Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Located in the current town of Bhaktapur, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting many tourists. While the complex consists of at least four distinct squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square, the whole area is informally known as the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and is a highly visited site in the Kathmandu Valley.

Attractions

55 Window Palace - One of the major attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square is 55 Window Palace. This is the main architectural structure dominating the entire Durbar Square. This magnificent monument was built in 15th century AD. Seated on a huge column top in a position of prayer to God is King Bhupatindra Malla.

Golden Gate - This is the main entrance to the palace. The craftsman who worked on this wonderful gate made it look heavenly.

Lion's Gate - Adorned with two beautiful stone statues of Hindu deities on either side, it is said that the hands of the artisans, who worked on the gate, were cut off immediately after they gave a finishing touch to it. A jealous Bhadgaon King did this so that the artisan could not produce any more of such arts.

Mini Pashupati Temple - Also popularly known as a royal dream temple by many, there is a popular myth attached to the temple. Once a Bhadgaon King who was a great devotee to Lord Pashupati had a dream in which Lord told the king to build a temple for Pashupati right in front of this palace.

Vatsala Temple - Dedicated to a mother Goddess, this temple is full of intricate works on stone. Famed for its dog-barking bell, the bell is believed to produce a death knell when it is rung up in the temple.

Nyatapola Temple - This is the most famous and highest pagoda of Nepal ever built with such architectural perfection and artistic beauty. This temple is dedicated to Sidhilaxmi, the tantric goddess of supreme power and success.

Best time to visit
Characterised by a mild climate, Bhaktapur in the summer has a temperature from 19-27°C. In the winter (November till February), it can be cold. Temperatures are ranging from 2°C till 15°C. The best time to visit Kathmandu is in the spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November). Temperatures are around 20°C till 25°C. During these months, the sky is very clear so that you can see the Himalaya. Beautiful!