Here are some facts related to Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

Bhaktapur, which was known as Khwopa, is one of the three major cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The name is said to have come from Khopring, which is a Kirati word mentioned as Khopringgrampradesha in 477 AD in the reign of King Mandev. The “kho” in the word means cooked rice/bhat and “pring” means villages/gaun. As it said, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” the history of the city Bhaktapur itself is said to have started before the Licchavi period. A non-Sanskrit name, Khopring, in the Sanskrit language inscriptions of the Lichhavi Dynasty states the existence of the settlement in Bhaktapur before the arrival of the Lichhavi clan. Here are the periods where the major changes in the square took place: 

Early History

In earlier years, Bhaktapur was isolated and ignored by the central power. It was an independent kingdom until its unification in the 18th century. In the early 8th century, Bhaktapur used to be the capital of Nepal Mandal till the 12th to 15th centuries. The establishment of Bhaktapur Durbar Square is largely connected to the political situation of the city, Bhaktapur itself, at that time. Considering the internal and external conflicts happening together at that time, King Anandadeva was credited for the establishment of the country's capital in Bhaktapur, which was located on a highland and was surrounded by the Hanumante and Khasang Khusung rivers, which was a reasonable move for security purposes. Also, it was established as a major commercial centre and Tripura Sundari was built in the centre of the city. 

During the Lichhavi period, there was a predominance of Vedic religion, philosophy, and religion. Later, when it came to the pre-medieval period, Tantramantra became more prevalent. This resulted in King Anandadeva ordering the establishment of the Tantric Gods and Goddesses around the city, which was believed to protect the country, public welfare, national prosperity, and agricultural harvest. It can be proved on the basis of Astamatrika, Das Mahavidya, Bhairav, Ganesha, Tripurasundari, and Navadurga established in various parts of the city. Only a very few stone or metal sculptures from the Lichhavi dynasty survive to date.

Malla Dynasty

The Malla Dynasty was the one that left a lasting influence on the city’s rich architectural development. Ruled between the 12th and 17th centuries, various kings during their reign contributed more or less to its development.

• King Raya Malla (1482-1505) - He extended the Bhadgaon up to Dudh Koshi, which made the city known as Bahdgaon.

• King Shubarna Malla (1505-1519) - He was a religious king who set up the Navadurga dance in Bhadgaon and Nil Barahi in Bode. 

• King Prana Malla (1519-1547) - Little known about his contribution was that he was quite active in the developments of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square during his reign period. 

• King Biswa Malla (1547-1560) - He built the three-storied mandala style Dattatreya Temple. He also contributed to the erection of many other nearby monasteries and temples, like Changu Narayan.

• King Trailokya Malla (1560-1613) - He was the longest ruler of the Malla dynasty who is credited with the construction of various small temples in Thimi as well as in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

• King Jagat Jyotir Malla (1613-1637) - He was a powerful king who was fond of art and literature. He started the great chariot festival, Bisket Jatra and another chariot festival of Bhariva and Kumari Jatra of Thimi. 

• King Narendra/Naresa Malla (1637-1644) - He renovated the sacred Taleju Temple and decorated the Mulchowk by adding a couple of windows. He is also known to have minted coins in his name during his short reign. 

• King Jagat Prakash Malla (1644-1673) - He contributed to the erection of Hanumati ghat in the eastern part of Bhaktapur, also adding some statues of gods and goddesses near it. The door of Bhimsen temple and the stone pillar with an image of Garuda at the Narayan Chowk were also built by him. 

• King Jitmitra Malla (1973-1996) - He was known for his creative thinking ability and had a lot of contributions in today's Durbar Square. His contributions include Shilu Mahadev Temple, National Art Gallery, Narayan Temple, restored Kumari Chowk, and many more. 

• King Bhupatindra Malla (1696-1722) - He was the most popular king of the Malla Dynasty in the Kingdom of Bhaktapur who reigned from 1696 until his death in 1722. He is recognized for his contribution of numerous temples and palaces, which are much of the city’s iconic and significant heritage. The structures that he oversaw the construction of are Nyatapola Temple, Palace of 55 Windows, works in the Taleju complex, Restoration of Char Dham, Malati Chowk, Temple of Bhairavnath, and many others, which are beyond one's counting.

• King Ranjit Malla (1722-1769) - As the last king of the Malla dynasty, he contributed to the most important piece of Nepalese art in Bhaktapur Durbar Square: the Golden Gate. The tango bell next to the Vatsala Durga Temple was also placed by him.

