Bhaktapur is one of the Kathmandu Valley's three ancient city-states. Bhaktapur's central Square is flanked by several historic temples, palaces, and courtyards.

The Square, which has a surface area of around 4 acres, is renowned for its distinctive architecture, fine carvings, and extensive history. The Golden Gate, the 55-Window Palace, the Vatsala Temple, the Bhairava Nath Temple, the Nyatapola Temple, and the Dattatreya Temple are a few of the prominent buildings on the square.

The Taleju Temple's courtyard is reached by the Golden Gate, a stunning golden gateway. One of the buildings in the area that attracts the most photos is the gate, which is covered with beautiful sculptures of numerous deities. The goddess Siddhi Lakshmi is honored at the five-story Nyatapola Temple, which is built in the manner of a pagoda. The temple, one of the highest buildings in the Square, is renowned for its exquisite carvings and lovely architecture.

1. How do I get to Bhaktapur Durbar Square from Kathmandu?
2. Traveling and Accommodation Cost to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
3. Necessary Items to Entry Bhaktapur Durbar Square
4. Best Time to Visit
5. Avoiding Certain Activities at Bhaktapur Durbar Square
6. Things to Do and See in the Location
7. Conclusion - Bhaktapur Durbar Square Ultimate Guide 

In general, everyone interested in history, culture, or architecture should visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The square is a superb illustration of the distinctive fusion of Hindu and Buddhist architecture that can be seen in the Kathmandu Valley and is a monument to the rich legacy of Nepal.

How do I get to Bhaktapur Durbar Square from Kathmandu?

A cab or public transit may be used to go to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is just 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu's downtown. Below is a thorough description of the route to take:

• Via Public Transportation: Get a city bus or microbus in Kathmandu at the Ratna Park Bus Station close to the Thamel tourist area. Find a bus going in that direction, either Suryabinayak or Bhaktapur. Depending on the amount of traffic, the trip takes around one hour. The square is only a short stroll away from the bus station. Ask locals for instructions or pay attention to the signage.
• By Taxi: Take a cab from the Thamel tourist area or the Kathmandu city center. Negotiable cab fares are available. To go to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, request a cab from the driver. Usually, drivers will let you off near the entrance because they are accustomed to the region. You may also reserve a cab or a private vehicle in advance using your accommodation or a travel company.

Remember that only pedestrians are permitted at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and cars are not permitted there. At the entrance, it will take you 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the main square.

 

Traveling and Accommodation Cost to Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Your choice of lodging and mode of transportation will influence how long you are willing to stay and which kind of transportation you will choose to travel from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The following expenses are approximately estimated:

• Using Public Transit:
  The cost of a local bus or microbus from Ratna Park Bus Station in Kathmandu to the bus stop in Bhaktapur is NPR 30 to NPR 40 per person. Cost per passenger, round-trip: NPR 60–80.
• Taxi fare: NPR 800-1000 for a one-way ride from Kathmandu's city center or the tourist area of Thamel to Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
  Cost of each cab for the entire roundtrip: NPR 1600–2000

 

Please take note that these are only rough estimates and may change based on the time of day, the flow of traffic, and your ability to haggle. For non-Nepalis, entry fees could be required to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. For international tourists, the admission price as of September 2021 was NPR 1,500 per person.

Expenses of lodging

• Guesthouses on a Budget: You can stay at guesthouses on a budget in Bhaktapur for as little as NPR 500–800 (about USD 4–7) each night. These lodgings typically have minimal amenities like shared restrooms and no air conditioning.
• Hotels in the middle of the price range: Mid-range hotels in Bhaktapur can range in price from NPR 2,000 to 5,000 (about USD 17 to 43) per night. These motels typically include basic amenities like air conditioning and private toilets.
• Hotels of a higher standard: A couple of Bhaktapur's hotels of a higher standard have nightly rates that can reach NPR 10,000 (about USD 86). These hotels provide opulent lodging, first-rate amenities, and superior customer service.

Some hotels may charge extra for other amenities like breakfast, laundry, and Wi-Fi in addition to the listed costs. To confirm the rates and any supplemental fees, it is always a good idea to check the hotel's website or give them a call in advance.

