CHANGUNARAYAN is located at the top of a hill. From there one can see a large panorama on the Himalayan Range if the weather is clean. It is the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley as well as in the country, it has been built in the 4th century AD. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is notably famous for the woodcarvings which decorate the two pagodas. Changu Narayan Temple 20 km east of the Kathmandu city and 4 km north from the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Down the hill of Changunarayan lays the former kingdom of BHAKTAPUR. The city is famous for its Durbar Square well restored : the Palace of 55 Windows, the Taleju Temple and the Royal Bath. In Bhaktapur, you will explore the rich art and cultures and even learn a brief history of Nepal. You can also admire and take pictures of the Pagoda and Shikhara-style temples and monuments which is the trademark of Nepal. You can also tease the delicious Nepali Cuisine and drink the intoxicating Newari Wine made by rice. The major attractions in Bhaktapur durbar square are 55 window palaces, Golden Gate, King’s Bhupatindra Malla’s Statue, Lion’s Gate, Art gallery, etc. Besides these temples and deities and their interesting legends, Bhaktapur is also famous for its local products like JUJU DHAU, the delicious yogurts also known as King of all yogurts.

Bhaktapur is also the land of the Nyatapola Temple : a five-pagoda temple of 35 meters high, one of the most beautiful example of Nepalese architecture.

Finally, Bhaktapur is known for its famous pottery art with this you can try pottery art making skill.

for more info visit https://ntb.gov.np/

Brief History of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a historic royal palace in Kathmandu valley which is the least developed than Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square. Bhaktapur, the Newari city, is 16 KM east from Kathmandu. Before the 15th century, the whole Kathmandu valley was ruled by Bhaktapur Durbar. In the 15th century, a Malla king, who had 3 sons, made three kingdoms for their convenience. The constructions of a large number of temples in Durbar Squares in the valley are the result of the tough competition between the kings over their power. As there was always competition and fight between three kingdoms, they lost their power in 1768 at what time started another monarchy know as Shah Dynasty in Nepal.

Bhaktapur literally means the city of devotees known as the city famous for woodcarving, handmade papers, pottery, and cloth weaving. People in Bhaktapur are really cultural and traditional. Their main profession is farming. Before Bhaktapur it was known as Bhadgaun that means the rice village. Around every corner of the square, you will see the narrow paved streets harbor hidden shrines and statues. It gives you a fantastic atmosphere to relax the entire visit to major cultural heritages and temples.

Major attractions of one day trip Bhaktapur and Changunarayan:

• The Golden Gate: The Golden Gate is the entrance of the 55 windows Royal Palace which is one of the main attractions of Bhaktapur’s visit.
• Batsala Devi Temple: Batsala Devi temple is one of the beautiful Shikhara style architectures in Nepal. In the terrace of Batsala Devi temple, there is a bronze bell called ‘barking bell’ by the local people who believe that the bell ringing made the dogs bark. That is why is called ‘barking bell’.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath temple is full of erotic pictures.
• The National Art Gallery: The National Art Gallery contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools.
• Nyatapola Temple: The 17th century Pagoda style temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Bhaktapur. This is the tallest temple in Bhaktapur.
• Bhairab Temple: Bhairab Temple is situated close to Nyatapola Temple. The Bhairab Temple belongs to the god of terror.
• Dattatraya Temple: Dattatraya temple is built in 1427AD. It is said that this temple was built of the trunk of a single tree.
• Pottery Square: There are still many potters in Bhaktapur working with their traditional wooden wheels that give various shapes and sizes to clay. Bhaktapur is one of the renounced places to preserve the world’s old pottery profession. Potters drying decorative items made by soil clay.
• Wakupati Narayan Temple: Wakupati Narayan temple is one of the 15th-century temples. This temple is considered as the temple of harvesting god.