In 1768, King Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the Kathmandu Valley, where Bhaktapur, along with Kathmandu and Patan, lost its dependence. However, the cultural and historical stories remain intact in the walls of the square. 

2015 Earthquake and Restoration

In the year 2015, on 25th April, Nepal was struck by a devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitude. The disaster not only led to the casualties of people but also resulted in the major destruction of heritage sites in Nepal. About 80 percent of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square of the Kathmandu Valley was said to have been destroyed in this earthquake. While the structure of Vatsala Durga Temple faced the major appearing to be completely demolished, the main temple, the Taleju temple of the square, lost its roof.

In the current situation, around 90% of the destroyed monuments have been restored while the remaining are being looked upon. While some monuments have changed their original features, constant efforts are still being made to restore the monuments in their original form. With these, it ensures that the future generations can continue to admire these historic monuments.

Also Read: Kathmandu Durbar Square History

Newars, the locals of the cities of the Kathmandu Valley, are known for the exceptional craftsmanship that is impressively portrayed in the buildings of the Durbar Square area. The Newari architecture with the captivating interplay of bricks and wood combined with the multi-tiered roof represents their unique identity in architecture. Which is also why Newari architecture can be easily distinguished from any other architecture in the world. From the temples to the palaces, courtyards, hitis, dharamshalas and other monuments, the Newari works can be seen even in the houses in the vicinity of the square.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square perhaps is the best specimen of Malla period architecture. It has a collection of unique architectural structures from the Lichhavi and Malla periods, which feature an impressive number of temples with various architectural styles like pagoda style, shikhara style, Newari architecture, Mandala style and many others. Fabulous woodwork can be seen in most of the structures, where the wooden torana on the main entrance of the Taleju Temple is considered the best of its kind. Most importantly, these architectures are what make the long history and achievements of the Lichhavi and Malla Kings come alive. Here are some of the major architectural masterpieces of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square with their architectural styles: 

Also Read: Patan Durbar Square Architecture

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is often associated with the Newars, and the culture, lifestyle, and heritages related to this community are valuable due to their architecture, religion, and culture and also as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Architectural Masterpiece

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square, along with other Durbar Squares in Bhaktapur, is famous for the ancient structures built in fabulous architectural styles. Woodworks, carvings and the arts represent the unique craftsmanship of that time. The key architectural masterpieces include Nyatapola Temple (pagoda style), Vatsala Temple (Shikhar Style), Rameshwar Temple (Gumbaja Style), and National Art Museum (mix of European and Nepalese Architecture). 

Cultural Significance

In its earlier years, Bhaktapur Durbar Square has achieved great progress in the fields of language, literature, music and arts. The local Newars had their own language with their own script. Their living heritages have been handed down for centuries in an unbroken chain from generation to generation. This spectacular Newar cultural heritage of Bhaktapur is the pride of the entire human civilization. As a cultural hub, the festival of the Newar community, their lifestyle, rituals, Daffas (prayers group), Guthis and traditional dance groups are giving life to the square. Every few steps, visitors will be surprised by the elegant art, architecture and cultural heritages. Not only that, it also offers its unique eastern hospitality and delicious Newari cuisine. Here, Juju Dhau (local sweet yoghurt), Taiji Baji (Bitten Rice), Bhad Gaunle Topi, Haku Patasi, Pottery and handicrafts are the typical products well known for their uniqueness. 

Religious Significance

The majority of the inhabitants in the locality are either Hindus or Buddhists. It is the religious harmony that unites the people there. The square houses various temples, including the Taleju Temple, who is considered the royal goddess of the Malla dynasty. As the original place of Taleju Bhawani, the temple holds great religious significance for the people. Back then, the devotees of Bhaktapur who had great faith in gods used to visit India for pilgrimage purposes. For those who aren’t able to travel to India, the replica of Char Dham Temples: Rameshwar Temple, Jagannath Temple, Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple has been established in this square so that they can easily display their reverence from here to those sites in India. 

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is home to various heritage sites, including the iconic 55-Window Palace, Taleju Temple, National Art Gallery, Vatsala Temple and many more. These sites hold significant cultural, architectural and historical value. Recognizing this, Bhaktapur Durbar Square was enlisted in World Heritage sites in 1979 AD. The title as a global recognition provides a value of preserving these sites for the coming generation. 

