Contents
Bhaktapur – A Hidden Gem worth visiting
Bhaktapur is one of the cities in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It lies approximately 13km from Kathmandu and is considered to be one of the three cities of royal status within the valley. Bhaktapur is renowned for its well-preserved historic and cultural treasures, which makes it a sought-after tourist spot. It was the capital city of Nepal in the Malla dynasty. It has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Bhaktapur’s architecture includes a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist designs and can be seen in palaces, temples, and public places. The main square of the city, Durbar Square, is an ideal illustration of the city’s extensive heritage and rich culture. The square is the home of many palaces and temples. These include the famed 55 Window Palace as well as The Golden Gate, and the Nyatapola Temple.
This city is also famous for its handicrafts and pottery that are produced using traditional techniques. The public can see the making of pottery procedure and pick up a variety of handmade items. Furthermore, the town is renowned for its delectable local dishes like Juju Dhau (a sweet yogurt) as well as Yomari (a Rice flour dumpling that is filled with sesame seeds and molasses).
Bhaktapur is an undiscovered gem to visit if you are looking to explore the fascinating tradition and culture of Nepal without the crowds Kathmandu frequently draws. Bhaktapur is a wonderful location to walk around on foot. Visitors could easily take a few days exploring the narrow streets and alleyways and admiring the beautiful architectural beauty and tasting the tasty local food.
Travelling to Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is accessible easily via Kathmandu. Travelers can choose to take a bus, or taxi, or rent a bicycle for the journey. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes with a bus or taxi and is priced between 200 and 500 Nepalese Rupees, depending on the method of transportation.
Things to do in Bhaktapur
- Discover Durbar Square: Durbar Square is located in the center of Bhaktapur and hosts several palaces and temples. People can enjoy hours of wandering around the square, and marvel at the magnificent architectural design.
- Go to The Pottery Square: Bhaktapur is famous for its pottery and anyone can see the process of making pottery and take a stab at making their own clay.
- Explore the local cuisine: Bhaktapur is known for delicious local food like Juju Dhau, and Yomari. Tourists shouldn’t go away without tasting the local delicacies.
- Located around 7 kilometers from Bhaktapur, the ancient Changu Narayan Temple sits atop a mountain. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a Hindu God. It’s one of the oldest temples in Nepal.
- As one takes a walk along the 12-kilometer wall surrounding the Bhaktapur, they’ll land at the breathtaking views provided by the city’s protective barrier. These walls are the perfect place to meander and offer visitors a unique vantage point of the surrounding scenery.
Hotels In Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is home to a wide range of lodging options, ranging including budget guesthouses and luxury hotels. There are many options to choose from, including:
- Hotel Heritage is a budget-friendly hotel in the middle of Bhaktapur.
- Peacock Guesthouse Peacock Guesthouse: A mid-range guesthouse that is comfortable and clean accommodation.
- Dwarika’s Resort is a luxurious resort situated just outside Bhaktapur with gorgeous gardens and spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains.
Architectural Design of Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is an urban area which is famous for its breathtaking architectural style. Its palaces, temples as well as public spaces offer a distinctive combination that blends Hindu and Buddhist styles. They are adorned with elaborate carvings and amazing features. The most well-known buildings in Bhaktapur are the three Durbar Squares which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. These squares are flanked by stunning palaces, temples as well as courtyards that are open to the public.
A few of the most striking buildings in the city are those of the 55 Window Palace as well as the Vatsala Temple and the Nyatapola Temple. Stunning highlights and intricate designs embellish Bhaktapur’s buildings, making them artistic masterpieces crafted by architects. Tourists who journey to this city are guaranteed to appreciate the culture and awe-inspiring architecture that surrounds them. Bhaktapur is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate architectural design or are captivated by breathtaking structures.
Festivals and Events Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is renowned for its vibrant celebrations and festivals, which constitute a significant to the city’s rich cultural history. One of the most renowned celebrations that take place in Bhaktapur can be described as the Bisket Jatra, which takes during April. The Bisket Jatra festival lasts for a week. It is an occasion to celebrate New Year’s Eve. New Year is marked with procession, music dancing, food, and dance. In the course of the celebration, an enormous wooden pole is put up in the middle of the city.
Teams battle to bring it down. In Bhaktapur, there are multiple festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and color. Dashain, Indra Jatra (Festival of Indra), and Gai Jatra (Festival of the Cows) are some of the major ones. The removal of a pole is seen as a sign of good luck for the team that manages to do it. Visitors who happen to be in Bhaktapur during these festivals will witness a city that is full of life with traditional attire, music, and lively dancing filling the streets.
Responsible Tourism is a must in Bhaktapur
In the midst of increasing tourism as it expands in Bhaktapur, It is important to be aware of the effects that it can have on local communities and the environment. Responsible tourism is an approach to ensure that tourism helps the local population and lessens any adverse impact on the natural environment. One method to sustain responsibly in Bhaktapur is to stay in locally owned accommodations including guesthouses, or homestays.
They are usually less expensive than hotels and offer a better impression of the local culture. One way to ensure responsible tourism is by supporting local businesses, like stores and restaurants who source their supplies from local residents. Visitors are also able to minimize their effect on the earth through the use of eco-friendly goods and being conscious about their water and energy consumption. In the end, responsible tourism involves respecting surroundings and local culture, as well as contributing positively to the areas visited.
Shopping in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is an excellent location to buy items of traditional design and souvenirs.
Amidst the markets of Bhaktapur, the ceramic offerings stand out as a remembrance of traditional methods, exuding the charm of an era gone by. But the wooden carvings too hold their own. To lay hands on these sacred items, one can visit the lively Pottery Square and stroll among the numerous pottery shops and workshops. A hub of art, this place is a go-to spot for those in search of authentic craftsmanship.
Visitors can observe the potters in action and purchase their products, which vary from useful items like plates and bowls to more decorative items like vases and statues. A popular place to shop in Bhaktapur is Taumadhi Square, which is famous for its wood carvings. Shoppers can peruse a broad selection of intricate carvings including small statues, to huge windows and doors. The other items that are popular to buy in Bhaktapur are traditional clothes as well as jewelry and spices. It is important to negotiate when they shop in Bhaktapur because the practice of bargaining is common in Nepal.
Conclusion
To sum up, Bhaktapur is a treasure trove located in Nepal that is certainly worthwhile to visit. It is in the form of architecture, art, and cultural treasures, featuring many palaces, temples, as well as public spaces that display its rich past. People who visit Bhaktapur will be awed by the intricate carvings as well as the incredible details of the city’s architecture which reflects a distinct combination of Hindu and Buddhist designs.
Festivals and celebrations held in Bhaktapur should not miss, as they provide an insight into the city’s lively and colorful cultural history. When tourism is growing in Bhaktapur It is crucial to ensure responsible tourism practices so that the rewards of the tourism industry are shared with the community at large and any negative effects on the environment are managed. No matter if you’re an avid historian or an architectural enthusiast or are simply seeking the best cultural experience possible, Bhaktapur is a destination that should be a must included on your travel list.
See More: Trekking In Nepal