Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day Tour

Trip Overview
  • Duration 1 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy or Grade A (*)
  • DestinationNepal
  • Meals & AccommodationLunch
  • Trip Start & EndKathmandu-Kathmandu
  • Trip TypeSightseeing
  • Major AttractionBhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day Tour Introduction

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day Tour is a one-day cultural experience specializing in Bhaktapur, a city that is home to Nepal's finest royal square, which is most known for its historically significant temples, magnificent palaces, and naturally vibrant city life. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an UNESCO World Heritage site, and visiting this unique area will take you back centuries in time.

Bhaktapur will provide you with the spectacular 55 Window Palace, the Golden Gate, the stunning Nyatapola Temple, and the not-so-famous Pottery Square. Guests have the opportunity to stroll through Bhaktapur's narrow winding streets and many squares, all while taking in authentic Newari craft, some culinary delights including Juju Dhau (King Curd), and a multitude of rituals that occur throughout Bhaktapur.

Overall, this tour provides guests with an excellent mix of history, architecture, and varied living heritage, providing you with an incredible experience of this destination, and we are highly confident a worthy stop in your travels through Nepal.

About Bhaktapur and Durbur Square

Located 13km east of the Kathmandu valley, Bhaktapur city is also popular as Bhadgaon or Khwopa. This ancient city is widely known as the city of culture, the city of devotees, or an open museum. It is the home of traditional Nepali culture and unique wooden and pottery art. Each and every piece of art reveals the medieval age culture and tradition of Nepal.

All of the monuments and sculptures reflect the century-old technique of craftsmanship. Truly it is Nepal’s cultural gem. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, in Bhaktapur allures a large number of domestic and international tourists.

The complex consists of four distinct squares namely Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square, however, the whole area is informally known as Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Many people visit this historical place to savour the beauty of the entire Durbar location. The spellbinding archaic beauty of the palace captivates any travellers. One’s visit to Nepal is incomplete without a reminiscing tour in Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur Durbur Square Tour Main Highlights

  • Come visit historic temples and palaces, some of which are older than 1000 years.
  • Take in all the stone carvings, as well as the large wooden carvings and carvings on the temples and palaces.
  • Walk through the local markets, visit the shops.
  • Take pictures of the 55-Window Palace and enjoy the construction process of the amazing structure.
  • Visit the beautiful design of the Vatsala Temple.
  • Enjoy the amazing Newari architecture.
  • You will be able to taste some Nepali snacks on the street from street vendors.
  • You experience local festivals and culture.
  • You see the famous Lion's Gate and Golden Gate.
  • Relax in public squares that have a great history.

History of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

After the establishment of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the 12th century, the Palace there had altogether 99 courtyards. However in the 18th century, out of 99 courtyards only 12 remained and today they are merely half that number.

Really, it is very difficult to determine the exact history of the Palace buildings. However, it is believed that the city was founded by the Malla King named King Anand Malla in the 12th century. In addition, the Kathmandu Valley was once ruled from Bhaktapur by the Mallas, until King Yakshya Malla divided the kingdom among his three sons in 1482 AD. Thereafter until the mid 18th century, Bhaktapur saw many battles.

Along with the division of the valley kingdoms, the Shah dynasty conquered them one after another. 

During this time the city not only faced battles and fights, but it also saw the great flourishment in the culture, art, and architecture. Mallas are the ones who began to flourish the fantastic art and sculptures in the city. Undoubtedly, the Malla reign contributed a lot to making the Bhaktapur city more cultural and architectural

Despite being close to the Kathmandu Valley the elegant art, fabulous culture, vibrant festivals, traditional dances, and indigenous lifestyle of the Newari people retain the ancient beauty of the Bhaktapur. You can still see the women of Bhaktapur in the traditional Newari attire which is referred to as Haku Patasi in the Newari language.

The majority of people here are farmers. They produce household items like clay pots, straw mattresses, clothes, and many more. Besides these, they also produce the JUJU DHAU, which you should taste during your visit to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

If you visit Bhaktapur city on the 1st day of the Nepalese New Year, you will get to see the BisketJatra. During this vibrant festival, chariots are pulled through the streets. Eventually, a tug of the war determines who will be blessed with good fortune in the upcoming year.

