One of the three main ancient kingdoms nestled in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a treasure trove of Nepal’s rich history and stunning architecture, drawing inquisitive travelers from around the world.

Unbreakable temples, masterpieces of 12th century wood art, and intricately carved statues of Hindu dieties are among the things to see in Bhaktapur. Its complex designed structures speak volumes of the city’s royal legacy, cultural and artistic prominence during its zenith.

While travelers are certain to hear about Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur is also one of the best Kathmadu tourist attractions that should not be missed. Wandering through its ancient streets is a must do while in the famous mountain valley.

Travelers often couple Bhaktapur to Nagarkot day-hike to see the magnificent Mount Everest and the white topped peaks of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is just an hour away from this gorgeous city where you can see traditional Nepal villages, and walk through serene forests to see the sun setting behind the Himalayan peaks.

But if you don’t want a Nagarkot hike but would still like to learn about Bhaktapur so you don’t miss the significant parts of the city, we recommend booking a guided tour. But before you head there, read on to find out why this square is a must visit.

What is Bhaktapur Durbar Square

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a medieval kingdom situated in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, which is part of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. This kingdom was built in the 12th century as the royal palace of the Malla kings who ruled all of the Kathmandu Valley during that era.

Bhaktapur was once considered to be the biggest and grandest of the three Durbar Squares in Nepal but constant earthquakes made irreplaceable damages to the kingdom. Out of the initial 99 courtyards only 15 remain today. That said, the durbar square is still a sight to visit.

The square once served as as the royal seat of power for many centuries and became the central hub of politics, religion, and culture. The kingdom flourished as a center for art, architecture, trade, and craftsmanship, attracting artisans and craftsmen who contributed to the construction of its iconic structures.

Throughout its history, Bhaktapur Durbar Square underwent multiple renovations, expansions, and additions under different rulers. It boasts a remarkable ensemble of palaces, courtyards, temples, statues, and monuments, showcasing exquisite medieval Newari architecture and intricate woodcarvings that are emblematic of the city’s ancient heritage.

The square suffered significant damage during the 2015 earthquake leaving a lot of the structures in shambles. But quick restoration programs and construction quickly pieced back the broken buildings as it once was.

Today, Bhaktapur Durbar Square holds significant historical and cultural importance, reflecting the rich heritage of Nepal.

So for those curious about the must-see things in Bhaktapur that remains today, here are a few major structures from the ancient Kingdom that still stands in all their glory.

Nyatapola Temple

Undoubtedly the most iconic structure in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Nyatapola Temple is an awe-worthy structure made with art, engineering and architecture.

Built in the 18th century, this temple is the highest structure in the nation and the tallest in the valley. It was constructed in 1702 during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla who was the ruler of Bhaktapur then. The temple was built to honor Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi and the temple’s sanctum sanctorum contains her idol.

This sanctum sanctorum is only accessible to priestess while the rest of the temple including its narrowing stairs is accessible to the public. The temple is constructed in such a way that the stairs narrow out and thins as it gets higher, making it difficult for an average person to climb.

This is done on purpose to show the strength and importance of the statues built along the stairs. It starts out with Bhaktapur’s strongest men, Jayamel and Phattu, (famous wrestlers) at the bottom, followed by two elephants, then two lions, and then two griffins. The final statues are of the Baghini” and “Singhini”, the tiger and lion goddesses, who are the most powerful of them all.

While the art side of the temple is gorgeous, Nyatapola is also considered to be elite in its engineering and it withstood two major earthquakes in Kathmandu with zero damage, showing how durable and well made the structure is.

55 Windows Palace

A sign of love and matrimony as well as a masterpiece of medieval Nepal architecture, the 55 Window Palace was constructed in the 18th century by King Jitamitra Malla for his 55 wives. It’s a beautiful architecture of distinguished brown and black that stands out from the rest of the buildings in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

What’s fascinating about this palace is that, despite it being wildly known as a monument of King Jitamitra Malla, it was originally built as far back as 1427 AD. But for what purpose? The answer to that is still unknown.

The Royal Bath

On the grounds of the 17th century royal palace of Bhaktapur, a unique and distinguished pool stands amidst the area with water still collected in its basin. This pool, known as the Naga Pokhari, was once used as a royal bath for the Malla Kings.

The pool is encircled by an elaborately carved stone cobra and more of these statues surround the pool. These snakes are regarded as water deities and guards those who enter the pool. Naga Pokhari can be accessed by all visitors and you can even go down to its basin to take a look at the magnificent spout designed in the form of a goat being eaten by a makara, a guardian protecting throne rooms and gateways.

Changu Narayan

While not exactly in the Durbar Square, the Changu Narayan is situated in the area of Bhaktapur and can be easily visited with a combined tour of Bhaktapur to Changu Narayan or with an added Nagarkot mountain hike on the same day.

Dedicated to the Hindu mythology deity Lord Vishnu, Changu Narayan is a two story pagoda with ancient carvings and statues as far back as 325 AD.

This temple is the oldest one in Nepal and is still in use till date in the Kathmandu Valley. The temple has survived natural disasters in 1702 and 2015, showcasing its superior architecture and construction methods.

The temple is also known for its diagonal beams supporting the pagoda roofs and is a sight to look at due to its intricate carvings of the temple’s gods in various depictions. But the highlight of sculpture and architecture at Changu Narayan is its courtyard.

With statues dating back to the Licchavi era (year 400 to 750 AD), the temple’s courtyard is a work of art and includes four doorways (each facing a different direction) each with a pair of animals guarding the entrances.

National Art Gallery

At the western end of Bhaktapur Durbar Square sits the kingdom’s old palace. Now converted into an art gallery of historic significance, this National Art Gallery is one of the best museums in the whole of Bhaktapur. Inside this old palace, visitors can see items dating back from the 12th century. The first floor of the gallery contains historic items such as stone inscriptions, statues of various Hindu gods and goddesses as well as the masks of Nava Durga which are considered to be the most prestigious deities of Bhaktapur.

Head to the first floor of the museum and you fill find paintings of different eras and centuries old palm leaf manuscripts that tells tales and stories of days from a bygone era when kings and myths ruled Nepal.

Have a look at pottery and carvings

Situated in the Durbar Square’s potter square, this local art takes center stage on the streets of the old kingdom. Women and men in traditional attire can be seen sitting on the streets of this square, carving and creating hundreds of authentic Newari pottery kilns and clay ware. You can also see these several dozen newly created mud pots sitting in a neat line out in the sun to dry.

So if you’re looking for a place where you can take home some real authentic Nepali items, make your self feel at ease on this Bhaktapur Potter Square.

Sukuldhoka Bazar

To feel the hustle and bustle of Nepal where the natives, foreigners and travelers equally bargain, buy and walk around is the Sukuldhoka Bazar. Tucked in between Bhaktapur Durbar Square’s ancient kingdom, this bazaar sells everything from handcrafts to jewelry. A perfect souvenir street, Sukuldhoka Bazaar comes alive with its hub of shoppers and sellers amidst the historic setting of Kathmandu’s kingdom.

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