Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur has all the pleasures of a small and familiar centre with the advantages of a city. Good options for accommodation, restaurants, and markets are all close at hand. As added bonuses, it has impressive historic areas (including its own Durbar Square), fine architectural details (such as the carved peacock window), and is a short bus ride to Kathmandu. It makes a relaxed alternative to Kathmandu, and I would return at an instant.
Hotels and restaurants in Taumadhi Square make good places to sit back and watch life go by. It has a laid back and friendly vibe.
The city is famed for its high quality wooden carvings. An important example of that is the Pujari Math – the Peacock Window (shown below). After much time exploring carpentry workshops, I finally came away with a metre-long carving of the Peacock Window. It always brings a smile to my face when I look at it.
Durbar Square doesn’t have the frenzy of the historic centres of the same name in Kathmandu and Patan, but still has temples of great cultural, architectural, and historical importance. With little interruption, I was able to explore and enjoy the square to my hearts content.
Following the 2015 earthquake, much of Bhaktapur has undergone important restoration to return it to its splendour.
Durbar Square – Bhaktapur
Taumadhi Square
Around Bhaktapur
