"NEWARI GRANDEUR" Bhaktapur by mtncorg

Bhaktapur Travel Guide: 6 reviews and 11 photos

Regal Newari splendour of Durbar Square - Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur means City of Devotees. Of the three city states in the Kathmandu Valley - Kathmandu and Patan are the other two - Bhaktapur's traditional charm is much more pervasive. It has not been overwhelmed by the masses who have transformed Kathmandu-Patan into one amalgamated populace. The Durbar Square - Royal Square - is as glorious as can be found in the other two Valley cities; maybe more so, which is saying a lot! The square has been meticulously restored with help from the German government. The glory of Bhaktapur is reflected in two other magnificent squares, in numerous alleys, minor squares, in the exquisite Newari architecture, the grand handicrafts or the city and the faces of the inhabitants. To wander the marvellous streets of this town is to glimpse into the past.

Bhaktapur reeached its peak during the hegemony of the Malla family who reigned supreme over the Kathmandu Valley from the 1200's until the conquest of 1778 when the present royal family, the Shah family, moved in from the western area of Gorhka. The original Malla capital had been here in Bhaktapur and the Valley remained unified until the mid-1400's, when family squabbles lead to three separate Malla Newari city-states, each putting up splendid temples and palaces to outdo the other.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Fantastic architecture, welcoming people, varied and unique handicrafts
Cons:The bus/taxi ride from Kathmandu is longer than you'd think
In a nutshell:What Kathmandu might have looked like 30 years ago?

Last visit to Bhaktapur: Nov 2002
Intro Updated May 22, 2005
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Reviews (6)

Palace of 55 Windows in Bhaktapur Things to Do (4)

The native culture in the Kathmandu valley is Newari. There were city-states ruled by local kings and in each city:... more travel advice

Animal Guardians at Siddhi Lakshmi... Things to Do (4)

Here is another view of the animals flanking the entrance stairs up into the temple. Behind and to the right, you can... more travel advice

Animal Guardians at Siddhi Lakshmi Mandir - Bhaktapur

Siddhi Lakshmi Temple guardians,... Things to Do (4)

The Siddhi Lakshmi mandir (temple) sits next to the Palace of 55 Windows. As you ascend the steps, you walk past pairs... more travel advice

Dattatraya Sqaure - Bhaktapur - Bhaktapur

Dattatraya Square in Bhaktapur Off The Beaten Path (1)

This square is a bit farther away from Durbar Square in Bhaktapur and many people don't quite get over here. It is maybe... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Pots in Bhaktapur

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Comments (17)

PierreZA Nov 8, 2008 at 11:17 PM Report Abuse

A very nice and informative page, will visit during December. Thank you for giving helpful and practical tips.
matcrazy1 Apr 18, 2005 at 1:41 PM Report Abuse

Interestings tips. Palace of 55 Windows in Bhaktapur looks amazing and... strange :-)
bkoon Jan 18, 2005 at 11:06 PM Report Abuse

Wow... so many nice Squares. Another great page of yours. Bee :)
Nemorino Dec 29, 2004 at 12:08 AM Report Abuse

Sounds like it was well worth taking that long ride from Kathmandu.
tommix Aug 31, 2004 at 9:36 PM Report Abuse

This one is great too!!! Thanks for sharing!
JetlagCity Aug 9, 2004 at 9:18 PM Report Abuse

The concept behind those pairs of animals going up the temple stairs sounds intriguing. What a place to do an eye clinic - a fantastic opportunity for both you and your clients there!
freya_heaven May 17, 2004 at 1:35 PM Report Abuse

Another great page Mark, Bhakatpur looks a fascinating place to visit. You have such an impressive travel list.
cachaseiro May 5, 2004 at 9:18 PM Report Abuse

very nice page from an interesting country.
aussiedoug May 4, 2004 at 6:43 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic page & tips Mark. Not to mention some obviously worthwhile work you did while there! While I'm visiting mundane places down here you are visiting the exotic & contributing as well.
B_Caro Feb 29, 2004 at 1:58 AM Report Abuse

another beautiful page; great shopping tip !