Bhaktapur Heritage Tour is one of the best charming places within Kathmandu Valley and in the whole of Nepal. Never to be missed, while visiting Nepal for various exciting tours and other adventures.
An ancient city with an old name Bhadgaon, later turned into Bhaktapur which means a city of devotees. Where visitors to Bhaktapur can witness all seasons of the year, the city takes you to the medieval time era.
Of the Ten World Heritage Sites in Nepal, Bhaktapur is considered the best heritage site. Due to its charming Durbar Squares, the beautiful city remains as it were since past centuries ago. Modernization has less effect on this ancient city of Bhaktapur, retaining its past glories of amazing cultures.
Bhaktapur Heritage Tour is not far from the capital Kathmandu just about 15 km / 9 miles. Located east of Kathmandu within the valley rim at the height of 1,415 m / 4,643 feet high. The tour of Bhaktapur takes more than 3-4 hours to visit its lovely sites of great cultural interest.
The main place of attraction on the Bhaktapur Heritage Tour is Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is one of the world's best Nepal heritage sites reflecting the city's rich culture, art, and architectural design. The Palace of 55 windows and Golden Gate is regarded, as the world's most beautiful carved specimens of its kind.
The Nytapola Temple is the main highlight of Bhaktapur and a landmark, meaning a five-storied temple 30 m high. The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery, treasures rare paintings and manuscripts with painted covers and illustrations.
Bhairavnath Temple, built in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla, is dedicated to Lord Bhairab - the god of Terror. The Dattatraya Temple was built in 1427 AD, and the exquisitely carved peacock windows are located near the temple area.
Pottery squares and market, Bhaktapur with two main pottery areas, near Dattatraya Temple Square. The next one is close to Nytapola Square at Talako’s Potter’s Square. Bhaktapur Heritage Site Tour finally concludes by taking a drive back to Kathmandu after a wonderful cultural experience.
Places to visit in and around Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
One of the world best Nepal heritage sites reflecting the citys rich culture, art and architectural design, it is also the central setting of the city for architectural monuments and arts.
Famous golden gate entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows; the gate is regarded as the worlds most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind.
Bhaktapur Nytapola Temple:
Highlights of Bhaktapur and landmark Nytapola Temple, meaning 5 storied temple of 30 meter high, tallest temple of Kathmandu valley.
It was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 AD. Each of its five terraces holds a pair of figures, starting from bottom wrestlers, elephant, lion, griffins and goddesses.
The Bhaktapur National Art Gallery:
Located within Bhaktapur Durbar Square treasures rare paintings and manuscripts with painted covers and illustrations are found in this museum. Gallery contains brass, bronze, stone and wooden images of medieval art tradition of Nepal. Gallery is closed on Thursday and public holidays.
Bhairavnath Temple of Bhaktapur:
Originally built as one-story pagoda during King Jagat Jyoti Malla period, later changed into a three-storey temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla, this temple now stands for its artistic grandeur. Bhairavnath temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairab - the god of Terror.
Dattarya Temple:
Built in 1427 AD, the temple is said to have been built from a single tree visit a monastery having exquisitely carved peacock windows located near the temple area.
Pottery square and market:
Around Bhaktapur there are two main pottery area, the first pottery square is at Suryamadhi east from Dattarya temple square, it is the oldest pottery square, another pottery place leads south from the Nytapola square atTalakos Potters Square walking along interesting markets side streets the pottery is in full blaze, the wide open brick courtyard with a mix of small grey and brownish red clay pots, where each pot is examined by hand before being turned to face the sun at new angle or dipped into a bucket of colored water.
Observe the craftsman on wheels shaping the clay in a finely tuned system of human pottery rotation from past centuries of old tradition.
Extension Trip for a day or two within Bhaktapur areas:
Old Changunararyan Temple:
Oldest and ancient temple of Nepal Changu Narayan, located on a high hilltop also called Changu or Dolagiri. The temple area is surrounded with forest of champak tree and small Changu village which is north of Bhaktapur.
Changu Narayan Temple dedicated to Hindu god Lord Visnu,this temple is considered as the oldest one in Nepal. The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th to 12th century of excellent Nepalese art.
According to legends Changu Narayan temple existed as early as 325 A.D. in the time of King Licchavi King HariDattaVerma and it is one of Nepals richest structures historically as well as artistically. In the grounds there is a stone pillar inscription of great importance recording the military exploits of King Man Deva who reigned from 496 A.D. to 524 A.D.
The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the reign of the Licchavi King Mandeva dating back to 464 A.D. Proves that temple was already been established as a sacred site in the 3rd century A.D. It is the earliest inscription known in Nepal.
Nagarkot:
A famous and popular view point of Nagarkot which north of Bhaktapur, a popular touristic spot an altitude of 2,175 m high, offers stunning sunrise and sunset views over chain of Himalayan peaks from Manaslu-Ganesh-Langtang-Jugal Himal towards east of Everest range.
A serene town of mostly Tamang ethnic tribe a hill people of Nepal with traditional farm villages and neat terraces fields within pristine woodland of rhododendron-pines-oaks and fir tree lines.
Nagarkot with cool alpine temperatures, a famous gateway for city folks to escape from hustle and bustle of city life in the comfort of nice and wonderful lodges, hotels and resorts where all rooms faces beautiful views of snowcapped peaks.
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