You can also visit the National Art Gallery for an interesting view of the local culture. Objects in the Gallery are made from stone and metal.

You can take classes to learn wood carving and cooking in Bhaktapur. There are various shops in the city that sell masks and other items. Some of the souvenirs are priced reasonably and others are expensive. You can also visit shops that sell hemp bags in various sizes.

Dhulikhel

Located on the eastern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel is a picturesque town in the foothills of the Himalaya. It is a popular tourist destination. It is also one of the three most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal.

The main attraction of Dhulikhel is its superb views of the Himalayan ranges. The blue haze that covers the lower portion of the mountains can make the hills seem to float in the air.

Besides the panoramic view, Dhulikhel offers many other attractions. You can see a huge statue of Lord Buddha called Dakshinkali, a pagoda known as the Bhagwati Temple and a number of temples. These temples are a testimony to the power of women in ancient times. There are also a number of day hiking trails through the northern ridge.

Bandipur

Located at a medium elevation in the Marsyangdi Valley, Bandipur is a quaint town surrounded by spectacular mountain views. The city is known for its warm hospitality and the traditional Newari culture. It offers an ideal base from which to explore Nepal's Middle Hills.

The city is home to many different ethnicities, including Kasais, Chhetris, Damais, Brahmins, and Kamis. The city has a variety of festivals, and its cultural traditions are preserved.

The city has a number of temples. The Durbar Ghar is one of the oldest buildings in Bandipur. It is an example of Newari architecture.

The Thani Mai Temple is an important religious site in Bandipur. It sits on the hilltop and offers breathtaking views of the village and surrounding mountains. It is also a good place to watch the sunset.

Located in the east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a historical city with ancient Hindu and Buddhist shrines. It has a unique and rich culture and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is also home to several temples, such as the Nyatapola Temple, which is the tallest in Nepal. The temple is also one of the oldest in the valley. This is a five-storied building, built in 1703. The temple has a legend attached to it that it was constructed from a single tree.

The Golden Gate of Bhaktapur is another famous attraction. This is a replica of the Pashupatinath temple in India.

In addition to these attractions, Bhaktapur is also home to the Newari culture. Here, you can see some of the best workmanship in the country. It is known for its wood carvings, stone artworks, and metal art.

The best time to visit Bhaktapur is during the early mornings, when the sun rises. You will be able to enjoy the sunrise views of the high Himalaya.

There are a number of day trips from Bhaktapur. The best way to see these is to take a bus or a car. Depending on where you are going, you can get around in about an hour and a half. It's important to ask permission before taking pictures of people and their homes. You may even be able to see some rituals.

During the Bisket Jatra festival, a wooden chariot is assembled to carry the head of Bhairabnath. At this time, people offer prayers to the deity. You can also see the younger generation lighting candles.