Private and Customizable One day Bhaktapur Tour in 2025, 2026

Our one-day Bhaktapur tour is designed for a private, custom itinerary based on your interests and wishes.

You can completely custom-tailor your day, you can spend the day exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square and/or observing the local pottery workshop, and stop at sites such as Changu Narayan Temple or local markets.

We offer the opportunity for private tours for individuals, couples, families, or groups. The benefit of a private tour is that guests can travel at their own pace and without worry. Our experienced tour guides can adjust the pace and sights according to your group.

What are the Main Places you will Visit in Bhaktapur Durbar Square Tour?

1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO Heritage site that serves as a cultural center for Bhaktapur and was once a collection of royal palaces. As a UNESCO Heritage site, the square informs us of the city’s history and tradition and exemplifies the region’s architectural and artistic expression.

The remains of temples, courtyards, and palaces over a century old remind us of the resources and significance of the Malla dynasty. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an inheritance of culture and craftsmanship from a singular Newari culture.

Highlights:

  • UNESCO Heritage site
  • Traditional Newari design
  • Historic and Royal courtyards
  • Museums and exhibit galleries
  • Locally handcrafted artisans and shops

2. Dattatraya Square

Dattatraya Square is the oldest square in Bhaktapur and is centered around the ancient Dattatraya Temple that was built in 1427 A.D.. While it is a much quieter space than other areas, it still retains the impressive nature of Bhaktapur and is highly culturally important. It is also well-known for wood carving.

The square holds a great deal of representations of cultural meaning, monuments, maths, and museums that give the visitor a more in-depth experience of the rich artistic and religious heritage of Bhaktapur.

Notable features:

  • Ancient Dattatraya Temple
  • Woodcarving Museum
  • Peacock Window (masterfully crafted design of woodcraft)
  • Worshipful theme of serenity
  • Traditional Newar homes

3. 55 Window Palace

The 55 Window Palace (Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar) is probably the most famous and iconic building in Bhaktapur. It was built by King Bhupatindra Malla, who had the 55 window palace built with its balcony and 55 carved wooden windows. 

The 55 window palace is not all open to the public, as the structure is part of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square Museum, part of history that carries visitors back to the splendid dimension of craftsmanship of the Malla period. 

What you can expect to see at the 55 window palace:

  • Iconic 55 carved windows
  • Former royal palace of the Malla kings
  • An architectural masterpiece
  • Part of the National Art Museum
  • Intricate wood and brickwork

4. Pottery Square

Pottery Square represents an active tradition of pottery. Artisans are thinking about lumps of clay, hand-crafting or wheel throwing them, and then drying their potted clay objects in sunny open-air courtyards.

You get to see pottery in real time, and even do some of your own pottery making, from wheel to kiln, and then take some home. The highlights of Pottery Square include: 

  • How traditional pottery is made, in action
  • A bright sunny courtyard of drying clay pottery
  • Local artisans making their piece of work
  • Pottery experience - hands-on
  • Shopping experience at the souvenir store

5. Bhairab Nath Temple

In the middle of Taumadhi Square stands the Bhairab temple. The Bhairab temple has a long history as well. The temple here was once a small building located within the larger pagoda-style temple constructed in the 18th century.

Bhairab is also the 'protector deity' of Bhaktapur, where the Bhairab temple serves as the focus of festivals like Bisket Jatra.

Key features:

  • 3-tiered pagoda-style structure
  • Shrine of Bhairab (the female form of Shiva).
  • Bhairab is featured prominently in the festivities during the Bisket Jatra.
  • An ancient bronze sculpture and woodwork.
  • The temple has historic, religious, and cultural significance.

6. Nyatapola Temple

Nyatapola Temple is the tallest pagoda temple in Nepal, built in 1702 AD. The temple has five stories employing Newari architecture.

The temple is dedicated to Siddhi Lakshmi, a Tantric goddess. The stairway is guarded by stone wrestlers, elephants, lions, and griffins, indicating strength and protection.

Tour highlights:

  • The tallest temple in Nepal.
  • Five-story pagoda-style temple.
  • Treasure is even hygienically protected inside the temple for Siddhi Lakshmi.
  • Stone muscle guardians are super impressive. 
  • Built with engineering to withstand earthquakes.

