Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is a Newar city of temple squares, pagodas and woodcarving, about 13 km east of Kathmandu.

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Bhaktapur is a historic city in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, about 13 km from Kathmandu. It is the district headquarters of Bhaktapur District and Nepal's smallest municipality by area, and one of its most densely populated towns. Around 90% of residents are Newar, and Newar traditions, food and crafts are its best-known features. The city was the capital of the Malla kings, and UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site since 1979 for its well-preserved medieval character.

Most sights sit in the squares and can be reached on foot. Durbar Square was the former royal palace complex, with the Palace of Fifty-five Windows and the Golden Gate. Taumadhi Square holds the Nyatapola, a five-roofed pagoda and the city's most famous structure. Potters and handicraft makers here are known across Nepal. The 1934 and 2015 earthquakes damaged many buildings, and some Durbar Square buildings still show the damage. Plan at least a day for the squares. Biska Jatra, a spring festival, is held in the city.

Bhaktapur in five

Buy the Durbar Square ticketForeign visitors pay an entry fee for Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the former royal palace complex. Check the current price at the ticket counter before you walk in.
Book a room near the squaresMost main sights are in the squares in the middle of town, so a room close to Taumadhi or Durbar Square saves trips out.Where to stay
Walk between the squaresTaumadhi Square, Durbar Square and Dattatraya Square are all reachable on foot. Save transport for Changu Narayan, about 6 km north.Getting around
Check the Biska Jatra and Sāpāru datesBiska Jatra is a spring festival, and Sāpāru is a carnival where most of the city's traditional masked dances are performed. Confirm the dates before you book.Festivals
Try juju dhau, the buffalo-milk yogurtJuju dhau is a yogurt made from buffalo milk and is the city's most popular local food.

Things to do in Bhaktapur

See all attractions in Bhaktapur

Sight · BhaktapurPotters’ Sq

Sight · BhaktapurFasidega Temple

Temple · BhaktapurNyatapola Temple

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to BhaktapurPut the places you like in Bhaktapur on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Entry: Visa on arrival or e-visa for most passports; Indian citizens need no visa Read more
Emergency: 100 police, 101 fire, 102 ambulance
Tipping: Not covered here; ask locally
Time: UTC+5:45, no daylight saving

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear5 rainy daysHigh16°Low5°Cold, hazy
FebruaryClear7 rainy daysHigh18°Low7°Cool, hazy
MarchPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh22°Low11°Dry, warming
AprilRain13 rainy daysHigh26°Low14°Biska Jatra
MayRain24 rainy daysHigh25°Low16°Hot, pre-monsoon
JuneRain28 rainy daysHigh25°Low19°Monsoon rains
JulyRain31 rainy daysHigh24°Low19°Heavy rain
AugustRain31 rainy daysHigh24°Low19°Rain, Sāpāru
SeptemberRain27 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh24°Low18°Rain, festivals
OctoberRain14 rainy daysHigh22°Low14°Clear, autumn
NovemberClear3 rainy daysHigh19°Low10°Clear, cool
DecemberClear2 rainy daysHigh17°Low7°Cold, hazy

Average daily high and low in Bhaktapur, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Bhaktapur

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 14°
Humidity: 100%
Wind: 2 km/h
Chance of rain: 0%

Bhaktapur

02:25 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+5:45

Today23°13°0%Tuesday: Fog. High 23°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed23°11°0%Wednesday: Fog. High 23°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 0%.
Thu23°10°0%Thursday: Fog. High 23°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri23°11°0%Friday: Fog. High 23°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sat22°10°16%Saturday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 16%.
Sun22°12°2%Sunday: Clear. High 22°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 2%.

Updated 11:31 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 152 NPR

Amount

Converted to

NPR · Nepalese Rupee

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Changu Narayanabout 6 km north of the cityA hill temple to Vishnu and one of the valley's oldest Hindu temples. It holds a 5th-century stone inscription, the oldest of its kind found in Nepal.
Kathmanduabout 13 km from BhaktapurThe capital and the usual starting point for a trip to the valley.Read the guide

Before you go to Bhaktapur

eSIM for NepalData for maps and bus searchesRead the guide

Travel insuranceMedical cover and trip delaysRead the guide

Money and cardsRupees, cash and card useRead the guide

Where to stayRooms near the squaresRead the guide

Rules for Bhaktapur, checked

Check visa rules for your passport with Nepal's Department of Immigration before you fly, since visa on arrival and e-visa eligibility differ by nationality.Source
Take off your shoes before you enter a temple or shrine, and leave them at the entrance.
Non-Hindus may not enter the Changu Narayan temple. See its outdoor monuments instead, such as the kneeling Garuda image that faces it.

Plan around Bhaktapur

Visas and entry

Visa on arrival, e-visa and the rules for your passport

Read the guide Getting around

Routes from Kathmandu and walking between the squares

Read the guide Money and costs

Rupees, cards, cash and typical prices

Read the guide Where to stay

Rooms near the squares and in Kathmandu

Read the guide Festivals

Biska Jatra in spring and the Sāpāru carnival

Read the guide All of Nepal

Regions, entry rules and transport for a wider Nepal trip

Read the guide

Bhaktapur FAQ

Is Bhaktapur worth visiting?

Yes, for its medieval squares, pagodas and woodcarving. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and its main sights are walkable.

How many days do you need in Bhaktapur?

One full day covers Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattatraya Square. Add a half day for Changu Narayan, about 6 km north, or for the ponds and water spouts.

Can you visit Bhaktapur as a day trip from Kathmandu?

Yes. The city is about 13 km from Kathmandu, so a day trip works well. Stay overnight if you want the squares after the day visitors leave.

What is the Nyatapola?

It is a five-roofed pagoda in Taumadhi Square and the city's most famous structure. It was completed in Nepal Samvat 882.

Why is Bhaktapur called the City of Devotees?

The name Bhaktapur is usually translated as City of Devotees. Locals also call the city Khwopa, and it was historically known as Bhadgaon.

Is Bhaktapur a Newar city?

Yes. About 90% of residents are Newar, and Newar traditions, food and crafts are its best-known features. The local dialect of Nepal Bhasa differs from the Kathmandu standard.