Are you looking for a cultural experience that will take your breath away? Bhaktapur Durbar Square has everything. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonderful display of Newari architecture and ancient culture, with temples, palaces, and courtyards dating back to the 12th century.
Bhaktapur is a historic city located in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley. It is revered as the home of traditional Nepali culture, customs, and distinctive wood and pottery. The ancient monuments all around represent Nepal's medieval era culture and customs, and significant communities of indigenous Newari people inhabit this old city.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a cultural and historical gem located in the heart of Bhaktapur, Nepal. The Durbar Square area has a remarkable collection of temples, palaces, courtyards, and statues that demonstrate the rich Newari architectural style.
One of the most prominent elements of Bhaktapur Durbar Square is its beautiful wood carvings. These carvings adorn several of the structures in the square and reflect both religious and secular subjects.
Visitors to Bhaktapur will also not want to miss out on exploring some of the area's most iconic structures. The Palace of 55 Windows is a must-see, with its beautiful facade having exactly 55 carefully carved windows.
Another famous construction is the Nyatapola Temple, one of Nepal's highest temples at five floors high. This temple was established in 1702 by King Bhupatindra Malla.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square has something for everyone, whether you're interested in history, architecture, or just soaking up the local culture. Be sure to take your time exploring this amazing destination!
The History of Bhaktapur Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, was founded in the 12th century and served as the capital of the Malla Kingdom until the late 15th century. It thrived as a center for culture, art, and trade during this time.
During the reign of King Yaksha Malla in the 14th century, various buildings were created, including temples, palaces, and municipal facilities. The beautiful wood carvings on these houses are still maintained today.
In 1768 AD, Bhaktapur was taken by Prithvi Narayan Shah, which led to its collapse. Nevertheless, this has helped preserve much of its medieval elegance, which can still be observed today at Durbar Square.
Despite being badly damaged following the earthquake of April 2015, along with other historical monuments across Nepal, restoration work is ongoing to resurrect Bhaktapur's former beauty while preserving its unique history for years to come.
What to see in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most culturally rich and historically significant places in Nepal. The area offers an extraordinary mix of temples, shrines, palaces, and old buildings that provide visitors with an insight into Nepal's fascinating past.
As you reach Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you'll be welcomed by spectacular architecture that features intricately carved wooden windows, doors, and columns. One of the most notable constructions on the square is the 55-Window Palace, which dates back to the 15th century. It's now home to a national art gallery where you may examine some of Nepal’s best artworks.
55 Window Palace
This is the dominant architectural structure that dominates the whole of Durbar Square. This amazing structure was created in the 15th century AD. King Bhupatindra Malla is seated on a massive column top, praying to God.
Nyatapola Temple
Another must-see attraction is the Nyatapola Temple. Nyatapola Temple, which means "five-story temple," is a masterpiece of architecture and culture situated in the heart of Bhaktapur. This stunning temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, who is thought to bring good luck and prosperity. Its famous five levels reflect the five elements of nature: earth, water, fire, air, and sky.
The Nyatapola Temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 AD during the Malla dynasty's rule. It took several years to build this masterpiece that stands tall at a height of 30 meters above ground level. The temple's building follows ancient Vedic principles with elaborate woodwork carvings showing many gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology.
If you're interested in learning more about religion and history, then take your time seeing other temples such as Vatsala Durga Temple or Pashupati Temple—both are excellent examples of traditional Nepalese construction.
Head towards Clay Square for a chance to see potters at work producing lovely clay pieces using ancient methods passed down through generations.
Exploring More beyond Durbar Square
Aside from Durbar Square, the following temples and squares are must-sees beyond Durbar Square:
Dattatreya Square
Dattatreya Square is one of Bhaktapur's oldest squares. The square is located east of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The Dattatreya Square is called after the square's major temple, Dattatreya. The square features an open middle space with two big temples and one minor temple.
Changu Narayan Temple
There is a beautiful oldest temple 7 kilometers north of Bhaktapur Durbar Square that dates back more than 1,700 years. It is known as Changu Narayan Temple and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its artistic and architectural wonders. It is a great place to explore Nepal's rich cultural heritage.
How to Get To Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Getting to Bhaktapur Durbar Square is pretty straightforward as it is located just 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The most usual way to get there is by taxi or public transit, which takes around an hour depending on traffic conditions.
