The 11 best castles in and around Bhaktapur

Absolutely stunning! Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a beautifully preserved historic site full of ancient temples, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant local culture. Walking through the square feels like stepping back in time. It's clean, peaceful, and rich with Newari heritage. A must-visit for anyone exploring Nepal!

All of a sudden, you find yourself transported to another era. Few places in Kathmandu Valley can boast such an exquisitely preserved relic of the past, still very much alive in the present and destined to endure far into our shared future. Not just buildings but also culture and faith. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a living museum, where ancient temples and palaces stand not as mere relics but as active centers of worship and culture. The intricate wood carvings, towering pagodas, and sacred courtyards whisper stories of centuries gone by, while daily rituals and festivals breathe life into these age-old stones. Walking through its cobbled lanes, you don’t just observe history—you become part of it.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a stunning showcase of Nepal’s rich history and traditional Newari architecture. There are 4 different square and make sure you visited all 4. I personally think it is the most stunning square in Kathmandu. The temples, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings are truly breathtaking. It’s less crowded than Kathmandu’s squares, making it perfect for a peaceful cultural experience. A must-visit for history lovers and photographers!

Visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square was a truly mesmerizing experience. The square is beautifully preserved, showcasing Nepal’s rich history, art, and culture. Every corner reflects traditional Newari architecture, with magnificent temples, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings. The peaceful atmosphere and friendly locals made the visit even more enjoyable. It felt like stepping back in time — a perfect place to experience the true essence of ancient Nepal.

Must visit Durbar square in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu. It is located a bit out of Kathmandu main city, 13 kms away. I paid 500 NPR for the entry being from a SAARC country 🇮🇳 There is a museum also which you should visit along with the Taleju bhawani temple where animals are also sacrificed It is the biggest and grandest among the three - others being Kathmandu & Patan durbar square. Had a lot of local food like Juju Dhau (creamy yogurt), Yomari, Chatpate, Sukhapuri, Newari Khaja set there. Date of Visit - 3rd January 2025

This is an amazing place to know in Nepal. A lot of history and beautiful palaces. Entrance is 15 USD. Museum is 150 NPR and photo permit is 100 NPR. This is a MUST.

Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is a stunning place full of history and culture. The square is home to several beautiful temples, each with unique architecture and intricate carvings that showcase the rich heritage of Nepal. The atmosphere here is vibrant, and there’s so much to see. From the statues to the detailed wooden structures, it’s a photographer’s dream. It’s a bit of a bummer that the entrance fee is relatively high, especially since it’s mainly aimed at Western tourists. However, the beauty of the temples and the square itself definitely make it worth the visit. I’d highly recommend visiting Durbar Square if you're in Bhaktapur. It’s one of those places where you can really soak in the history and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Rising proudly above Bhaktapur’s Taumadhi Square, the Nyatapola Temple stands as a timeless guardian of Nepal’s heritage. Its name, meaning “five stories” in the Newari language, perfectly describes its soaring structure — a five-tiered pagoda that has watched over the city since 1702 AD. Commissioned by King Bhupatindra Malla, the temple was miraculously completed in just a few months, a testament to the skill and devotion of Newar artisans. Dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, a powerful form of the goddess Parvati, it was built not merely as a shrine, but as a symbol of strength and balance in a world of divine forces. Legend has it that the temple was erected to tame the fierce energy of Bhairava, the nearby deity known for his destructive power. To restore harmony, the king built this towering temple for Siddhi Lakshmi, whose spiritual might could keep Bhairava’s energy in check. Beyond the myth, historical records tell of an extraordinary communal effort — craftsmen, builders, and laborers from across the Malla kingdom working together to create what would become Nepal’s tallest and most enduring temple. Even nature’s fury has tested it: earthquakes in 1934 and 2015 shook the valley, yet Nyatapola stood firm, its foundation and design proving the brilliance of traditional Newari engineering. When approaching the temple, we are immediately drawn to its grand staircase guarded by stone sentinels — wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, and deities — each pair ten times stronger than the one below. Climbing these steps rewards travelers with sweeping views of Taumadhi Square and the old city beyond, where terracotta roofs and bustling alleys tell stories centuries old. Though the inner sanctum is closed to the public and accessible only to priests, the temple’s exterior majesty is more than enough to inspire awe. It's the crown jewel of Bhaktapur, elegance and resilience. It feels like stepping back into a living history — a city that breathes through its temples. The climb can be steep, and qe have seen other pagoda-style temples in the Kathmandu Valley and we find the architecture somewhat familiar. But still this Nyatapola’s towering grace and intricate symbolism make it anything less than extraordinary. Today, the temple remains not just a monument, but a living emblem of Bhaktapur’s identity — a blend of faith, artistry, and endurance. Whether you come to admire its architecture, learn its legends, or simply stand in its shadow, Nyatapola Temple offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of Nepal.

