The Best Hotels in Bhaktapur

The most rewarding place to stay in Bhaktapur is inside the old town, where heritage hotels and family guesthouses occupy restored Newar buildings within steps of the temple squares. Below are our favourites, from a polished heritage stay near Durbar Square to a homely guesthouse by Dattatreya Square.

The short answer

For comfort and location, the Heritage Hotel Grand sits right by Durbar Square with the best views and service. On a tighter budget, the Peacock Guest House offers traditional rooms and a calmer setting near Dattatreya Square.

Staying inside the walls means you can explore the best things to do in Bhaktapur on foot before the crowds arrive — and you can always base yourself in the capital instead with our guide to the best hotels in Kathmandu.

Choosing where to stay

Bhaktapur's old town is small and walkable, so wherever you land inside the walls you'll be close to everything. The choice really comes down to atmosphere:

• Durbar Square and Taumadhi Square put you in the middle of the action, a few minutes from the tallest temples and the main cafés. Rooms here can be a little livelier during the day, quieter once the day-trippers leave.
• Dattatreya Square, at the eastern end, feels more residential and local. It's a short stroll from the centre but noticeably calmer, with workshops, courtyards and everyday street life on your doorstep.

Wherever you stay, ask for a room facing a square or a courtyard rather than a back lane — the outlook is a big part of the appeal.

What a heritage stay is like

Most places inside the old town are conversions of traditional Newar houses, so expect carved wooden windows, thick brick walls, steep and narrow staircases, and cosy rather than cavernous rooms. Many have a rooftop terrace, which is where you'll want to take breakfast for temple rooftops and, on a clear morning, a line of hills beyond.

Because the core of the town is car-free, arrivals are on foot: taxis drop you at one of the gates and it's a short walk over brick-paved lanes to your door. Pack light or bring a bag you're happy to wheel or carry over uneven paving. Hot water and Wi-Fi are standard in the better guesthouses, but rooms tend to be simple, and the oldest buildings can be dim, so bring a small torch if you like to read.

Getting there and getting around

Bhaktapur sits east of Kathmandu and is an easy half-day out from the capital — typically under an hour by taxi, though city traffic can stretch that. Many visitors come as a day trip, which is exactly why staying over pays off: you get the squares to yourself at dawn and dusk. For the full range of options, see how to get to Bhaktapur.

Note that foreign visitors pay an entrance fee to enter the old town. Keep your ticket safe — if you're staying the night, hotels inside the walls can usually help guests arrange a pass valid for the length of their stay.

When to come, and booking tips

The old town is at its best in the cool, clear months of autumn and spring. If your trip lines up with a big festival — the town is famous for its riotous Bisket Jatra around Nepali New Year in mid-April — rooms inside the walls sell out well ahead, so book early.

A few practical notes:

• The town is renowned for juju dhau, the thick local "king curd" — try it from a clay pot before you leave.
• There are only a handful of rooms in each heritage property, so reserve directly or a week or two ahead in peak season.
• Confirm whether your hotel can arrange a taxi for early departures, as the lanes are quiet first thing.

Stay a night here and Bhaktapur stops being a stop on a checklist and becomes the highlight of your Nepal itinerary.