Necessary Items to Entry Bhaktapur Durbar Square

There are a few things you should bring with you when visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

• As previously reported, there is an NPR 1,500 entrance fee for foreign tourists and an NPR 30 entrance cost for Nepali tourists to access Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Free entry is given to children under the age of ten.
• Visitors are recommended to dress modestly because Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a holy location. Wear something that conceals your shoulders and legs. Wearing shorts, tank tops, or exposing attire is not recommended.
• Shoes or sandals that are comfortable and robust are recommended because the ground at the square can be uneven.
• Carry a water bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated while visiting the square.
• Sunscreen and a hat are essential items to have in Bhaktapur because of how hot it may become there during the day. In order to avoid being burned, bring sunscreen and a hat.
• Bring your camera or smartphone to record moments since Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a stunning and historic location.
• Cash is always a good idea to take around for modest purchases and entrance fees, even if some of the stores and restaurants around the Square may accept credit cards.

Keep in mind to respect the site's cultural and religious significance and to abide by the norms and regulations established by the authorities.

Best Time to Visit

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is best visited in the fall and spring when the weather is lovely and dry. The autumn months of September through November are thought to be the greatest times to go since the weather is calm and the skies are clear, which is ideal for exploring the historic structures and temples in the Square. It's ideal for outdoor activities due to the warm weather and bright days.

The spring season, which runs from March to May, is also a great time to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square because the weather is temperate and pleasant with sporadic rains. The square is made even more beautiful by the streets and environs, which are a vibrant green and lush with flowers and trees in bloom.

Bhaktapur experiences a substantial dip in temperature from December through February, and it may get extremely chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. However, the wintertime provides bright skies, which makes it perfect for taking beautiful pictures of the distant mountains covered in snow.

It is not recommended to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square during the monsoon season (June to August), as the rains can make the streets and surroundings muddy and there is a chance of landslides in some places.

Avoiding Certain Activities at Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Visitors are urged to behave properly and abide by the norms and regulations established by the government as Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a major cultural and religious landmark. While visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square, guests should refrain from the following activities:

• Monuments should not be touched or scaled. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is home to numerous historic and culturally significant temples and monuments. In order to preserve the monuments for future generations, visitors are encouraged not to touch or climb on them.
• Littering or smoking: It is against the law to litter or smoke in the square. Visitors are asked to place their rubbish in the appropriate cans and ashtrays.
• Visitors are asked to conduct themselves properly and dress modestly. Be respectful of the site's cultural and religious significance and refrain from rowdy conduct.
• Taking pictures in restricted areas: Visitors are asked to respect the no-photography zones at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Watch for signage indicating locations where photographs are forbidden.
• Creating a disturbance in the peace: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a quiet and serene area, so visitors are asked to refrain from playing loud music or carrying out other disruptive activities.
• Pigeon feeding: Pigeon feeding is prohibited in the square because it may harm the historic structures and monuments there.

Visitors can ensure a pleasant and polite experience while visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square by adhering to these rules.

Things to Do and See in the Location

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a must-see location for anybody with an interest in history, architecture, or culture. Here are some activities and sights to see in the area:

• The culturally and historically significant ancient temples and monuments can be found all around Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Explore them. The Nyatapola Temple, Bhairava Nath Temple, and Vatsala Temple are a few of the temples that are must-see.
• Visit the museums: The Woodcarving Museum and the Bhaktapur Durbar Museum, both of which are situated inside the square and provide insight into the history and culture of the region, respectively.
• Try the local cuisine: Juju dhau (yogurt), bara (lentil pancakes), and chatamari are just a few of the locally produced foods in Bhaktapur, which is known for its Newari cuisine. (rice flour crepe).
• See the potters at work: Bhaktapur is well-known for its pottery, and tourists may see the potters creating traditional clay pots and other objects while they are at work.
• Attend a festival: Bhaktapur hosts a number of celebrations all through the year where tourists may take in the brilliant hues, lively music, and traditional customs of the area.
• Buy mementos: Bhaktapur is renowned for its handicrafts, and tourists can buy ceramics, woodcarvings, and traditional fabrics as mementos.
• Wander through the alleyways and narrow pathways that encircle the square. Visitors can explore these passageways to find hidden gems and gain insight into how inhabitants go about their everyday lives.

These are only a handful of the numerous activities and sights available in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Conclusion - Bhaktapur Durbar Square Ultimate Guide 

Visitors may get a sense of Nepal's rich history and culture at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a historical and cultural attraction. Numerous historic and culturally significant museums, monuments, and temples from antiquity may be found on the square. Visitors can stroll through the winding lanes and alleyways, sample the cuisine, and buy crafts and trinkets. 

 

Visitors must, however, abide by the laws and ordinances established by the authorities, act with respect, and refrain from engaging in specific behaviors including touching or climbing on monuments, smoking, leaving trash, and disrupting the calm. The seasons of fall and spring, when the weather is good and the festivals are in full flow, are the greatest times to visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. With its extensive past, thriving culture, and stunning architecture, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Nepal.