Nyatapola Temple is a historical five-story pagoda-style temple located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Dedicated to Goddess Taleju, it is one of the tallest and most iconic temples in the Country. Known for its impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and the towering statues of animals guarding the entrance.

ङातापोलँ (Nyatapola) Temple is one of the most iconic and majestic temples in Nepal, located in Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur. Built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 AD, it is a masterpiece of Newar architecture and one of the tallest pagoda-style temples in the country. "Nyatapola" comes from the Newar language, meaning "five-tiered", referring to its five gracefully tapering roofs. This tiered design symbolizes the five basic elements—earth, water, fire, air, and sky—and reflects the temple’s spiritual and cosmological significance.

Built in the early era of Bhaktapur, this temple is the only temple in Nepal with 5-story structure. Massive presence and standing out as an architectural genius, this temple itself is an embodiment of our religion, culture and tradition. Bhaktapur, one of the most underrated places inside Kathmandu valley holds various structures like this in the area. Visiting here once is enough until it calls you again and again, and you will find yourself roaming around the ancient nooks of Bhaktapur every time like it’s your first time.

Nyatapola Temple, located in the heart of Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Nepal, is a breathtaking testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance. Standing tall and proud for over three centuries, this five-tiered pagoda-style temple is not just a place of worship—it’s a symbol of resilience, balance, and divine harmony. What immediately strikes you is its towering elegance. Built in 1702 by King Bhupatindra Malla, Nyatapola (which means "five stories" in Newari) is Nepal’s tallest temple, gracefully dominating the skyline with unmatched poise. Each of the five ascending roofs represents one of the five basic elements—earth, water, fire, air, and sky—highlighting the temple’s deep philosophical foundation. The stairway to the temple is flanked by beautifully sculpted stone guardians—legendary wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, and tantric goddesses—each figure symbolically stronger than the last. This not only adds to its grandeur but also reflects a profound spiritual symbolism and layered storytelling unique to Newar culture. Despite surviving multiple earthquakes, including the devastating 2015 quake, Nyatapola has stood firm, a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and engineering of the Malla era. The temple’s intricate woodwork, fine carvings, and harmonious proportions offer a visual feast to art and history lovers alike. Though the temple is dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, a fierce manifestation of the goddess Durga, its peaceful ambiance and panoramic views from the upper tiers make it a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A visit to Nyatapola is a journey back in time. It’s not just about admiring a monument—it’s about feeling the soul of Bhaktapur, where spirituality, history, and artistry come together in sublime unity. If you ever find yourself in Nepal, missing Nyatapola Temple would be missing the heartbeat of Bhaktapur.

World Heritage For a Reason. The feeling can't be described in words Though I have been living here since 35 plus year, it'ss always such a pleasure to be around this Temple. The tallest temple in Nepal. 5-storey temple (NyataPola).

Nyatapol Temple is one of the most iconic landmarks of Bhaktapur and a masterpiece of Newari architecture. Built in 1702 during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla, this five-storied pagoda is Nepal’s tallest traditional temple and a symbol of strength, balance, and cultural pride. The temple stands gracefully in Taumadhi Square, drawing visitors with its majestic tiered structure and finely crafted stone guardians—legendary wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, and goddesses—lined along its steep staircase. Each pair of guardians represents increasing strength, adding layers of myth and meaning to the monument. Climbing up the steps offers not only a closer view of the temple’s details but also a panoramic glimpse of Bhaktapur’s ancient cityscape. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, although the inner sanctum is generally closed to the public, preserving its sacredness. What makes Nyatapol Temple remarkable is its resilience. Despite several devastating earthquakes over centuries, the structure has stood firm, a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Malla-era builders. For travelers, Nyatapol Temple is more than a sightseeing spot—it’s an experience of history, art, and spirituality blended together. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or just someone seeking a peaceful moment amid Bhaktapur’s bustling squares, this temple is a must-visit.

