- Altitude: 1,401 m (4,596 ft)
- Timezone: GMT+5:45
- Currency: Nepalese Rupees (NPR)
- Entry Fee Required: For foreigners only (The fee is different for SAARC nationals and others)
- Local Food: Newari Cuisine, such as bara, chhoila, and chatamari and juju dhau(King Yogurt)
- Best Time to Visit: All seasons except for the monsoon
- Internet & SIM: NTC, Ncell (e-SIM available).
Bhaktapur is one of the tourists' favourite destinations for visiting and learning the local Newari culture and their art. Also, it’s considered the ideal place for artists and photographers.
It was the former capital of Nepal during ancient times. Due to its rich, century-old culture dating back to the time of the Lichchhavi Dynasty, people around the world are fascinated. Newari cultures and Traditions became more prominent during the Malla Dynasty and have flourished ever since.
Two out of 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country are situated here. They are the Bhaktapur Durbar Square area and the Changu Narayan Temple.
The durbar square area is famous for the 55-window palace, the Nyatapola Temple, and other pagoda-style temples. On the other hand, the special thing about the Changu Narayan Temple is that it’s Nepal’s oldest Hindu Temple.
Besides the country’s biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar, Bisket Jatra and Sa Paru (Gai Jatra) are the major festivals celebrated here. Also, Yomari Punhi is highly celebrated by making and selling Yomari (a sweet dumpling) in the streets.
Apart from ancient and cultural values, Bhaktapur is also famous for its natural beauty. One of the country’s popular hill stations, Nagarkot, is also situated in the same district, which is near the city. It’s the viewpoint famous for both sunrise and sunset views, from where Rolwaling, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal Ranges are visible, including a little part of Everest as well.
