Top 4 things you cannot miss at BHAKTAPUR

Nepal, a country known for its natural beauty, rich culture and colorful festivals. It never fails to disappoint and amaze people coming from different backgrounds. One of such cities of Nepal is Bhaktapur which is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Here are top things to do in Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur is considered as a cultural gem because of its fascinating history and religious sites. The city is also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa that was founded in the 12th century by King Ananda Malla. It was one of the capital city of the Greater Malla Kingdom until 15th century.

The “City of Culture” is located about 20 km east of the Kathmandu- filled with monuments mostly terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces, and temples with detailed carvings, gilded roofs and open courtyards. Listed in one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is renowned for their quality woodwork and wood craftsmen.

Getting a chance to experience traditional lifestyle of the ancient Bhaktapur is best done on foot. Four things that you should not miss when visiting this place are:

A tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square- a collection of pagoda and shikhar- style temples, grouped around a fifty- five window palace of brick and wood is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley which highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The major attraction of Bhaktapur Durbar Square are: 55 window palace, Golden Gate, Lion’s Gate, Mini- Pashupatinath Temple, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple.

Take a pottery workshop at Dattatreya Square

Renowned for its pottery work, the place has the facility of teaching pottery at Dattatreya Square which is Potter’s Square. It gives you an opportunity to indulge in the traditional lifestyle of people of Bhaktapur where you’ll see potters at work, sun drying their pots in the open air. So, if you’re interested in throwing clay, you’ll find workshop studios where you can learn how to make traditional pottery.

Witness Bisket Jatra

Bisket Jatra is one of the most popular Jatra celebrated every Nepali New year, where thousands of visitors involved in erecting lingo (pole), pulling chariots of deities, and worshipping them. The highlights of this festival are the tug of war between the eastern and western sides of town which then is moved down in a steep road leading to a river, Jibro Chhedne (Making Hole in Tongue) and Sindoor Jatra.

Must have dessert- “Juju Dhau”

The sweetened custard-like yogurt which is the specialty of Bhaktapur is a dessert you must try during your visit. Juju Dhau meaning “King of Curd” in the Newari language is delicious, thick, smooth and creamy yogurt- a dish perfect to end your day tour of the city.