Bhaktapur, the ancient city of Nepal with a major Newar settlement in the country, is known for its Newar tradition, cuisines, and artisans. Here, Bhaktapur Durbar Square stands as the main square of the city, where stone art, metal art, terracotta art, wood carving, and architectural showpieces are what make the square rich in culture and art. The Square is divided into three parts; Kvathu Lyaku means lower palace, Dhatu Lyaku means middle palace and Thanthu Lyaku means the upper palace. As UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these three parts of the square feature magnificent attractions like the Golden Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the National Art Gallery, the 55 Windows Palace, the Vatsala Temple, the big bell, the Yakshyeshwor temple (the Pashupatinath Temple of Bhaktapur), the Silu Mahadev Temple, the Taleju complex, Pahanchhen, the replica of Chardham (Jaganath, Badrinath, Rameshwor, and Kedarnath Temple), and many other stone sculptures. 

The Golden Gate

The Golden Gate is one of the most important works of Nepalese art. The project, which was initially planned in 1646, was constructed between 1751 and 1754 by Subhakara, Karunakara and Ratikara, the descendants of the two goldsmiths Guṇasiṃhadeva Nivā and Mānadeva Nivā brought from Lalitpur. It serves as an entrance to the Taleju Temple and the inner courtyard of the Royal Palace.

The gate features a descriptive toran on which the incomplete form of the original idol of Taleju Bhawani inside the temple can be seen; the complete form has 9 heads and 18 arms, whereas on the gate, the goddess has 4 heads and 10 arms. The gate also has two gilt copper Newari language inscriptions of Ranajita Malla on both sides. It was Ranajita Malla, the last king of the Malla Dynasty ruling Bhaktapur, who funded and commissioned the construction of this masterpiece.

55 Windows Palace

Also known as Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar, the 55 Windows Palace was originally built during the reign of King Jayayakshya Malla in the 15th century. Later, it was remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century after the earthquake of 1681 and is considered the greatest example of Nepalese wood carving. In the cornice separating the first and second stories of the palace, 147 carvings of the musical ragas and their names have been discovered, leading to the assumption that the palace was built for musical purposes.

The most eye-catching element in this palace is the tempera paintings on the first floor of the palace, which have been recognized as some of the rarest paintings in Nepal. As the palace has been used as a government office, residence and museum over the years, various changes were made to the structure to suit the purpose in different periods. 

National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery is the former Royal Palace built by King Bhupatindra Malla for conducting official work. The architecture of the palace is a mixture of semi-European and Nepalese styles and is known by various names. It is said that a Mughal emperor gifted a glass mirror to King Bhupatindra. As glass was considered precious at that time, it was placed above the entrance gate of the palace so that every common person could see it. Which is why it got known by the name Nhekanjhya (Glass Window). Another name it is known by is Malati Durbar, as the palace also houses Malati Chowk, one of the few remaining 99 courtyards of the royal palace. The locals also call it the Simhadhwakha Lyaku (Lion Gated Palace), as in the exterior of the palace, two large stone images, one of Hanumante Bhairav and the other of Narashima, are placed. Beside each of them are stone lions, after which the name is given.

Later, it was set up as the National Art Gallery in 1960 by the Government of Nepal and the Department of Archaeology. It is a two-storied museum with the first consisting of various stone sculptures, including statues of Surya, Kubera, Vishnu, Ardhanareshwar, Tara, Laxmi Narayan and many more. Besides that, the ground floor also displays the erotic paintings of gods and goddesses portraying the tangible expression of the yogic union. The first floor has a collection of paintings of different gods and goddesses as well as of various kings and princes after King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Also, it has centuries-old written inscriptions. 

Taleju Temple

The Taleju Temple, in the Royal Palace Square, is the oldest of all Taleju Temples in the Kathmandu Valley. It is dedicated to Goddess Taleju, the patron goddess of the royal Malla Kings. Situated adjacent to the 55 Window Palace, the entry to this temple is from the Golden Gate. The temple complex houses various courtyards, the main courtyard being Mulchowk, which has the main shrine of Taleju Bhawani in its premises. Various closed doors can be found in that courtyard where different forms of Goddess Taleju can be seen in each door. As you enter the small passage from the only open door, it leads to another courtyard named Dribhaju Chowk, which has a small pond at its centre called Dribhaju/Dwinmaju Pokhari. Then at its upper right corner, there lies an open temple with a Shivling in its centre.

