Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The others are Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and Patan. Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, open courtyards. The city is dotted with pagodas and religious shrines. Lying along the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Bhaktapur is surrounded by mountains and provides a magnificent view of the Himalayas.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Temples, Cultural Heritage.
Time Zone: UTC + 5:45 Hours.
Pincode: 44800.
STD Code: 977.
Info Website: http://www.bhaktapur.com/
Best Time to Visit: September to November and from February to April.
HistoryEdit
Bhaktapur founded in the 12th century by King Ananda Malla (according to various chronicles), Bhaktapur was the capital city of the Greater Malla Kingdom until the 15th century and was an independent kingdom from then until the 18th century. The last three Malla rulers of Bhaktapur were Jitamitra Malla, Bhupatindra Malla, and Ranjit Malla. These rulers played key roles in building the palaces and temples of Durbar Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Places to VisitAdd
Bhaktapur Sightseeing
How to ReachEdit
Tribhuvan International Airport
By Air : Nearest, Katmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport is the largest and only international airport in Nepal. Most flights to Kathmandu arrive via Delhi, Dhaka, or Bangkok, and of the remaining only a few originate from outside Asia.
By Train : N.A.
By BUS : There are many buses going to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu City. The easiest and most central bus leaves from Ratna Park bus stop. The cost of this bus to Bhaktapur is 40 Rupees, however foreigners are charged 50 rupees. Simply show up at the park and head to any of the buses and start asking for where the Bhaktapur bus is. Board the bus and pay when ticket collector comes up to you. It takes about an hour depending on traffic.The bus will drop you out side the main gate.
By Taxi : Taking a taxi to Bhaktapur is very easy from anywhere in Kathmandu city. However you will be paying upwards of 900 rupees and closer to 1200 rupees to 1500 rupees starting fee. Bargain hard.
By Other : Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
- Hotel Heritage ; Bhaktapur Road, Bhaktapur 21164, Nepal.; Ph – 977 1-6611628 ; Facilities – Travel Desk ,24-hour front desk ,Laundry ,Parking ,24-Hour Security ,Concierge.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Cosy Hotel ; Pottery Square-12, Bhaktapur 44800, Nepal.; Ph – 977 1-6616333 ; Facilities – Travel Desk ,24-hour front desk ,24-hour room service ,Laundry ,Parking ,24-Hour Security ,Concierge.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Shanker ; Bhaktapur, 44800, Nepal. ; Ph – 977 1-4410151 ; Facilities – Shopping ,Travel Desk ,24-hour front desk ,24-hour room service ,Air conditioning ,Laundry ,Parking ,24-Hour Security ,Banquet facilities ,Doctor on call.
Top RestaurantsAdd
- La Bella Nepali ; Jhaukhel vdc 7, Bhaktapur, Nepal ; M – 977 1 6616038 ; Food Serve : Italian, Nepalese, International.
- Sunny Restaurant and Cosy Bar ; Pottery Square, Bhaktapur 44800, Nepal ; M – 0097716616333 ; Food Serve : European.
- Shiva’s Cafe Corner ; Durbar Square-11, DurBar Square, Bhaktapur, Nepal ; M – 977 1-6613912 ; Food Serve : Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Nepalese.
Must Eat FoodAdd
- Nepali Food – La Bella Nepali ; Jhaukhel vdc 7, Bhaktapur, Nepal. ; Ph/M – 977 1 6616038 ; Cost – N.A. ; Famous for – Sukuti, Momo, Buffalo Momos, Raksi, Tongba, Chaang, Bara, Juju Dhau.
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
- Candlesticks, Nepali Masks; Lotus Handicrafts ; Near, Natapola Mandir,Bhaktpur 44800, Nepal. ; Ph/M: N.A.
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
SpaAdd
FestivalAdd
Bisket Jatra ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : N.A. ; Details: Bisket Jatra is the annual celebration of two of the most important deities of the town of Bhaktapur, the wrathful god Bhairab and the goddess Bhadrakali. The New Year of the Bikram Sambat calendar takes place at the same time as this ancient festival. A few days before the New Year, the goddess and the god are enshrined in their raths, or immense chariots,& pulled through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur by crowds of young men.The chariots rest at certain time-honored places in the city and people come out to throw offerings of flower, rice, coins and red sindur powder. On the last day of the old year a towering wooden pole is erected at the edge of town. Long banners hang from the pole, symbolizing next and conquered in a mythological battle. On new year’s day, contesting terms of men pull the pole to the ground, a moment of danger and excitement.
Gai Jatra ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : N.A. ; Details: Gai Jatra, families who have lost the member during the past year parade a decorated cow around the city. Others dress up kids as cows or ascetics & walk in procession. The animal is believed to help departed souls in their journey into the after-world. In Kathmandu, the bereaved families process proceed along the festival route individually. In Patan, the participants gather at Dubar Square and then move out together.
Safety / WarningEdit
1. Beware of pickpockets as Bhaktapur is a major tourist city in India.
2. Avoid false saller, they may sale you fake items.
HelplineEdit
- Police Emergency Number (Nepal) : 4228435/4226853.
- Tourist Police, Kathmandu – 6614821.
- Police : 100.
- Fire : 101.
- Ambulance : 102.
ItineraryEdit
N.A.
