Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, officially Bhaktapur City or Bhaktapur Municipality, is a historic city in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Located in the Lalitpur District of Bagmati Province, it lies about 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu. Historically the capital of Nepal during the Malla dynasty, Bhaktapur is now celebrated for its well-preserved medieval urban fabric and rich Newar culture.

The city is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a concentration of public squares, temples, and palaces. The core is Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which houses the former royal palace complex and numerous temples. Nyatapola Temple, a five-story pagoda dating to the early 18th century, stands as a prominent landmark, along with the Dattatreya and Bhairav Narayan Temples. Taumadhi Square is a central public space, and the nearby 55-window Palace exemplifies Malla-era architecture. Pottery Square preserves traditional pottery making as a living craft.

Bhaktapur is renowned for its crafts, including woodcarving, pottery, and metalwork, and for festivals such as Bisket Jatra, a spring chariot procession and carnival of local traditions. The city’s historic core is characterized by narrow lanes, brick-paved streets, and richly carved wooden windows.

In 2015, the Gorkha earthquake caused extensive damage to monuments in Bhaktapur. Restoration and conservation work, supported by the government and international organizations, has continued to preserve the historic site while accommodating modern needs. Today, Bhaktapur remains a major cultural and tourist hub within Nepal.