Replica of Char Dham

The four holiest pilgrimage sites believed to provide moksha and salvation in India are Char Dham. It is said that due to its distant location, the common people were not able to go to these temples. To make it easy for the people, King Bhupatindra Malla insisted on the construction of the replica of Char Dham in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. These four temples are Jagannath Temple, Badrinath Temple, Rameshwor Temple and Kedarnath Temple.

• Rameshwar Temple: It is a gumbaja style temple with no doors and walls with only one Shivalinga dedicated to Mahadev. It is at the right side of the Durbar Square entrance. 

• Jagannath Temple: It is a two-storied pagoda style temple with three deities; Lord Krishna, Balarama and their sister Shubhadra. It is right behind the Rameshwor Temple. 

• Badrinath Temple: It is a terracotta style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Narayan. It is at the west corner of the Jagannath Temple. 

• Kedarnath Temple: It looks like Badrinath Temple, which is a terracotta Shikhar style temple dedicated to Shiva. 

Apart from the main square, there are other highlights nearby that keep the visitors engaged and mesmerized.

Taumadhi Square

A square located close to the main Durbar Square is the Taumadhi Square, where the best architecture of multi roofed temples and rectangular temples can be observed. While most people know it for the popular Nyatapola Temple, it also houses structures like Bhairabnath Temple and Madhav Narayan Temple. This area hosts the major events in the festivals, like Bisket Jatra and Devi Pyakhan. Also, the square's glorious history can be found in the images of Navagraha (nine elements), the traditional water tank and wood carvings. Besides that, it is one of the business squares filled with souvenir shops, cafes and local markets attracting both the locals and tourists to spend their time.

Nyatapola Temple 

Nyatapola Temple, a significant temple, is part of Taumadhi Square and the most renowned one as well. King Bhupatindra Malla is credited for its construction and is said to have taken the shortest time of about 6 months for its construction. This five-storied pagoda-style structure is the tallest temple in Nepal, dedicated to the Tantric deity Siddhi Laxmi, who is considered the ancestral deity of the Malla royal family of Bhaktapur and mother deity of Newars of Bhaktapur. Unlike other temples, the name of the temple goes after its architectural style, where timber, wood, and bricks were the major materials used. Other than the temple itself, the stone guardians on each of the 5 plinths of the stairways to its entrance have made the temple even more attractive.

Dattatreya Square

Dattatreya means the combined form of the three most prominent deities of the Hindus: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (protector) and Maheshwor (destroyer). This square, located just 850 m ahead from the main square, is the oldest part of the city, which is an open museum, especially for woodcarving. The central masterpiece of this square is the Dattatreya Temple, which dates back to the 14th century. Other than that, this complex houses various structures like Bhimsen Temple, water spouts, peacock window and other various sizes and shapes of windows and pujari maths. It also has two museums: the Brass and Bronze Museum and the Wood Carving Museum, which can be entered with the same ticket taken for the National Art Gallery. 

Pottery Square

Pottery dates back long in the traditional art of Nepal. Talako (middle-south of the city) and Suryamadhi (east of the city), the particular localities where earthen pots are made, are known as pottery squares. One of them lies five minutes southwest of Pottery Square, and the other lies east from Dattatreya Square. As in the name itself, in this designated area the pottery artists are seen involved in the traditional process of pot making and a large number of these items are lined up drying in the sun. These traits are seen working with their traditional wheels, giving various shapes and sizes to the clay. Visitors can also participate in these traditional pottery activities, making your time worth the visit. 

Nearby Famous Ponds

There are various ponds near the Durbar Square within walking distance, like Siddha Pokhari, Rani Pokhari, Kamal Pokhari, Bhaiya Pokhari and Guhya Pokhari. The three ponds, Rani Pokhari, Siddha Pokhari and Na: Pukhu (Gu Hye Pokhari), are considered sister ponds. Here are some details about them: 

Siddha Pokhari (Ta: Pukhu)

Also known as Indra Daha, this pond is locally called Ta: Pukhu, which literally means bigger pond. It is a popular place to stroll around in Bhaktapur. This pond has a lot of images of different gods and goddesses, including Baraha, Buddha, Vishnu, Indra, and Surya, which is why the pond is also considered a religious site. The locals of the area are seen visiting here during Diwali or Durga Puja to worship the lineage god of the clan a person belongs to. 

