We enter from the west near Siddha Pokhari, a large rectangular water tank from the Malla period, and follow the main lane into Durbar Square. Your guide explains how the palace grew under King Bhupatindra Malla around 1700 and points out the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Vatsala Durga temple and the bronze statue of Bhupatindra Malla himself, seated on a tall pillar facing the palace. The National Art Gallery, in one wing of the palace, has fine paubha paintings and old manuscripts if you want to add an hour.
From Durbar Square a lane of carvers' shops leads a few minutes south-east to Taumadhi Square. The Nyatapola, built in 1702 on five plinths, is the tallest pagoda in Nepal at about 30 m. Facing it is the Bhairavnath temple, whose chariot is the centre of Bisket Jatra in April. On the way we look into a working Newar courtyard and a sunken stone water spout, or hiti, where families still fill pots and wash in the mornings. Pottery Square is a short detour if you want it.
The last stretch follows the old main road east, past shrines, small dye shops and studios painting thangkas, to Dattatreya Square. This is where Bhaktapur began, and its three-roofed Dattatreya temple is traditionally dated to 1427. Beside the square, the Pujari Math houses a woodcarving museum, with the Peacock Window set in its outer wall. We finish here with tea or a bowl of juju dhau. The walk covers about 2 km on brick paving with a few temple steps, and suits most ages at a gentle pace.
Good for
- First-timers
- Families
- Seniors
- Photographers
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How much time do you need in Bhaktapur?
Three to four hours covers the three squares and Pottery Square at a comfortable pace, which is how most day trips from Kathmandu work. Stay overnight if you can: early morning and dusk are the best times for photographs, the squares are quieter, and you can add the National Art Gallery, the woodcarving museum and a food trail without rushing.
What is the Bhaktapur entry fee for Indians?
Indian visitors pay the SAARC rate of NPR 500 (about ₹310), against NPR 1,800 for most other foreigners, while Nepali citizens enter free. Carry a passport or voter ID in case staff ask for proof of nationality at the ticket booth. Fees are revised from time to time, so check current status before you travel.
Is Bhaktapur Durbar Square still damaged from the 2015 earthquake?
Most of it has been repaired. The 2015 earthquake brought down the Vatsala Durga temple and damaged palace wings and many houses, while the Nyatapola survived intact. Vatsala Durga has since been rebuilt, and restoration continues on a few buildings, so you may still see scaffolding in places.
