Bhaktapur, locally known as Bhadgaon, is a historic city in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It is located about 10 miles east of the Capital city of Kathmandu. And it is home to many ancient temples, royal palaces, and other cultural and historical landmarks. Making a Bhaktapur Tour will let you know more about this ancient city. 

The most popular places to see in Bhaktapur during a day tour to Bhaktapur – include the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, Pottery Square, and Taumadhi Square. These are the main tourist attraction in Bhaktapur. Along with these places, you can visit Sidda Pokhara, Rani Pokhara, some old museums, an art, and craft school, and the painting school too. 

Additionally, you can also visit the Changu Narayan Temple, which is located on a hill overlooking the Bhaktapur and Kathmandu valley. And it is considered one of the oldest temples in Nepal. There are many travel and tour companies offering guided tours of Bhaktapur and the surrounding regions. Or you can explore the authentic city on your own.

After exploring this amazing city, if you want to spend some time in nature you can combine it with Nagarkot Hiking. Because it will be the best ever trip to Nepal.

History of Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, also known as Khopa and Bhadgaon in the local language and is one of the oldest cities in the Kathmandu Valley. In the written history of Nepal, It was founded in the 9th century and it was the major center of trade and commerce in the region. 

The city was also a key center of the arts, painting, sculpture, and other forms of artistic expression. Touring for a day to Bhaktapur might be not enough to see and feel all these things in Bhaktapur. 

Bhaktapur has a long history of a series of kings and queens, who ruled the kingdom. And who built many of the city’s milestones, including the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Nyatapola Temple, and the Taumadhi Square. 

The city’s flourishing age was during the Malla empire (from 1200 to 1769), at that time it was the capital of Nepal. Bhaktapur was the powerful center of Hinduism and Buddhism, with many temples and monasteries located throughout the city. And it’s still the main attraction of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimages. 

In the late 18th century, Bhaktapur was conquered by the Gurkha’s King Prithivi Narayan Shah and it become part of the greater Nepal. Afterward in the 19th and 20th centuries, the city began to decline in value as Kathmandu grew in size and authority. 

However, Bhaktapur remains an important cultural and historical site in Nepal and is a popular tourist destination. And it’s one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites from Nepal. 

How to get Bhaktapur for a day excursion

There are several ways to get to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu if you want to make a Bhaktapur Tour. 

• By Public Bus: The most affordable way to get to Bhaktapur is by taking a public bus. Buses leave frequently from the New Bus Park Gongabu and Ratnapark Bus Park Ratnapark. The journey will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Also, depending on the traffic on the road and the time you are traveling. If you are traveling during office hours – the morning from 9 to 10 and the evening from 4 to 5 will be longer. The fare is typically around NPR 40-60 per person for one way.

• By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi to go to Bhaktapur. This is a more expensive way of transportation but easier too. If you are in a group or have a lot of luggage Taxi is the best choice to travel to Bhaktapur.

• By Bike: If you prefer a more active mode of transportation, then you can rent a bike and ride to Bhaktapur. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace. And even you can hire a motorbike which is faster than other modes of transportation.

• By Ride-Sharing Option: Nowadays in Nepal, there are many ride-sharing options are available. Such as Pathao, Sajilo, and many more. This option is available on both motorbikes and Taxis. This option is easier and cheaper than other options.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, it is recommended to make arrangements in advance to ensure a beautiful and safe journey during the Bhaktapur Day Tour.

Places to visit during Bhaktapur Tour

The historic city of Bhaktapur is known for its many temples, palaces, and other cultural and historical landmarks. Here are some of the popular places to visit in Bhaktapur, when you do a day trip to Bhaktapur. 

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This is the main square in Bhaktapur and inside this square, there are many types of temples, palaces, and other monuments. The Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And this is very famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history.

• Nyatapola Temple: This is a five-story pagoda-style temple that is located in the center of Bhaktapur. This is one of the five-story temples in Nepal. And it is considered one of the tallest temples in Nepal and is a popular tourist attraction in Bhaktapur. This Temple is inside the Taumadhi Square

• Pottery Square: This is one of the squares in Bhaktapur that you must visit during the Bhaktapur Day Tour. Where we can see the local potters create traditional clay pots and other Chemistry. It is a great place to watch the potters at work and to buy some handmade pottery.

• Changu Narayan Temple: This is an ancient historic temple that is located on a hilltop. It is considered one of the oldest temples in Nepal and is a popular tourist attraction. And also one of the World UNESCO Heritage sites from Nepal.

Why you should do Bhaktapur Day Tour

• Cultural and historical significance: Bhaktapur is a city with an ancient and rich history. It was an important center of trade, commerce, and the arts for centuries. And this is the home of many temples, palaces, and other cultural and historical sites from Nepal. As a consequence, Bhaktapur is a must-visit travel destination for those interested in observing Nepal’s cultural and historical ancestry.

• World-class architecture: Bhaktapur is known for its outstanding architecture, which shows the city’s rich cultural and historical traditions. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Nyatapola Temple, and other landmarks are popular tourist attractions because of their stunning and ancient architecture.

• Traditional arts and crafts: Bhaktapur is very popular for its traditional handy crafts, such as pottery and woodcarving. The Pottery Square and other artisanal attractions are popular places to visit while doing Bhaktapur Tour.

• Culinary traditions: Bhaktapur is also known for its rich culinary traditions. The Newari community are the indigenous people and they are very popular for their own food. Nowadays Bhaktapur is very popular for JujuDhau (Local Yogurt). And in Bhaktapur, there are many restaurants and food stalls serving traditional Newari, Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian dishes. This makes Bhaktapur a popular destination for foodies.

• Presence to Kathmandu: Bhaktapur is located just a short distance from Kathmandu, making it an easy and suitable day tour from Kathmandu

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