While only a 30 minute drive from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur feels a world away. The third royal city in the Kathmandu Valley (the others being Kathmandu and Patan), Bhaktapur has been preserved far better than the other two, and is gorgeous. It also was our last stop in Nepal before heading home, making for the perfect finish to our trip. Andrew and I cannot wait to return one day soon, and explore this incredible country more. We just loved every minute!
One night is more than enough time to spend here, as it isn't a big city and you can easily explore the ancient streets by foot. The architecture and detailing in particular is really beautiful, with many old squares full of atmosphere. One of the highlights for us was staying in a stunning 700 year old Newari house (Peacock Guesthouse) overlooking Dattatreya Square - the oldest in Bhaktapur. Another and unexpected surprise was the local yoghurt, which Bhaktapur is famous for. I love yoghurt and I had never tasted anything so smooth, sweet and creamy in my life. It was SO good.
If you are looking for an alternate to Kathmandu or have time to explore the valley further after a trek, definitely head here. You wont regret it!
next: my big wrap-up with trekking info, our packing list and lots of tips and bits.
 |
| looking out our room |
 |
| durbar square |
 |
| taumadhi square |
 |
| potters square |
 |
| the most delicious yoghurt |
Last year I was making a plan to visit Nepal sometime in 2015, and Bhaktapur was on my wishlist alongside with Pokhara. However it seems like Nepal might have to wait since I will be visiting other places instead. It's really nice to see beautiful images of the town through your atmospheric photos, as always.
ReplyDeleteNepal is incredible and will be worth the wait!
DeleteHi Gemma, I'm in Bhaktapur now. It's such a magical and photogenic place. Everywhere I look there's always something interesting to be photographed! Some buildings in Bhaktapur's Durbar Square are damaged, but in Taumadhi and Dattatraya Squares most buildings are pretty much unscathed.
DeleteBeautiful pictures and very well written. I always wanted to travel there. I might as well next summer. Do you think it is too hot in mid july? I found a good deal on http://reservationcounter.com/ that's why i'm thinking of booking it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is monsoon season in July and will be more challenging to travel around Nepal. If you can go in either March/April or September/October, the weather will be much more favourable.
ReplyDelete