Many pieces of pottery were lined up to dry. It was interesting to see the unique shapes of the pottery. It seems you can also make your own items on the potter's wheel. The souvenir shops in the area also sold a variety of small items, which was nice.

Great place to see how the locals making clay pots and other clay based items. You can even sign up for a class, the vendors even offered me a private class at very affordable price, maybe because of low season.

Pottery Square, located near Nyatapola Temple, is known for its traditional clay craftsmanship. Local artisans create various clay utensils here, and visitors can also try their hand at making their own pottery.

Pottery Square in Bhaktapur is one of those rare places where culture, craftsmanship, and community come together beautifully. Located just a short walk from the iconic Nyatapola Temple, this charming square offers a glimpse into the living heritage of traditional pottery-making. Here, you can witness local artisans skillfully shaping clay into beautiful pots, utensils, and decorative items—each piece telling its own story of Bhaktapur’s rich artistic legacy. What makes Pottery Square truly special is the authentic experience it offers. Visitors are not just spectators; you can actually join a pottery class and try your hand at crafting your own clay masterpiece. During my visit, a friendly local vendor even offered me a private class at a very affordable price, possibly because it was the low season. It turned out to be a fun, hands-on experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for the patience and skill involved in traditional pottery-making. Beyond the craft itself, the atmosphere of Pottery Square is warm, inviting, and filled with positive energy. The owners and artisans are incredibly welcoming and love sharing stories about their work and heritage. The structures, courtyards, and the earthy aroma of clay create a truly nostalgic and peaceful setting. It’s not just a marketplace—it’s a living museum where tradition thrives in every corner. If you’re visiting Bhaktapur, make sure to reserve some extra time here to interact with the locals, support their art, and perhaps take home a unique handmade souvenir. Go local, support local — and experience the heart of Bhaktapur at Pottery Square!

In the old city of Bhaktapur, on the way to visiting temples, you can make a stop to the Pottery square. You will see the the hand-made pot drying in the sun. You can also observe how they manufacture them. The pottery is mainly used for paying tribute to the Gods.

Nice place to buy clay / ceramic pots and other items. You can try your hand in making clay pots.

Short walk from Durbar square, so if you're in the area, definitely worth a visit. Interesting to see all the pottery laid out to dry. You can actually see some people making the pottery in the morning.

Visiting this place was an extraordinary experience. What immediately caught my attention was the intricate wood art and the exceptional finishing—every piece is a true testament to skilled craftsmanship. Remarkable Palace is not just a historical site; it’s a living showcase of Nepal's rich cultural heritage and timeless architectural beauty. The detailed carvings, grand design, and serene atmosphere make it a perfect destination for anyone who appreciates traditional art and history. Whether you're a tourist or a local, this palace is a must-visit spot in Nepal that promises to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended for cultural explorers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the essence of Nepalese artistry.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square… A great place with ancient vibes… no words to describe the feeling I felt there. Great during evening hours.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Nepal's rich medieval art, culture, and architecture. The square features majestic temples like Nyatapola, the 55-Window Palace, and intricately carved wooden structures. It's a living cultural hub where locals still celebrate festivals and perform daily rituals. The area is peaceful, walkable, and offers great views, local crafts, and the famous Juju Dhau (king curd). Restoration after the 2015 earthquake has preserved much of its charm. A must-visit for anyone seeking authentic heritage and timeless beauty in Nepal.

World Heritage Site. Excellent architecture when no machines or cranes were available unbelivable structures raised by human labor. All structures speak about ancient history and the life style of old kings. Worth a visit. Only the ticket cost is high. Guides also are expensive, but here one can negotiate. Must try the sweet curd of bhaktapur. Sovenirs are very expensive better buy in kathmandu.

Part of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, there are 4 different square and make sure you visited all 4. I personally think it is the most stunning square in Kathmandu.

Our Lovely chill pill place . Even with or without people or crowd; this place is always Cool and Enjoyable. Solace - peace and lots of joy within.

This is part of Darbar Square and one should know before that a guide for the visit of entire place is a must to know the detail Historic importance of the place. Thanks for the guide giving us a right direction in covering the complete sightseeing in a systematic manner.

