Things to do · Bhaktapur
Top Things to Do in Bhaktapur
Medieval squares, the Peacock Window, the 55-Window Palace and ancient Changu Narayan — the best of Bhaktapur.
Bhaktapur is the kind of place you explore square by square, on foot. The car-free old town is the best-preserved medieval Newar city in the Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage city where temple plazas, woodcarving and living crafts sit within a few minutes' walk of one another. Here are the top things to do.
The short answer
Start with the three great squares — the palace-lined Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the temple-towered Taumadhi Square and the older eastern Dattatreya Square. Track down the carved Peacock Window, admire the 55-Window Palace and its Golden Gate, then loop out to the Siddha Pokhari pond. With a free morning, climb to the ancient Changu Narayan Temple.
Why Bhaktapur stands out
Where Kathmandu and Patan have grown up around their old cores, Bhaktapur has kept its medieval fabric remarkably intact. The towering Nyatapola Temple — Nepal's tallest pagoda — anchors Taumadhi Square, while brick lanes open onto hidden courtyards, water tanks and shrines. It is one of seven monument zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Don't-miss experiences
- Walk the squares. Durbar, Taumadhi and Dattatreya each have their own character — palace and temples, the giant pagoda, and the oldest quarter.
- Find the Peacock Window. This 15th-century lattice window beside Pujari Math is the most celebrated woodcarving in Nepal.
- Watch the potters. Spinning wheels and rows of drying clay fill Pottery Square on dry days.
- Taste juju dhau. Bhaktapur's 'king curd' is the local sweet treat, served in clay bowls.
- Circle Siddha Pokhari. The big rectangular pond near the entrance mirrors the sky and, on clear days, distant mountains.
Plan your visit
For a ready-made route, see our best things to do in Bhaktapur and the how to get to Bhaktapur guide. Coming from the capital? Start with Kathmandu to Bhaktapur, or base yourself in Kathmandu and visit on a day trip.
Our top picks
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Bhaktapur?+
The highlights are the three medieval squares — Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattatreya Square — plus the famous Peacock Window, the 55-Window Palace and the Golden Gate. Add a walk around Siddha Pokhari pond and, with extra time, the ancient Changu Narayan Temple on the hill above town.
How many days do you need in Bhaktapur?+
One full day covers the old town's squares, temples and pottery quarter at a relaxed pace. Stay overnight if you want quiet early mornings before the day-trippers arrive, or to add Changu Narayan and nearby Nagarkot.
Is Bhaktapur worth visiting?+
Yes. Bhaktapur is the best-preserved medieval Newar city in the Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage city, with a car-free old town, living crafts and the valley's tallest pagoda. It rewards slow, on-foot exploration.
What is Bhaktapur famous for?+
Bhaktapur is famous for its Malla-era architecture, intricate woodcarving like the Peacock Window, working pottery squares and juju dhau — the rich 'king curd' considered the best in Nepal.
