World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Durbar Square

Siddhi Lakshmi Temple

Bhaktapur is an ancient Newar city , located in Bhaktapur district in Bagmati Zone. It is approx 8 kms from Kathmandu International airport.

It is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture,temples and has a best preserved palace courtyards. Also known as Bhadgaon (City of Devotees ) or Khwopa (in Nepali – wearing masks which refer to masks worn by Deities) , It is popular for various forms of mask danced based on life of Gods and Godesses.

Bhaktapur is an old city center in Nepal with its magnificent wooden, stone and metal architecture. See the intricate carvings.

Remarkable wooden work

Wooden carvings

It’s a living meuseum as most of the inhabitants are still Newars, whose males have a distinct style of wearing Bhadgaunle Topi (Nepali Cap).

Interesting work

Vatsala Temple

Ju ju Dhau

Intrestingly city is also famous for special type of curd called“ Ju Ju Dhau” or King curd , which is unique in taste and cannot be found anywhere else in Nepal.

Beautiful show pieces

The beauty of this spot is in its charming old fashioned architectural showpieces.

Paintings

The Bhaktapur durbar square.It’s renowned for its spectacular pagoda and shikhara style temples around a 55 window palace of bricks and wood.The wodden carvings in every place – struts , gateways , windows and on rooftops reflect rich cultural heritage of Nepal.

Khukri Shop

Some of the main intresting places are The Lion Gate , The Golden Gate , Palace of 55 windows , The Picture Gallery , Batsala and Pasupati Temple (Replica).

Nyatapola Temple at Durbar Square

Close up of Nyatapola temple

The Nyatapola Temple is a five storyed pagoda, standing on Five terraces , on each of which squat a pair of figures : Two famous wrestelers ( Jaya Malla and Phatta Malla ), Two Elephants , Two Lions , Two griffins and Baghini and Singhini , Each pair is considered 10 times stronger tha the ones below ,while lowest pair of men were considered ten times stronger than other men.

Narrow lanes

Bhairav nath Temple is another three storyed pagoda of Lord Bhairab (Dreadful aspect of Lord Shiva).
Another famous spots are Dattatraya Temple and ChanguNarayan Temple ( Lord Vishnu Temple and also a World Hertiage site).

On the way

Shopping area at the entrance of Bhaktapur

Gate of Bhaktapur

We parked our car and headed for Bhaktapur. The roads were crowded with people, shops and restaurants around. At the entrance, art and craft items welcomed us. Entering further was Durbar Square with shopping complex at the entrance. The site was vast that it took us at least two hours to cover. Although we were quiet fast in exploring the same but would recommend to fish out at least 4-5 hours to explore the same if you are art lover.

I would certainly recommend this place to all, even if you are on a short vacation to Kathmandu , Nepal.

Nidhi KM.

Copyright Viharin.com