Rani Pokhari (Nhu Pukhu)

Rani Pokhari, locally known as Nhu Pukhu, is located 550 m west of Siddha Pokhari, which is assumed to be 40 years older than the Rani Pokhari of Kathmandu. It is said to have been built by King Jagat Jyoti Malla in remembrance of his wife, Queen Rajya Laxmi, hence called Rani Pokhari (Rani means Pokhari). Moreover, it is also considered sacred to the Prajapati clans of the Newar community, as it is said to house their lineage deity. 

Guhya Pokhari (Na Pukhu)

Located on the western side of the entrance to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Guhya Pokhari is also called Na Phuku by the locals. Historically, it is considered a very old pokhari, as according to the locals, legend has it that the pond was dug out within a night by the Pandavas. It is a 6-minute walking distance from Siddha Pokhari. Apart from its historical importance, currently, there are also some activities like water cycling done in the pond attracting the local crowds. 

Changu Narayan temple

Changunarayan, the oldest temple of Nepal, is one of the distinct temples of Nepal. Located at about 6.7 KM from the main square in the outskirts of the city, it is one of the four Narayans scattered in four directions of the Kathmandu Valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Lord Vishu residing here is worshipped by the Hindus as Narayan and Buddhists as Hari Hari Hari vahan Lokeshwor. The main shrine is a two-storied temple with a mix of pagoda and Newari architecture decorated with divine idols representing various forms of Vishnu. The temple complex has various other small temples and stone statues, like the Vishnu riding Garuda, the idol of Vishnu Vishwarup, Chinnamasta, and Kileshwar Temple. This temple is a significant site visited by visitors alongside Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 

Learn More: Changu Narayan Temple

Doleshwor Mahadev Temple

Located about 16 KM east from Kathmandu and 5.1 KM from the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Doleshwor Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is considered highly significant as it is believed to contain the head portion of Lord Shiva in his bull form, which was separated after the Mahabharata during the pursuit of repentance of Gotra hatya by the Pandavas. This two-storied pagoda style temple holds a uniquely shaped Shiva linga unlike its usual appearance. Its captivating ancient origins make it a must-visit site for pilgrims visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 

Learn More: Doleshwor Mahadev Temple

Bhaktapur, the cultural city, displays the vibrant depth of Newari culture with various festivals, local lifestyle, rituals, and traditional dance groups. Especially, the festivals celebrated in the city give life to the intangible heritage of the city. Every festival, irrespective of its cultural, historical and religious value, is observed with full and equal enthusiasm. Here are some festivals one can observe in this city:

Bisket Jatra

Bisket Jatra is a chariot festival celebrated annually by the Newar community of Bhaktapur. The term originated from the Newar word “bi sika,” translating to the term “the serpent is killed”. It is a nine-day festival based on the Hindu calendar that falls in the month of April. As this festival is around the time of the Nepalese new year, it starts four days before the new year and ends four days after the new year. 

The major events in the festival include the days of the rise and fall of Lyo Sin Dyo (Lingo), tug of war, Sindoor Jatra, and the tongue piercing festival. The two gods, God Bhairava and Bhadrakali, are brought out from their temples for the festival and kept in two different three-story pagoda style chariots. The chariot procession starts once the locals start pulling the chariots. In this event there is a tug of war between the Thane upper class and the Kone “lower” part of the town. The chariot is pulled from both sides and whoever wins gets to take away the chariot with the God first in their place. The chariot is pulled and stopped through places like Gahiti and Lyasinkhel after its procession and finally settled in front of the Nyatapola Temple on the last day. With the chariot, there are traditional dances, Dhime music, and flutes playing alongside it, which largely enhances the celebration. Apart from Bhaktapur, places like Tokha and Dhapasi, which house the Newar community, also celebrate this festival enthusiastically.

Sindur Jatra

On the second day of the Baisakh month of the Nepalese calendar, Sindur Jatra is celebrated as a part of the Bisket Jatra. It is a three-day-long festival that marks the arrival of spring. In this festival, a large procession of 32 palanquins carrying various gods and goddesses is brought to Madhyapur Thimi. The chariot is accompanied by traditional music and dances. The highlight of the festival is people gathering and smearing simrik (orange vermilion powder) on each other. The area is vibrant with colours and the people's active participation makes the festival lively. 

