Things To Do
in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is a living museum: a compact medieval city east of Kathmandu known for its richly carved woodwork, brick architecture and well-preserved Newar culture. Its Durbar Square, temples and narrow alleys bustle with artisans, pottery makers and traditional courtyards that feel unchanged for centuries. The city is famous for Newari cuisine — notably juju dhau (king curd), bara and chatamari — and for festivals that bring vibrant music and mask dances to the streets.
Bhaktapur is quieter at night than Kathmandu, making it ideal for slow cultural exploration and photography of historic monuments in soft light.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where the rich history and intricate architecture will captivate you. Stroll through the square to admire the stunning 55-Window Palace and the impressive Vatsala Temple. Don't forget to grab a traditional 'king curd' (juju dhau) from a local vendor to enjoy as you take in the morning sights.
After a hearty lunch at a nearby restaurant, delve into the artisan workshops where local craftsmen create pottery, wood carvings, and textiles. Join a pottery class and try your hand at making your own creation, experiencing the artisanal heritage of Bhaktapur firsthand. As you interact with the locals, you'll gain insights into their daily lives and traditions.
As the sun sets, head to the Bhairab Nath Temple and situate yourself in a quiet corner for a tranquil view of the square bathed in golden light. Capture the stunning scenes with your camera as locals gather to socialize and enjoy their evening. Conclude your day with dinner in a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square, where the sounds of temple bells and the aroma of authentic Nepali cuisine will enchant you.
Begin your day in Taumadhi Square, home to the majestic Nyatapola Temple, known for its five tiers and magnificent sculptures. Climb the steps of the temple to enjoy panoramic views of Bhaktapur and the surrounding valley. Engage with the local community as they gather for morning rituals and conversations.
Visit the National Art Gallery, where you can witness exquisite Nepali art that tells stories of the past. The gallery features paintings, statues, and other artifacts significant to Bhaktapur's history and culture. Allocate time to explore the nearby Bhaktapur museum, which reflects the lifestyle, traditions, and customs of the local populace.
As twilight approaches, wander through the narrow alleys of Bhaktapur, marveling at the intricately carved windows and courtyards. Stop by a local tea house to enjoy a cup of traditional tea and chat with the friendly locals. Finally, end your day with a stroll through the square, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and witnessing the local lifestyle.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse (per night) | $10-30 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride or tuk-tuk | $2-6 |
| 🎟Entry fees / museum | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, well-preserved Newar culture and architecture
- Compact and highly photogenic historic core
- Excellent traditional cuisine unique to the city
- Less touristy and quieter than central Kathmandu
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern amenities than Kathmandu
- Some streets are uneven and can be difficult for mobility-impaired visitors
- Air quality and visibility can be poor in winter or during pollution episodes
- During monsoon, narrow lanes can become muddy and slippery
- "नमस्ते (Namaste)" - Hello / Greeting
- "धन्यवाद (Dhanyabad)" - Thank you
- "कति पर्यो? (Kati paryo?)" - How much does it cost?
- "मलाई मद्दत चाहियो (Malai maddat chahiyo)" - I need help
- "सन्चै हुनुहुन्छ? (Sanchai hunuhunchha?)" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Bhaktapur
Visit one of these nice places.
The city’s heart with the 55-window palace, ornate woodcarvings and temples — best at golden hour for dramatic light and shadows.
Iconic five-story pagoda temple with symmetrical steps and dramatic proportions; excellent for wide-angle and detail shots.
Lively workshops where potters shape and fire clay on the street—great for candid, craft-focused photography.
Quieter than the main square, with carved windows, shrines and subtle street scenes capturing everyday life.
A historic rectangular pond reflecting nearby temples — peaceful compositions and reflections at dawn or dusk.
Many guesthouses and cafés have terraces offering framed views of Nyatapola and the skyline — ideal for sunrise and sunset panoramas.
