Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a museum of medieval art and architecture. It has many examples of sculpture, woodcarving, and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses which is 15 km far from Kathmandu.
It is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of Kathmandu valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal.
The golden effigies of kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, and the wood carvings in every place-struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways, and windows all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. Pottery and weaving are their major traditional industries.
Major attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
55 Window Palace
This is the main architectural structure dominating the entire Durbar Square. This magnificent monument was built in the 15th century AD. Seated on a huge column top in a position of prayer to God is king Bhupatindra Malla.
Golden Gate
This is the main entrance to the palace. It is an eternal beauty in itself.
The sculptures of Goddess Ugrachandi and Ugrabhairava
Right after entering the western gate of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you will notice two beautiful stone statues of Hindu deities. They are installed on either side of another gate. Yet, they look perfect in that placement.
Pashupatinath Temple
Some refer to it as a royal dream temple. According to legend, at one point in time, a Bhadgaon king who was a big devotee of Lord Pashupatinath had a dream in which the Lord commanded him to build a temple for Lord Pashupatinath just in front of this castle.
Vatsala Temple
This temple dedicated to a mother Goddess is full of intricate works on stone. This temple is known for its dog-barking bell. This bell is believed to produce a death knell when it is rung up.
Other attractions of Bhaktapur
Nyatapola Temple (Five-storeyed Temple)
This is the most famous pagoda in Nepal. Nyatapola in the Newari language means five tires – the symbolic of five basic elements. This is the highest pagoda in Nepal ever built with such architectural perfection and artistic beauty. This temple is dedicated to Sidhilaxmi, the tantric Goddess of supreme power and success.
Bhairava Nath Temple
This temple is dedicated to Bhairava the God of terror and death,
Besides these in Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, we can have a short drive to Changu Narayan temple (one of the oldest temples in Nepal).
We can also have an hour’s drive to Nagarkot and spend time seeing the perfect views of spectacular mountains along with the perfect sunrise and sunset views.
Well, you can also check out our Bhaktapur tours where you’ll undoubtedly go visit all the mentioned places. You can decide for how long and how much would you prefer to explore this ancient city. We have a Bhaktapur day tour. Likewise, we also have Bhaktapur 1 night and 2 days, and Bhaktapur 2 night and 3 days tour packages.