We got the photography pass and even showed it to the staff on the top floor, but the guy, who seemed either upset or distracted, suddenly started shouting at us. It didn’t help that he was arguing with his wife on the phone shortly after. While the overall experience had its moments, it was clear that the staff lacked proper training—they seemed more like locals doing their best rather than representatives/professionals. As for the museum itself, it’s a bit underwhelming. There are some carved stones and the heritage is certainly there, but the focus on idol worship throughout the building wasn’t particularly engaging but rather alarming for us. It’s just a personal preference. That said, the view from the window is definitely worth checking out!

Ticket is 150 and not included in the already expensive 2000 rupees of the square, but honestly it's not really worth and quite confusing why called National Art. Building is so so, especially compared with the museum in Patan Durbar square, and exhibits are poor. Some erotic exhibits and so on but nothing special. Maybe just take photos outside is enough. Not really recommend.

It's located inside bhaktapur durbar square. Entry fee is charged separately for this museum. If you buy a ticket for this museum, there are 2 other museums located in different places, which are covered in this tickets, metal museums and wooden museums. Make sure you visit those 2 museums too. No guides available, so you'll have to read the description for the details.

-💰600 I stayed with the camera and was charged more tickets unconsciously. As a result, when I went in, I found that there was nothing to shoot with the camera.But the pond scenery inside is very good.I quite like the animal paintings in gallery.

Nice place to visit. You can see lot of historical arts and scluptures that represents our culture. And the ticket for nepali citizen is just Rs 25. You can take your children for educational tour on holidays.

This is the Museum is the main attaction of Bhaktapur among the many other sites the ticket is really cheap and for student they do have a discount and we have to pay to have a photo or video and while visitng this museum we can visit two more museum which is located in Dattatrya area. They have preserved the history beautifully but still there seems the more area to be focused and reform..

There is nothing special as compared to others museum but it was good .The good point is if you take ticket of one museum yo can see the dattaterya temple museum also. You have to explore this museum Thank you 😍

The Siddhivatsala temple is depicted as the stone temple 'Lohan Deg.' Behind Siddhi-Vatsala lies Yantra-Vatsala, a one-story red temple.

Amazing example of the rich Nepali architecture. One of the major attractions of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.The temple is also known as Lohan dega, the stone temple. The temple sets out a platform to enjoy the breathtaking festivals of Bhaktapur like Gai Jatra.

Siddhi Lakshmi Temple, attractive 17th-century stone temple, is stand in east side of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

The attractive 17th-century stone Siddhi Lakshmi Temple stood by the southeastern corner of Bhaktapur palace until it collapsed in the 2015 earthquake. The steps up to where the temple once stood remain and are flanked by male and female attendants, each leading a child and a rather eager-looking dog. On successive levels the stairs are flanked by horses, garlanded rhinos, human-faced lions and camels. The temple itself was built in the classic shikhara style, commonly seen in northern India. Behind the temple is a neglected corner that contains a pair of massive, lost-looking curly haired stone lions.

It is one of four Vatshala temple within Bhaktapur Dubar square often mistaken as Siddhi Laxmi temple, which is located just west/right side of Siddhi Vatshala Temple.

It is five storage Temple Bharatpur City Darbar city of Sri Lakshmi Temple very good Temple

Very nice stone temple built in Shikhar style.

Located at just 16km away from the chaos of Kathmandu city, One of the most important temples of Goddess Durga, Vatsala Durga Temple is located at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The temple is famous for its amazing architecture design constructed uniquely among other temples in Bhaktapur. Late king Jagat Prakash Malla built this temple in 1672 in the name of Goddess Durga to protect our historical significance and culture. You can find many devotees visiting this temple to perform pujas and yagnas for the goddess to gain happiness, prosperity, purity, and salvation in life. A huge Taleju bell is just located at the side of the temple to mark morning and evening prayers. The most famous and attractive 55 Windows Royal Palace is also situated opposite to this temple. This area is surrounded by many religious temples and attractions so, you can find many tourists roaming around this place. We would recommend you to visit this important religious site if you are near the Bhaktapur area of Kathmandu valley.

Originally built in the mid 17th century, this temple was remodeled by Bhupatindra Malla in the name of his deceased father. The inside of the Nṛtya vatsalā consists of a statue of dancing Shiva and a tall mound like structure (or the kalasa) of the goddess Vatsalā Devi. Vatsalā literally means loving mother in Sanskrit and hence is a mother goddesses believed to protect Bhaktapur. If you ever get a chance to glimpse inside statue, don't forget to observe a religious map of Bhaktapur on its head of the structure there.