7. Taumadhi Square

Taumadhi Square is an energetic and lively square situated between the Nyatapola and Bhairab Nath Temples. Taumadhi Square acts as a celebration and festival space showing a mixture of culture, spirituality, and everyday lives, all with shops, shrines, street vendors, and so on. 

Highlights:

  • Home to Bhairab Nath & Nyatapola temples 
  • City centre for festivals 
  • Traditional Newari style architecture 
  • The people of Taumadhi Square and their lives

8. Batsala Temple

Batsala Temple is a Shikhara Temple that is devoted to Batsala Devi and is a stone temple with incredible carvings; a large bronze bell known as the "Bell of Barking Dogs" is a famous feature of the temple.

The original temple was damaged during the 2015 earthquake, and the work that remained has kept the temple looking very nice. 

Highlights:

  • Shikhara style temple
  • Batsala Devi temple
  • Intricate stone carving work
  • Barking Dog bronze Bell
  • History and spiritual experience

9. Mini Pashupatinath Temple

Located next to the main Durbar Square, this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the world's smallest version of the world-famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The temple's unique, top-of-the-hill and open-air situation makes it particularly potent with local ritual around the square.

Though there might be some smaller temples, it is still a temple with religious significance and features on the culture and background of Shiva worshipping in Bhaktapur.

Highlights: 

  • Shiva temple replica 
  • Religious significance 
  • Small and sacred place
  • Fine and ornate wood and stone
  • Quiet space for an experience and atmosphere within the square

10. Golden Gate

The Sun Dhoka, or Golden Gate, is a gold-plated entrance to the 55 Window Palace in Kathmandu. The stunning sea creatures and gods make it perhaps the most visually breathtaking piece of metal carving in Nepal.

Although the Golden Gate is both a spectacular piece of metal, it is the physical entrance into the inner courtyards of the palace. 

Features:

  • Entrance to a 55-window palace
  • A stunning piece of gold-plated art
  • The carvings of the Hindu god and other sea creatures
  • One of the best doors in Nepal
  • A Symbol of royal opulence

Fully Guided Bhaktapur Durbar Square Full Day Tour With Mountain Rock Treks

We employ licensed, English-speaking, and culturally trained guides who are experts and bring the local Malla-era stories of Bhaktapur people to life. For instance, while touring the Golden Gate and 55-Window Palace, the guides will narrate Malla-period history and local stories that will allow you to understand Bhaktapur better.

The tour is not just walking; you get to move at your own pace, have insider access to the artisan quarters of Pottery Square, and a stress-free day with the transport back and forth from your hotel in Kathmandu all arranged.

Extra Benefits with Our Company:

  • Private vehicle door-to-door pickup & drop-off
  • Government-licensed guide trained in history & culture
  • Assistance with all entry permits
  • Small group sizes (guided attention & comfort)
  • Flexible stops at temples, handicraft shops, and local eateries

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day tour Package Price 2025, 2026

The price for the Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day Tour package starts at $65.00 per person, with all packages being inclusive.

The value is usually based on a guided tour range with an accredited and qualified person, to show you around Bhaktapur's stunning square, including three points of interest, cultural/historical detail, and great knowledge, that we guarantee when you visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you see fully.

Departure Time for Bhaktapur Durbur Square Day Tour

You will depart for your Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day Tour each day from your Kathmandu hotel at 10:00 AM, when a private car and driver will collect you, and there are most likely no delays involved.

Since it is a fixed time every day, you can relax when you wake up in the morning, and then you can enjoy the culture of the ancient city of Bhaktapur to the fullest. 

If you decide you would like to do this last minute, we generally accept last-minute bookings. Simply contact us and we can assess the situation and organize a tour for you even if you wish to make a same-day reservation. 

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Itinerary

Each day of your tour, you will be picked up from your hotel at 10 am. The driver and car will be on time and ready to go.

Day to Day Info

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9:30 am - 10:00 am: Pre-Tour/Sightseeing Preparation.