Food in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, creamy yogurt unique to Bhaktapur — best sampled at traditional sweet shops around Durbar Square.
Must-Try!
A ceremonial Newari platter with beaten rice, barbecued or fried bits (often buffalo), boiled beans and pickles; commonly served during festivals and family feasts.
Chatamari is a rice crepe often topped with minced meat or egg; bara is a spiced lentil or meat patty. Both are widely available from street vendors and small eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Informal clusters around Pottery Square and the main squares serve chatamari, bara, momos and sweets; ideal for sampling while watching artisans at work.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly at religious sites; remove shoes and hats before entering temples or home courtyards. Respect sanctified areas and rituals.
Use both hands or the right hand when offering or receiving items; show respect to elders, accept food or blessings politely and avoid loud or disruptive behavior in sacred areas.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly during religious ceremonies or inside private courtyards; some shrines prohibit photos.
Public displays of affection are uncommon and may attract attention; avoid touching people’s heads (considered disrespectful) and follow local norms during festivals.
Safety
Tipping in Bhaktapur
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leave small tips for guides ($2–5 for a half-day), porters and good restaurant service (5–10% or rounding up). Locals won’t expect the same tipping culture as in Western countries, so use judgment.
Carry Nepalese rupees (NPR) for most purchases—small shops and street vendors are cash-only. ATMs and banks are available but can run low on cash during busy periods; some cafés and hotels accept credit cards, and mobile wallets like eSewa and Khalti are used locally.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm temperatures with occasional haze; days can be hot but mornings and evenings remain pleasant — carry sun protection and light clothing.
Frequent rain and higher humidity; streets and courtyards get slippery, some outdoor activities and dirt paths become muddy — pack a raincoat and waterproof footwear.
Crisp, clear weather with excellent visibility and cultural festivals (Dashain, Tihar) — the best time for sightseeing and photography.
Cool to chilly mornings and nights, occasionally foggy; daytime can be sunny but bring layers and a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings.
Mild and pleasant with blooming trees and comfortable trekking conditions; air quality improves after winter but can get warmer toward May.
Bhaktapur at Night
Hiking in Bhaktapur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular short hike or drive to the hilltop town of Nagarkot for panoramic sunrise views of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalaya; accessible as a half-day trip from Bhaktapur.
A cultural hike to the ancient Changunarayan Temple on a wooded hill with stone sculptures and valley views — combines heritage and light trekking.
Network of short rural trails around Bhaktapur connecting villages, terraced fields and small shrines — ideal for half-day walks to experience countryside life.
Airports
How to reach Bhaktapur by plane.
Kathmandu’s main international airport; approximately 30–60 minutes from Bhaktapur depending on traffic. Primary gateway for most international travelers.
Domestic and growing international connections; roughly 5–6 hours by road from Bhaktapur or a short connecting flight to Kathmandu.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous Newar community is the cultural and demographic heart of Bhaktapur, known for their language (Nepal Bhasa), festivals, cuisine and artisanal crafts.
Brahmin, Chhetri and various hill ethnicities also live in and around Bhaktapur, contributing to a mixed Hindu and Buddhist cultural landscape.
Bhaktapur has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, with temples, stupas and syncretic rituals visible throughout the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is widely played and followed across Nepal, including in local parks and school grounds around Bhaktapur.
Popular among youth and communities; informal matches are common in open fields and school playgrounds.
Local festivals include ritual dances, mask performances and communal games that are culturally significant and widely participated in.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bhaktapur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available (dal, vegetable curries, chatamari with vegetable toppings), but many traditional Newari menu items include buffalo or meat — ask vendors and restaurants explicitly for vegetarian preparations.
Vegan choices require care because dairy is common (e.g., juju dhau). Gluten-free options exist (rice-based dishes, dal), but confirm ingredients; cross-contamination in street stalls is possible.
Halal-certified eateries are limited in Bhaktapur; ask restaurants about meat sources or opt for vegetarian dishes to be safe.