Very good

The Batsala Temple is the shikhara style temple, which was built by King Jagat Prakash Malla and is similar to the Krishna Temple in Patan. In the front of the temple is a large Taleju Bell erected by King Ranajit Malla in 1737. Sadly the temple was completely destroyed in the April 25th earthquake in Nepal. It is currently it is restored (2020). Several smaller monuments have been rebuilt near it. The Vatsala Durga Temple is made from sandstone and sits beside King Bhupatindra Malla's statue directly in front of the Royal Palace of 55 Windows. Though sandstone its appearence is more of limestone. The Taleju Bell was placed there to mark morning and evening prayers at the Taleju Temple and is undamaged. There are several restaurants behind the temple which make for great viewing areas over Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Visited this temple back in 2012 before the devastating Gorkha earthquake flattened this beautiful Shikhara style temple. This temple was constructed in sandstone and is built upon a three-stage plinth. The bell in front of the temple is the Telaju Bell, or the bell of barking dogs. Apparently when it was rung every morning when goddess Taleju was worshiped, the dogs will barked and howled. Mysteriously, this bell survived the 2015 earthquake.

Vatsala Temple was a stone temple dedicated to goddess Vatsala Devi that included many carvings. It was most famous for its silver bell, known to local residents as "the bell of barking dogs" as when it was rung, dogs in the vicinity barked and howled. The colossal bell was hung by King Ranjit Malla in 1737 AD and was used to sound the daily curfew. It was rung every morning when goddess Taleju was worshiped. Despite the Temple being completely demolished by the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, the bell remains intact.

This stone temple is without doubt a smaller version of the Patan Krishna mandir. It has three steppen base. The colonnade has fourteen octagonal pillars like the Patan temple. There is no upper storey, but there are eight features above the cornice; at the corners are octagonal turrets, in the form of miniature temples, and four small pavilions are set on the faces of the Shikhara. The structure is completed by a tapering Shikhara and a finial with two bell-shaped members, amalakas, kalasha, and a trident. The temple was built by Bhupatindra Malla in the late seventeenth or early eighteenth century and consecrated to Batsala Devi. She is probably a form of Durga as the goddess in the pavilion above the main door and the image of as eighteen-armed Mahishamardini located inside the sanctum door suggest. - Kathmandu Valley Inventory

The Golden Gate (Sundhoka) in Bhaktapur is one of Nepal’s most impressive and sacred historical landmarks. Located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, this gate is widely admired for its exquisite craftsmanship and deep cultural significance. Visitors are often amazed by the level of detail and devotion that went into creating this monument. Built during the reign of King Ranjit Malla, the gate serves as the entrance to the inner courtyard of the old royal palace, known as Mul Chowk. Its front is covered in richly gilded copper and gold-plated figures, featuring intricate carvings of deities and mythical creatures. The gate is not just a display of artistic talent — it’s a powerful symbol of Nepalese devotion to culture and religion. It shows how spiritually rich and culturally proud the Nepalese people have always been. They were so deeply committed to honoring their traditions that they created a gate adorned with gold for their gods and rulers. Anyone visiting Bhaktapur should not miss this masterpiece. The Golden Gate is more than just a historic site — it’s a reminder that Nepal’s true wealth lies in its art, history, and faith. A must-see for lovers of culture and heritage.

They spent 4 generations of time to complete the construction of this gate.

The golden gate has character but the inner temple is devoid of soul. The authorities insistance on only allowing Hindus is ludicrous as the inner temple is totally abandoned and one can feel no social vibration in it. Such dogmatism only brings more degradation and destruction

My Experience here was absolutely disgusting. The worst case on animal abuse that I have ever seen in my life. Two men were herding approximately 6 young goats and a buffalo calf into the Hindu temple(for sacrifice I’m assuming)The men were literally beating the animals to the point that one of the goats couldn’t even stand up.

This gate, made of gold, has intricate designs that makes it stand out.

one of the most interesting places in bhaktapur durbar square.. every temple and structure in durbar square is interesting and must visit.

The Golden Gate of Bhaktapur which opens to the 55 Windows Palace.

The time spent was memorable. When you are bored then prefer to visit this place, feed fishes and get chill.

Nice place for time pass.

Beautiful and quiet place

Beautiful ❤️💕😽🥰 place

Best historical places

So much nice pic

Good place