Bagmati Province, Nepal
Things to do in Bhaktapur
A living medieval Newar city just east of Kathmandu — car-free brick lanes, temple squares, master potters and the famous juju dhau king curd.
Bhaktapur is the best-preserved of the Kathmandu Valley's three royal cities — a maze of brick-paved lanes, temple-lined squares and craft workshops, mostly closed to traffic and easy to explore on foot.
Just 13 km east of Kathmandu, it makes an easy day trip or a peaceful overnight base. Wander Bhaktapur Durbar Square, look up at the towering Nyatapola Temple, watch potters at work in Pottery Square, and try a bowl of juju dhau. Below are our picks for where to stay and what to do.
Where to stay in Bhaktapur
Where to eat in Bhaktapur
What to do in Bhaktapur
The Best Things to Do in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur at Night
Bhaktapur Crafts, Squares & Festivals
Bhaktapur Day Trip from Kathmandu
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur: Food, Stay & Visiting Tips
Bhaktapur Pottery Workshops
Changu Narayan Temple
Dattatreya Square
The 55-Window Palace
Nyatapola Temple
The Peacock Window & Bhaktapur Woodcarving
Pottery Square
Siddha Pokhari
Taumadhi Square
Top Things to Do in Bhaktapur
Festivals & events in Bhaktapur
Nepali cuisine in Bhaktapur
Getting around in Bhaktapur
Plan your trip in Bhaktapur
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur?+
Bhaktapur is about 13 km east of central Kathmandu. A taxi takes roughly 45 minutes depending on traffic, while a local bus from Ratna Park is the cheapest option. Foreign visitors pay an entry fee to the old city.
How many days should you spend in Bhaktapur?+
One full day covers Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Pottery Square at a relaxed pace. Stay overnight to enjoy the car-free old town in the quiet early morning and evening after the day-trippers leave.
What is Bhaktapur famous for?+
Its remarkably preserved medieval Newar architecture, the five-storey Nyatapola Temple, traditional pottery, woodcarving and juju dhau — a thick, sweet 'king curd' served in clay bowls.