Introduction: Bhaktapur city day tour
The Bhaktapur City Day Tour offered by Holiday Tours Nepal invites visitors to explore one of Nepal's most attractive and historically rich cities. This immersive experience transports guests to an ancient period, where every brick roadway and architectural marvel tells a tale. Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, meaning “City of Rice”, is a charming and beautiful city with a rich history rooted in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
What distinguishes Bhaktapur is its persistent dedication to maintaining its traditions and customs. This city, trapped in time, stands as a tribute to the centuries-old traditions. The locals, who are known for their traditional views, take great delight in preserving the cultural legacy passed down through centuries.
Bhaktapur, often known as the "City of Devotees," warmly welcomes visitors to experience unique moments amid historical and religious landmarks. Bhaktapur was originally the capital of the Kathmandu Valley, exerting control over many sections of Nepal during the rule of the Malla Empire. This city is located around 12 kilometers from the busy core of Kathmandu and is the valley's third most important district. It has deservedly gained a reputation as a significant hub for tourists and travelers looking to immerse themselves in Nepal's cultural and historical treasures. Visitors will find elaborately carved temples, colorful marketplaces, and age-old customs that are still alive and well here.
The Bhaktapur City Day Tour is an immersive and enriching experience that combines history, culture, and spirituality to deliver a deep dive into Nepal's rich legacy. Visitors can tour Bhaktapur's living museum and learn about the stories hidden in its old alleys and squares.
Things to do/Attractions in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
- Siddhi Laxmi Temple: Three-story structure dedicated to Siddhi Laxmi, a manifestation of goddess Laxmi.
- Vatsala Temple: A place to worship goddess Vatsala.
- The 55-Window Palace: 55 intricately carved windows that contain the National Art Gallery.
- Bhairab Nath Temple: Three-tiered roof temple dedicated to Bhairab, a form of Lord Shiva.
- Nyatapola Temple: Tallest temple in Nepal.
- Mini Pashupatinath Temple: A smaller replica of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.
- Lions Gate and Golden Gate: Entry points of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
- Statues of Kings: Various statues of Malla kings.
- Dattatraya Square: Temple dedicated to lord Dattatraya, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
- Peacock Window: Masterpiece of Newari artistry.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square Museum: Collection of Art, Artifacts and historical exhibits.
- Pottery Square: Traditional pottery made by local artisans.
Spending a day in Bhaktapur Durbar Square how to start and end?
The tour leads visitors to the most remarkable things that Bhaktapur has to offer after passing through the city gate within the gorgeous and bustling Bhaktapur Durbar Square, flanked by towering historical monuments and the ancient royal courtyard. Every inch of this picturesque city is theirs to explore, and visitors here will be able to observe local residents engaged in their daily traditional occupations, which range from farming to the fabrication of delicate artisanal products like ceramics and woodwork.
While guests enjoy the delightful and engaging ambiance of Bhaktapur, they are whisked away to a gorgeous position high above Bhaktapur city and the Kathmandu Valley in a short drive. They will come across the magnificent Changunarayan Temple. This ancient and exquisite pagoda temple is located within serene surroundings and an old Newar town, capped with levels of golden roofs. Lord Vishnu, an important Hindu deity, is honored at the Changunarayan Temple. Its history dates back to 464 A.D., during the reign of Licchavi King Mandeva, highlighting its significance as a sacred site created in the 3rd century A.D. Early inscriptions engraved onto enormous stone slabs within the temple precincts add to the temple's historical value.
Immersed in the mesmerizing ambiance of Changunarayan Temple and the gorgeous panorama of Kathmandu Valley with its towering snow-capped peaks, they will find this visit really worthwhile. The setting of the small rural community adds to the appeal of the encounter.
Their fantastic Bhaktapur City Day Tour closes with fond memories of the time spent near Changunarayan Temple. They will then descend, taking in an interesting drive back to their hotel, capping off a wonderfully lovely and enjoyable day excursion.
Places to visit in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
My first impression of Bhaktapur was its old Durbar Square, where many ancient monuments are in the palace courtyard. Most of the ancient buildings and monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the city's unique culture and arts, including architectural wonders and a living museum. Tour the Golden Gate, regarded as the world's most magnificent and richly carved of unique design and work of artistic skill; enjoy views of the palace with 55 windows.
Nytapola Temple
One of the main highlights of Bhaktapur is a pagoda roof Nytapola Temple, a five-storied temple at the height of 30 meters, the tallest temple of Kathmandu, and the landmark of Bhaktapur city. It was built by King Bhupindra Malla in 1708 AD.
On each step to the main temple entrance stands a pair of figures, starting from the bottom with statues of wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, and goddesses.
The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery
The gallery, situated within Bhaktapur Durbar Square, treasures rare arts and paintings, with manuscripts with painted covers and illustrations. It also includes brass, bronze, stone, and wooden images of the medieval traditional arts of Nepal.
Bhairavnath Temple of Bhaktapur
In the early days, built as a one-story pagoda during King Jagat Jyoti Malla's period, later added into a three-tier roofed temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupindra Malla, this temple stands as artistic grandeur. Bhairavnath temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairab - the god of Terror.
Dattarya Temple
A little further, another nice temple, built in 1427 AD, was constructed from the wood of a single tree; visit and witness exquisitely carved peacock windows near the temple area.
Pottery Square and market
Bhaktapur is also famous for pottery with two main areas; the first is Suryamadhi, east of Dattarya temple square, and the oldest pottery square.
The other pottery is located south and close to Nytapola Square at Talako's Potter's Square, where you can take a stroll along busy market streets to reach the pottery site. Watch the craftsman on wheels shaping the clay in a pleasing shape, old traditions handed from ancient times to this day.
Changunararyan Temple
A small farming town, the size of a village, and takes you back to the medieval period; as you walk through this small town on nice gradual upsteps to enter Changunararyan Temple, the oldest beautiful shrine of Nepal located on a high hilltop, this place is also known as Changu or Dolagiri.
The temple and its premises are surrounded by lovely woods of champak trees above Bhaktapur city and the valley. Changunararyan Temple, which stood as early as 325 A.D. in the time of King Lichavi King Hari Datta Verma, is considered one of Nepal's most decadent structures historically and artistically.
The temple with the first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history was found in the temple compound during early Lichavi King Mandeva around 464 A.D.
