Bhaktapur stands as an ancient Newari city in the Kathmandu Valley, earning its spot on the world heritage list for its abundance of cultures, temples, and impressive metal and stone artworks. It has become a top tourist destination in Nepal, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The city is renowned for its special yogurt known as Ju Ju Dhau.
Table of Contents
Here are the five interesting places to visit in Bhaktapur on our list. If you know any other places besides those listed here, then you can comment below and share your experiences with us.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in Bhaktapur, Nepal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the royal palace complex for the Malla kings from the 14th to 15th century. This architectural masterpiece is a testament to the ancient art of Nepal, showcasing a blend of Pagoda and Shikhara styles crafted by the Newa People. The square is a confluence of pagoda and shikhara-style temples, centered around a palace adorned with fifty-five meticulously crafted windows.
The Durbar Square is more than just a single square; it comprises several plazas, including Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatraya Square, and Pottery Square. Each of these plazas has its unique attractions, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Bhaktapur. The Durbar Square, for instance, is the location of the old royal palace, while the Taumadhi Square is known for the Nyatapola Temple and the Bhairavnath Temple. The square is a living museum of Newari culture and art, with its narrow alleys, temples, and squares offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich history.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is not just a historical site; it’s a vibrant part of the city where the past and present coexist. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, explore traditional arts, and even sample local cuisine. The square is a testament to the city’s resilience, having withstood the test of time and natural disasters, and continues to stand as a symbol of Bhaktapur’s rich cultural heritage.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a must-visit in Bhaktapur due to its historical significance. It features a pagoda and Shikhara-style temples, including the famous 55 windows made of brick and wood. Additionally, you’ll find Nyatpol, a remarkable five-story pagoda-style temple, and Siddha Pokhari nearby. Exploring Bhaktapur city is a great way to experience Newari cultures, traditions, and the impressive local architecture and sculpture. It stands as the ideal destination for immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the Newar community.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple, situated in Bhaktapur, Nepal, is renowned as the oldest Hindu temple in the country, with its history dating back nearly 3000 years. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is perched on a high hilltop, also known as Changu or Dolagiri, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The temple’s architectural grandeur, featuring a two-tiered pagoda structure and a gilded copper roof, leaves visitors in awe of its historical and cultural significance.
The temple is a treasure trove of intricate carvings and ancient art, with masterpieces from the 5th and 12th centuries adorning its premises. The main temple is decorated with ten incarnations of Narayan, and stone lions guard all four entrances. The temple complex also houses various shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Shiva, Ashta Matrika, Chhinnamasta, Kileshwor, and Krishna. Despite suffering damage from a major fire in 1702 and the 2015 earthquake, the temple has been restored and continues to function as a significant religious site. The Changu Narayan Temple is not just a place of worship, but also a living testament to Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess.
This Hindu temple, constructed in the 4th century in the pagoda style, stands as one of the ancient structures located 6 km north of Bhaktapur. It is among the oldest temples in the valley and holds a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. When visiting Bhaktapur, this temple is a must-see. Additionally, it provides a unique vantage point to witness take-offs and landings at Nepal’s only international airport.
Famous Nagarkot Hill
Nagarkot, a serene hill station located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal, is a popular tourist destination known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas. This ancient fort, once used to monitor the activities of other kingdoms, now serves as a tranquil retreat offering panoramic views of eight Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Rolwaling, Numbur, Mahalangur, and Jugal. The town is situated approximately 2000 m above sea level, providing one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley. The Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail is a popular attraction, offering a 12-kilometer-long hike with rewarding views of the countryside, villages, and rice terraces.
Nagarkot is also renowned for its mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, with the Nagarkot View Point Tower providing a 360-degree vista of the stunning Himalayan mountain ranges. The timing of dawn varies according to season, with clearer skies and captivating sunrises typically observed from March to September. In addition to its natural beauty, Nagarkot offers a range of activities for visitors, including paragliding, trekking, and mountain biking. The town’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its rich cultural legacy and natural beauty, makes it an essential stop for tourists visiting Nepal.
If you enjoy peace, tranquility, natural beauty, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, Nagarkot is the perfect destination in Bhaktapur. It’s a popular tourist spot in Nepal, offering a stunning panorama of the Annapurna and Mt Everest mountain ranges. Nagarkot boasts excellent restaurants and hotels serving international cuisine. It’s also renowned for its spectacular sunset views, making it an ideal place for a romantic date.
Saanga
Saanga, often spelled Sanga, is a village located on the border of the Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok districts in Nepal, and it is home to one of the most iconic landmarks in the country—the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue. This colossal statue of Lord Shiva stands at a staggering height of 144 feet, making it one of the tallest statues of a Hindu deity in the world. The construction of the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue began in 2003 and was completed in 2011, symbolizing peace and serving as a significant religious site for Hindu devotees.
The area of Saanga is not only known for its impressive statue but also for its religious and cultural significance. The village is dotted with various temples and shrines, contributing to its spiritual atmosphere. Among these is the Nasikasthan Temple, which is a place of worship for better health and protection from bad luck and sickness. The Swet Bhairab Temple, also located in Saanga, is a site where devotees offer sacrifices to please the deity and seek blessings.
Saanga’s location offers visitors a blend of spiritual experience and natural beauty. The village is set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, providing a serene and picturesque setting for both pilgrims and tourists. The Kailashnath Mahadev Statue, in particular, is not only a place of worship but also a vantage point from which one can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Whether one is seeking a spiritual journey or simply looking to appreciate the grandeur of Nepalese art and culture, Saanga is a destination that offers a unique and enriching experience.
Saanga was once an ordinary place until the construction of the tallest Shiva statue transformed it. Now, it has become a beloved destination for Hindus, attracting numerous tourists each year. The statue, named Kailashnath Mahadev, stands at a towering height of 44 meters, making it the world’s tallest Shiva linga. Crafted from copper, zinc, concrete, and steel, the statue is a remarkable piece of art. Located just 20 km from Kathmandu, on the border of Bhaktapur and Sindhupalchowk, this site has gained prominence for its awe-inspiring statue.
Pilot ashram
Pilot Baba Ashram, also known as Pilot Baba, is a spiritual retreat located in Ghyampe Danda, Anantalingeshwar Bhaktapur, Nepal. The ashram is situated at an altitude of 1700m and is approximately 4.5 km away from Suryabinayak Chowk. The ashram is named after a spiritual guru, Pilot Baba, whose real name is Kapil Singh. He was a former pilot and Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force. The ashram is a unique element in the city of Bhaktapur, known for its history, culture, and tradition. It offers a serene environment for meditation and spiritual practices, and it also serves as a hiking destination for the people of Kathmandu Valley.
The journey to the ashram takes visitors through dense forests, offering a chance to enjoy nature along the way. From the ashram, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur, and some parts of Lalitpur. The ashram also houses a temple, which visitors can access after paying an entry fee. The ashram is not only a spiritual retreat but also a vantage point for breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. The trail leading to the ashram is filled with babbling brooks, a variety of trees and bushes, and local villagers going about their daily tasks. The ashram’s peaceful surroundings and the magnificent view of the Kathmandu Valley make it a perfect hiking route near Bhaktapur.
For those seeking knowledge about spirituality and meditation, the Pilot BABA Ashram stands out as one of the best places to visit in Bhaktapur. Pilot BABA, a spiritual guru, earned his name as he was formerly an Indian Air Force fighter pilot. He has founded a meditation center in Bhaktapur, known as the Pilot Baba Ashram. Today, it has become a significant religious site in Bhaktapur and is gaining recognition as a tourist destination.
