Bhaktapur: as it is

Bhaktapur literally translates to the Place of devotees. Also known as Khwopa, it is an ancient Newa-city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, about 8 miles from the capital city, Kathmandu.

It is located in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. It is also one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The others are Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Lalitpur Metropolitan City, historically known as Patan.
The more time you travel to Nepal, the more things you realize are that there are many amazing places to see in this country. Among them one of the world’s most visited cities falls Bhaktapur, Bhaktapur has visited something for everyone: from history and culture to fine food and good times.

Immersed in history, Bhaktapur’s rich seams of eye-opening antiquity are everywhere. The city’s buildings are striking milestones in a unique and beguiling biography, and a great many of them – The magnificent Golden Gate, National Art Gallery, Nyatapola Temple, Potters Square and a lot more to offer. There’s more than enough innovation in the great tower located in Nagarkot where we can breeze the fresh air at the top with good views all around Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur itself.

Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are literally hundreds of examples of traditional Newari architecture here. As you wander the city streets, you’ll constantly come across breath-taking buildings boasting complex patterns and the classic red brick exteriors. One of the most striking examples of architecture in Bhaktapur is Nyatapola Temple, unmissable due to its soaring five-tier roof. You can climb up the temple’s long steps, stand under the arches and look down over beautiful views of the Taumadhi Square and its surrounding hills. Another must-see is Durbar Square, still stunning despite the earthquake damage.

Many of the main temples are in the process of being repaired and restored after the quake. But, you can still enjoy sites like the Golden Gate of Bhaktapur, an incredibly detailed entryway that opens to the courtyard of the royal palace. Closer to the centre of the city, the biggest viewpoint is the Monument. There are numerous monuments in the Bhaktapur square. Some of the best viewpoints are from great Nagarkot but it takes a while to get there. Nagarkot is a village in central Nepal, at the rim of the Bhaktapur. It’s known for its views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest to the northeast, which is especially striking at sunrise and sunset.

Street food is huge in Bhaktapur, with food stalls from around the world at markets, selling dishes and there are lots to choose from. If you’re eager to try some of Nepal’s most traditional and unique cuisine – Bhaktapur is a great place to do so. The Newari culture here is celebrated, as is the food, and there are many homely meals on the menu that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in Nepal. One such dish is Samay Baji, an authentic Newari dish that’s been passed down through generations and is made up of many small bites.

You really can’t leave Bhaktapur without trying the local yoghurt, Juju Dhau, also known as King Curd. This delicious yoghurt is served in clay pots at small shops around the city. Made from buffalo milk, it has a thick and creamy taste. It’s often called the best yoghurt in the world. And if the weather’s good enough for a picnic (or you’re self-catering), then you can pick up one at any destination with a great view around the top of hills.

Another more interesting thing about Bhaktapur is its unique art and craft. Pottery is one of the major crafts so head down to Potter square to see many of those crafts made from different clays and you will definitely find some well-crafted souvenirs for your loved ones. Bhaktapur is also home to Nepal’s National Art Gallery. Showcasing an impressive collection of paintings and traditional artefacts from the nation’s past.

Bhaktapur museums and galleries are one of the city’s best bargains to visit. A lot of museums do late-night opening on certain days of the week too, with free special events, talks, films and performances after normal closing time. While there is much to see in Bhaktapur. You will find Bhaktapur a much more relaxed peaceful and quiet city other than Kathmandu and Lalitpur well both two of them are overcrowded. Take a couple of days to enjoy the timeless energy of the place and get to know the local people