Sightseeing in Bhaktapur - what to see. Complete travel guide

Bhaktapur is a scared region situated not far from Katmandu. This settlement was the largest town in the three Newa kingdoms. Bhaktapur is internationally acclaimed for its ancient architectural landmarks. Some call this region the land of potters and craftsmen. This is the primary sightseeing destination in the Katmandu Valley. Tourists from all over the world come here to see unusual buildings made from red bricks with their own eyes. Iconic wooden roofs of these buildings have become the calling card of the city.

Bhaktapur was founded in 889. This is the time when the first settlement appeared on the crossing of trading routes. These roots connected three countries, namely, Tibet, China, and India. Such a beneficial location was favorable for economic growth. The town was growing, and new architectural landmarks appeared in it. However, the period of the great 'Malla Kingdom' was the time when Bhaktapur became truly prosperous.

This period is widely recognized as the golden age of Bhaktapur. The Nepalese city gains power and influence on the nearby settlements in the Katmandu Valley. Crafts were developing actively during this period. However, good days ended, followed by years of declines and depression. The city lost its former glory in the middle of the 18th century. Its power and influence disappeared as well. There is an explanation of this fact – many regions in Nepal formed a united country, and new cities started playing the major role. Despite the decline, Bhaktapur remained a city with well-developed art and architecture. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

What landmarks can tourists see in this fabulous land of potters? Durbar Square is the first attraction that tourists should visit. This is a true treasury of Bhaktapur. The square has a high concentration of true masterpieces of Nepal’s architecture. Tourists can also see traditional sculptures of the region. During the period when this settlement was the capital of a Nepalese kingdom, Durbar Square was the first area to build temples and large houses.

Local people and guests of the city deeply respect the beauty of Durbar Square. This is the reason why you cannot reach it by car or bus. The city’s authorities prohibited any use of vehicles on the square in order to preserve it and not to damage its surface. At the square, you will see multiple temples and palaces. Nge Nyapa Jhya Laaykoo or the Palace of 55 Windows built in the 17th – 18th centuries is one of them. It is also important to mention such landmarks as the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla and the four Char Dham temples situated at the western end of the square. The temple complex consists of four sacred buildings. All of them were built to praise and worship Shiva and Narayana.

The square is home to one more prominent landmark – the Chyasilin Mandap Temple. This is an octagonal temple that was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1934. In the late 80s of the 19th century, a team of architects decided to rebuild the temple using old photographs. The public saw the thoroughly restored temple in 1990. The elegant building draws the attention of travelers with its gracious shapes and unparalleled beauty. The last but not the least, the Golden Gate is a truly spectacular landmark that is impossible to miss.

Dattatraya Square is one more important tourist attraction. The square got its name after a temple that is located here. The Dattatraya Temple is an old building that was restored a number of times. The sacred building was constructed in 1427 to honor three gods, namely, Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. The wooden temple displays symbols of the gods.

There is one more scared building on this square, which is dedicated to Bhimsen, the god of commerce. According to a local legend, the two-story 17th-century temple was built on the site of an old monastery. Nowadays, there is a woodwork museum open in this building. The museum has become popular at the country level. Don’t forget to visit this venue to see marvelous artworks made from wood, bronze, and brass. All the exhibited works are made by local craftsmen.

In order to get a traditional clay pot, which is a great souvenir from Bhaktapur, don’t forget to visit the square where potters display their latest works. Moreover, tourists can participate in the process and make their own unique pot. Potters do not make only souvenirs – local people use these pots in everyday life. When you approach the square, you will see hundreds of newly made pots that dry under sunrays.

Bhaktapur is situated sixteen kilometers from Katmandu, so there will be no problem reaching this city. Simply get a taxi from the capital of Nepal or use a regular intercity bus that connects the two cities. The road will be short, so it is comfortable to travel with small children. The journey time is up to one hour.