If you prefer public transportation, travel to the Ratna Park bus station in central Kathmandu and look for buses bound for Bhaktapur. Buses leave every few minutes from early morning until late at night, making it a practical alternative for tourists on a budget.
Another popular way to get there is by hiring a private car or motorcycle with a driver. This gives you more freedom in terms of your schedule and allows you to explore other nearby sights, such as Changunarayan Temple and Nagarkot Hill Station.
For those who prefer walking, it's also possible to hike from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur along the Arniko Highway. This trip takes roughly four hours and gives great views of the surrounding countryside along the way.
The best time to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square is around autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May). During these months, the weather is nice, with bright skies and mild temperatures. You may enjoy wandering the square without worrying about getting too hot or chilly.
The monsoon season (June–August) can be quite wet and humid, making it challenging for those who are not used to such conditions.
Aside from weather issues, arranging your visit during festivals like Bisket Jatra or Nepali New Year will provide you with an opportunity to witness cultural celebrations that are unique to Bhaktapur. Keep in mind that some sites may have extended hours of operation during major tourist seasons.
While arranging a trip, choose the right season according to your tastes!
Tips for Visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
1. Wear comfortable shoes: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is spread across a huge area, with many temples and palaces to explore. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be doing plenty of walking.
2. Dress modestly: As a holy location, it's essential to dress respectfully when visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Avoid wearing exposed apparel.
3. Have cash: While there are ATMs in the neighborhood, it's always wise to have enough cash with you just in case they're not working or out of service.
4. Hire a guide: To properly comprehend the history and significance of the numerous temples and buildings inside the plaza, consider hiring an expert local guide who can provide thorough insights into each area.
5. Respect cultural customs: When exploring this historic site, pay heed to signs that prohibit photography or entrance into specific areas; these laws are in place for a reason, so make sure you notice them!
6. Watch out for scams: Like any big tourist location, there may be some folks trying to swindle naive travelers by giving false tickets or overpriced souvenirs. Be cautious and trust your instincts if something seems too good (or awful) to be true!
Conclusion
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a must-visit place for everyone visiting Nepal. Its rich history and stunning architecture make it one of the most impressive cultural attractions in the country. The stunning temples, castles, and courtyards are guaranteed to leave you surprised.
While there, make sure to take your time discovering all that Bhaktapur has to offer. There's something new around every bend! And don't forget to try some native Newari cuisine while you're there.
If you're searching for a real experience of Nepal's culture and history, Bhaktapur Durbar Square should surely be on your itinerary. So start arranging your trip today and get ready for an incredible journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made bhaktapur durbar square ?
Bhaktapur Durbar Square was mainly built and developed by the Newar kings of the Malla dynasty, who ruled over the kingdom of Bhaktapur. They played a major role in constructing the temples, palaces, and other structures that make up the Durbar Square.
Where is bhaktapur durbar square located ?
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the city of Bhaktapur, which is about 13 km east of Thamel, the tourist hub of Nepal. Bhaktapur is one of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley and is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical importance.
What is bhaktapur durbar square famous for ?
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is famous for its amazing architecture, historic temples, and rich cultural legacy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its well-preserved palaces, courtyards, and traditional Newari architecture.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is home to various temples, including the famous Nyatapola Temple and Bhairava Nath Temple. It is also recognized for its detailed woodcarvings, magnificent stone sculptures, and colorful festivals.
How to reach bhaktapur durbar square ?
To reach Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you can follow these steps:
From Thamel: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located about 13 kilometers east of Thamel. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Ratna Park or Bagbazaar to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The trip can take around 30-40 minutes.
From Tribhuvan International Airport: If you are arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The distance from the airport to Bhaktapur Durbar Square is roughly 10 km, and the trip can take around 20-30 minutes.
Public Transportation: Bhaktapur is well-connected by public buses from various parts of Kathmandu Valley. You can take a bus from the Ratna Park Bus Station or other main bus stops in Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Once you reach The Bhaktapur Durbar Square, You may just walk around it on foot as it is a pedestrian-friendly area. Just follow the signs or ask the locals for directions, and you'll be able to reach Bhaktapur Durbar Square easily.
