🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- ✓Nyatapola Temple
- ✓Pottery Square
- ✓Peacock Window
- ✓Dattatreya Square
- ✓Taumadhi Square
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient royal city in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is a living museum of Newari culture and medieval architecture. Known for its well-preserved palaces, temples, and traditional crafts, this timeless city offers an authentic glimpse into Nepal's rich heritage.
🌐Other Cities in Nepal
Recommended Hotels in Bhaktapur
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (12 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★Hotel Heritage Bhaktapur
- ★Peacock Guest House
- ★Bhaktapur Paradise Hotel
- ★Shiva Guest House
- ★Hotel Golden Gate
- ★Nyatapola Guest House
- ★Traditional Homes Swotha
- ★Cosy Hotel
- ★Planet Bhaktapur Hotel
- ★Bhadgaon Guest House
🍜Restaurants & Food
•Nyatapola Restaurant
mid-rangeRooftop dining with temple views, Newari and continental cuisine
•Cafe Nyatapola
budgetCoffee, breakfast, and snacks with square views
•Sunny Restaurant
budgetTraditional Newari dishes and Nepali thali
•Peacock Restaurant
mid-rangeMulti-cuisine with terrace seating overlooking Durbar Square
•Juju Dhau Stalls
budgetKing Curd - Bhaktapur's famous sweet yogurt in clay pots
•Black Coffee
budgetWestern breakfast, coffee, and baked goods
🛍️ Shopping
- •Pottery Squarecrafts
Traditional hand-thrown pottery and clay items. Watch artisans at work and buy authentic pieces directly from makers.
- •Thangka Painting Shopsart
Traditional Buddhist scroll paintings. Many shops near Durbar Square selling hand-painted thangkas - prices vary widely.
- •Wood Carving Studioscrafts
Intricate wooden masks, windows, and decorative items. Bhaktapur is renowned for woodcarving craftsmanship.
- •Local Marketsmarket
Traditional markets selling vegetables, spices, textiles, and everyday goods. Authentic local shopping experience.
💡 Travel Tips
- • Entry fee NPR 1500 for foreigners (NPR 500 for SAARC nationals), valid for duration of stay with extension.
- • Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and tour groups.
- • Bring small bills - many shops and vendors struggle with large denominations.
- • Try Juju Dhau (King Curd) - Bhaktapur's famous creamy yogurt served in clay pots.
- • Wear comfortable walking shoes - cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces throughout.
- • Photography allowed but be respectful in temples and ask before photographing people.
- • Many buildings damaged in 2015 earthquake but restoration ongoing.
- • Stay overnight to experience the city after day-trippers leave - magical atmosphere in early morning and evening.
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
October to November (clear skies, comfortable temperatures) or February to April (spring warmth). Avoid monsoon June-August.
💰Daily Budget
$15-30 per day (very affordable - budget guesthouses, cheap local food, minimal additional costs)/day
👥Popular With
Culture and heritage enthusiastsphotographersarchitecture loverscraft and art seekersday-trippers from Kathmandu
🗓️Recommended Stay
1 day as day trip from Kathmandu, or 2 days/1 night to experience quieter mornings and evenings
🌐Timezone
NPT (UTC+5:45)
💬Local Language
Newari, Nepali, some English in tourist areas
💱Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR) - Limited ATMs, bring cash from Kathmandu
📅Bhaktapur 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
Ancient City Exploration
🌅
Morning0.5h
📍
Arrive from Kathmandu and enter through main gate
💡 Pay entry fee NPR 1500 (keep receipt - valid for entire stay). Early arrival means fewer crowds and cooler temperature.
🌅
Morning2.5h
🎭
Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square
💡 55-Window Palace, Golden Gate, and numerous temples. Hire local guide for historical context (NPR 1000-1500 for group).
🌅
Morning1h
🎭
Visit Pottery Square
💡 Watch traditional pottery-making. Best in morning when potters are most active. Purchase authentic clay items directly from artisans.
☀️
Afternoon1.5h
🍜
Lunch and try Juju Dhau
💡 Lunch at Nyatapola Restaurant with temple views. Must try Juju Dhau (King Curd) - Bhaktapur's famous yogurt served in clay pots.
☀️
Afternoon1.5h
🎭
Taumadhi Square and Nyatapola Temple
💡 Five-story pagoda survived 2015 earthquake intact. Climb surrounding buildings for aerial photos. Vibrant square with cafes and local life.
☀️
Afternoon1.5h
🎭
Dattatreya Square and Peacock Window
💡 Eastern part of old town. Famous Peacock Window is masterpiece of woodcarving. Visit Pujari Math Woodcarving Museum.
🌙
Evening1.5h
📍
Wander narrow medieval streets
💡 Explore residential areas with traditional architecture. Photo opportunities in golden light. Locals performing daily rituals.
🌙
Evening2h
🍜
Dinner and sunset from rooftop
💡 Rooftop restaurant for sunset views over temples. Peacock Restaurant or Nyatapola Restaurant recommended. Traditional Newari cuisine.
💡Tips
- •Stay overnight if possible - city is magical in early morning and evening without day-trippers
- •Cobblestone streets can be uneven - wear comfortable shoes with good grip
- •Bargaining acceptable for handicrafts but pottery prices often fixed
- •Some temples restrict non-Hindu entry - respect posted signs
- •Download offline map - internet connectivity can be spotty