Best things to do in Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur's Unmissable Treasures

Bhaktapur, known as the 'City of Devotees,' is a UNESCO World Heritage site preserving the medieval culture of the Kathmandu Valley. This collection highlights the city's architectural mastery, from the soaring five-roofed Nyatapola Temple to the intricate wood carvings of Dattatreya Square. These sites showcase unique Newari Shikhara and pagoda styles, featuring stone monuments, terracotta structures, and sacred 'Dya Chhens' (god houses) that remain central to local festivals and daily rituals.

Bhaktapur's Unmissable Treasures — Map

Bijaya2043 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Nyatapola Temple

Nyātāpola is a five tiered temple located in the central part of Bhaktapur, Nepal.

B

Dattatreya Temple

Three-story temple built in 1427, traditionally said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. It is dedicated to Dattatreya, a syncretic representation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

C

Krishna Temple

Stone temple built in the Shikhara architectural style, dedicated to Lord Krishna and located within the Bhaktapur Durbar Square complex.

D

kedarnath temple

Terracotta Shikhara-style temple dedicated to Shiva, located near the entrance of Durbar Square.

E

Bhairabnath Temple

Three-story rectangular temple dedicated to Bhairab, the fierce manifestation of Shiva. It stands in Taumadhi Square adjacent to the Nyatapola Temple.

F

Badrinath Tirtha

Small stone temple dedicated to Vishnu, built in the Shikhara style common to the Kathmandu Valley.

G

Vatsala Shikhara

17th-century stone temple dedicated to the goddess Vatsala Devi, featuring a large bronze bell used to signal morning and evening prayers.

H

Siddhi Laxmi Temple

Stone temple from the 17th century featuring a staircase lined with guardian statues of horses, rhinos, lions, and camels.

I

Shilu Mahadev (Fasidega)

Prominent white Shikhara-style temple dedicated to Shiva, set atop a high five-tiered plinth with various guardian figures.

J

Badrinath Tirtha

Stone temple dedicated to Vishnu in his Badrinath incarnation, showcasing traditional Shikhara architecture.

K

Tripursundari Dya Chhen

Traditional Newari building serving as the residence for the goddess Tripurasundari, central to the city's religious processions.

L

Nawadurga Temple

Shrine dedicated to the nine forms of Durga, serving as a focal point for Bhaktapur’s traditional masked dances and annual festivals.

M

Mahakali dya chhen

Religious house dedicated to the goddess Mahakali, part of the city's network of sacred goddess dwellings.

N

Salan Ganesh

Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, situated near Dattatreya Square and significant in local Newari worship.

O

Bhimsen Temple

Two-story temple dedicated to Bhimsen, the deity of commerce and strength, particularly revered by the local merchant community.

P

mahadev temple

Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring traditional Newari religious architecture.