Gai Jatra (Sa Paru)

The festival, Gaijatra, falls in the Bhadra month of the Nepalese calendar. It is celebrated in the cities of Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Kathmandu and Kirtipur, where a large number of Newars are found. However, Bhaktapur has its own way to celebrate this festival. Here, a long parade of chariots is seen in the streets where the chariot of bamboo is wrapped with cotton cloth and decorated with the photos of the deceased.  The chariot is followed by a traditional music and cultural dance called Gintang Ghising. The Ginting Ghising dance is shown for almost a week from the day of the Jatra to the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. Additionally, in this festival, people dress up in various ways, including face paintings; men also wear women's clothes and children dress up as gods. With all these celebrations, the ultimate goal of this festival is to honour the close relatives or loved ones who have died the previous year. 

Learn More: Gai Jatra Festival

Panchadan

As much as Hindu festivals are prevalent in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, it also hosts Buddhist festivals like Panchadan. Panchadan, a charity festival, is said to be the festival of five summer gifts where five different items needed for one's life, like unhusked rice, rice grains, salt, and money, are donated. Its literal meaning comes from “pancha,” meaning five and “dan,” meaning donation, which has a greater meaning in Buddhist philosophy. It falls on the 14th day of the holy month Gunla, i.e., around August. The festival is celebrated by the Newari Buddhists, especially Shakyas and Bajracharyas, where the donations are made to the monks observed by this community. The Taumadhi square is vibrant with activities like Gunla Baja, Dan Gatha and Sotra Vachan in this festival. 

Related Read: Nepal festival Calendar

The activities of the people are what make the city of Bhaktapur bustling and lively. It is more than just a place. As a visitor, one can keep themself engaged by involving in various activities. Here are some ways you can get the best of your time in Bhaktapur:

Heritage Sightseeing

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur Durbar Square has so much to offer and as a visitor, you’ll have so much to learn about. The square featuring palaces, museums, courtyards, hitis, ponds, temples and other mesmerizing structures is the sight you cannot miss out on. The gorgeous ancient architecture dating back to the medieval era tells the story of Bhaktapur’s once glorious royal past, which is absolutely worth your time. 

Pottery

Bhaktapur, being one of the major centres for pottery in Nepal, has a separate pottery square. In about 5 minutes of walking distance from the main square, this pottery square has a separate place for the visitors. Here, you’ll get to see local potters making various items using traditional methods. It includes items such as piggy banks, cookery items, and varieties of ceramic items. Visitors can involve themselves in this traditional pottery-making experience, directly learn from the potters in one of these shops and take the items they made as a souvenir.

Try Local Delicacies

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, in comparison to other major cities in the Kathmandu Valley, has a higher concentration of Newars; the locals of the valley are known to be rich in culture and heritage. Especially the Newari cuisine that offers a wide range of authentic Newari dishes that are both flavorsome and unique. There are varieties of dishes ranging from simple samayabaji to sweet delicacies like Yomari. Besides that, Bhaktapur is also known for another traditional delicacy, which is known as Jujudhau; it is a simple curd with immense flavour not originally found only in Bhaktapur. You’ll find various restaurants selling these delicious dishes. However, to savour the most authentic ones, there are many local eateries serving the most authentic ones you can enjoy in Bhaktapur. 

Stroll through the city

The Durbar Square attracts visitors from all around the world, not just because of the square itself. The main Durbar Square is surrounded by other squares like Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and the Pottery Square enhancing the visitors' experience. The town consists of various ponds, which make the walk around the city even more pleasant, where one can spend their significant time. Moreover, the local markets laid over the square with handicrafts, jewelries, and local eateries keep the square bustling with local energy and the visitors can keep themselves engaged without having time to get bored.

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is open 24/7. However, the ticket counters remain open from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Only with the ticket you can enter the major sites like the museums, galleries and other particular locations where they have exact opening and closing hours. Moreover, the square might close on some days of the year during special occasions.

The entry fees to the Durbar Square differ according to your nationality. You can easily purchase the ticket at any of the ticket counters placed in various locations of the Durbar Square. Here are the entry fees for the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the museum in it:

One has to pay separately to enter the museums in Bhaktapur. The same ticket will let you enter the National Art Gallery, the Brass and Bronze Museum, and the Wood Carving Museum in the Dattatreya Square.

Bhaktapur, the smallest district of Nepal, is not so far yet not so near. However, one can easily access this city in various ways. The square is about 14 KM from Kathmandu, 11 KM from Patan and 11.6 KM from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). One can either take a public vehicle or hire a taxi.

