Bhaktapur Durbar Square
भक्तपुर दरबार क्षेत्र
The best-preserved medieval Newar old town in the valley, with the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple, the 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate and Pottery Square. Be sure to try the king's yogurt.
Bhaktapur lies about 13 km east of Kathmandu, a 40–60 minute drive away. It is the best-preserved and quietest of the three Malla royal cities, and motor vehicles are banned from the old-town core. Durbar Square has the 55-Window Palace and the gilded Golden Gate. Next door, Taumadhi Square is dominated by the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple (1702), about 30 m high and Nepal's tallest pagoda temple. Pottery Square is lined with drying pots, and Dattatreya Square features the famous peacock-window woodcarving. Foreigners pay about 1,800 rupees for entry, and the ticket can be extended if you show your passport. Plan a full day or stay overnight to experience the dawn and the evening. Don't miss the “king's yogurt” (Juju Dhau). Expect many stone-paved streets, so wear sturdy walking shoes.
Opening hours
Open all day (ticket office approx. 07:00–19:00)
Nearby sights
- Nyatapola Temple
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Pottery Square
- Siddha Pokhari
- Dattatreya Square & Peacock Window
- Suryabinayak Temple
- Kailashnath Mahadev Statue
- Panauti