• Public Vehicle: The regular buses to Bhaktapur run from NAC, Ratnapark, Bagbazar or the stops of Baneshwor. It is the cheapest way to get to Bhaktapur, which will take you around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

• Taxi/Bike: You can hire a taxi anywhere around you, which will get you to Bhaktapur in somewhere around 25-30 minutes. Nowadays, you can also hire a taxi from online apps like Pathao/Indrive. The same goes for bikes as well. If you’re an adventurous person, hiring a bike in Nepal will be quite an adventurous ride to get to Bhaktapur. 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square offers more than what meets the eye. With the consideration of even a little preparation, one can go a long way to ensure a smooth and insightful experience. Here are some tips that can assist you to make the most out of your visit:

Best time of the day to visit

If you’re visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the timing in the day significantly affects your visit. As the square is crowded in the afternoon, mostly on weekends and festive seasons, choosing to visit the square either in the morning or late afternoon is the best you can get out of the square. Also, the morning time offers you a chance to see the daily rituals (puja) of the locals, which makes the square come alive. 

Hire a Guide

Hiring a guide to the Durbar Square is the best way to learn deeply about monuments in and around the square. In Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site, there’s so much to learn about its temples, courtyards, palaces and other monuments, much of which you might miss out on without a guide. The local guides can give you insightful information and share stories, legends and historical facts that can enrich your whole tour experience. 

Respect Local Customs

As the temple is surrounded by various religious temples and shrines, the area is a place of active religious daily ritual. So, you need to be respectful while visiting these sites. Only the Hindus are allowed to visit the temples; you need to remove your shoes at some places and you need to dress modestly (wear clothes covering the knees and shoulders). 

Try Local Cuisine

Along with the heritage sites, Bhaktapur is also popular for the authentic Newari cuisines. You can’t miss out on these delicacies, as they are what lets you have an authentic experience. The traditional dishes include the Samaya Baji, Yomari and the most famous King of curds; JuJu Dhau. 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, with its architectural grandeur and cultural richness, features iconic structures like the 55-window palace, the Golden Gate, the Vatsalya temple, and the other three durbar squares nearby. These monuments are not merely a relic of the past but a “Living Heritage” where the locals continue to keep the square alive with the ancient old traditions and vibrant festivals. It is a great feat for Bhaktapur Durbar Square to stand today as it is today, as the square underwent multiple destructions, renovations, expansion and additions, surviving the three destructive earthquakes throughout its history.

As said by EA. Powell, who was an American war correspondent of World War I and an author, “Were there nothing else in Nepal, save the Durbar Square of Bhadgaon, it would still be amply worth making a journey halfway round the globe to see”. Given the unwavering resilience, cultural, historical and religious significance Bhaktapur Durbar Square holds, it should definitely be on an individual’s bucket list who wishes to immerse themselves in the art, culture and architecture of Nepal.

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

What is Bhaktapur Durbar Square famous for?

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the main square of the city, is a conglomeration of stone art, metal art, woodcarving, and terracotta art and architectural pieces. It is famous for the 55 Window Palace, National Art Museum, former Palace courtyards, Naga Pokhari, and many other architectural and cultural marvels. Apart from that, it is also known for local products like the King curd, JuJu Dhau, Tachin Baji, Bhad Gaunle Topi, Haku Patasi, Pottery and other handicrafts. 

How long should I plan to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square?

As Bhaktapur Durbar Square has a wider area to visit than other squares of Kathmandu Valley, you might need to plan your visit for a whole day. Within this time, you can cover the major four squares of Bhaktapur, which are Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square. Moreover, you can also visit nearby famous sites like Changu Narayan Temple and Doleshwor Mahadev within the same day. 

What are the four squares of Bhaktapur?

The city, Bhaktapur, has four different squares, namely Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square and Taumadhi Square. 

Can I learn pottery in Bhaktapur Durbar Square?

Yes, you can learn pottery but not actually in Bhaktapur Durbar Square but in the pottery square, which is about a 5-minute walk from the main square. There, you can learn the whole process of the pottery and make your own pottery items while also taking them back as a souvenir. 

Are there any nearby attractions to visit?

Bhaktapur is surrounded by exciting places within a short distance. Changunarayan Temple, Suryabinayak, Kailash Shiva Statue, Nagadesh and Nagarkot are some attractions nearby the city that are often visited by the visitor along with the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.