Enjoy a good breakfast at the hotel. Your guide/office representative will stop by sometime around 9:45 am to check in to make sure you have everything you need (cameras, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, shoes) and to brief you on your pick-up.

10:00 am: Pick-up from the hotel and departure.

Your car and driver will be waiting outside the entrance of your hotel, on time. This is also where you will meet your local, English-speaking guide, who will review your itinerary, highlights, and answer any questions you may have.

Once you are settled in the car, you will begin your journey in a comfortable, air-conditioned car to the ancient city of Bhaktapur.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM: Drive to Bhaktapur 

After boarding your tour vehicle, you will be driving towards the Bhaktapur area. Additionally, you will also have a wonderful opportunity to capture some photos of the entire Kathmandu Valley as you travel East from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur.

The anticipated travel time to Bhaktapur is approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The guide may also provide a captivating monologue on the Kathmandu Valley and its development during your travel time to Bhaktapur, and may share what features may also set Bhaktapur apart. 

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM: Arrive in Bhaktapur and Introduction to Bhaktapur 

Once we arrive at the historic entry to Bhaktapur, the guide will help out with the entrance tickets, and it takes a few minutes to go through security and the etiquette of the UNESCO World Heritage site of sacred sites.

The guide will orient the participants to the layout of the city and point out a few significant sites which can be referred to from a map of the city for a self-guided tour.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Guided Exploration of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Before the tour, you will have a quick briefing, and then you will be on your guided tour to visit the inner heart of Bhaktapur’s amazing heritage and see many important sites in Bhaktapur.

The guided tour will include: Bhaktapur Durbar Square with the beautiful wood work and palaces, Dattatraya square with strange vihara that has a mixture of both Hindu and Buddhist architecture; the amazing wood work of the 55 Window Palace, watch the potters make pots at the potters square; visit the Bhairab Nath Temple; incredible Nyatapola Temple a 55 you Pagoda; experience Taumadhi Square all of the action; the beautiful Batsala Temple; the mini Pashupatinath; to the great Golden Gate and be prepared to see Bhaktapur’s great culture.

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch

About 2:00 PM, your guide will suggest a local restaurant or café (not included in the price of your trip, unless it's noted as part of your itinerary) for lunch.

They will, in fact, encourage you to try some local/traditional Newari food. Juju dhau (king curd), Bara, and/or Samay Baji (served with assorted gravies).

You can take advantage of this time for a lunch break from travelling on, because you will be reentering your unofficial responsibilities. 

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Free Time to Explore or Shop

After lunch (or even before lunch), you may simply decide to walk back to the many places you liked or wanted to buy handicrafts from.

Or, you may take this time for a casual walk through other streets and courtyards. You are free to ask your guide to pursue any further interpretations, suggestions or bespoke experiences ( i.e. spending more time in Pottery Square, or spending more time in the National Art Gallery).

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Depart back to Kathmandu

Meet your driver at the arranged pick-up location and get into your vehicle, which will also be comfortable with air conditioning for the drive back to your hotel.

You may want to contemplate what you have just seen that day, or if you want to go over anything else related to the tour with your guide that you are still wondering about. 

4:00 PM: Drop-off at your Hotel

You are back at your hotel. Your guide will be happy to answer any questions, plans or recommendations you are planning to explore.

You will always be returned safely to your hotel with the driver.

  • Lunch
  • 1 day

We are pleased to offer the flexibility of tailoring your journey to your desired duration and places, whether extended or shortened, as our proficient team of locals-cum-guides, porters, and accompanying staff have an in-depth understanding of every location traveled.

customize my trip

Cost Details

Includes

Airport Transfers

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off by a private vehicle before and after the Tour.

Pre-Tour Preparation

  • Pre-Tour briefing before the Tour.

Transportation

  • Private car/van transportation During the Tour from start to the end and for a different spot.
  • All ground transportation for guide staff as required.

Tour and Sightseeing

  • Bhaktapur city tour as per the program, including sightseeing
  • Per person, one city map

Meals

  • Lunch during the tour

Taxes and Fees

  • Nepal Government taxes

Guides

  • One professional, licensed, friendly, knowledgeable, and English-speaking Tour guide.

Additional Services

  • All organizing costs.

Excludes

International Travel and Visa

  • International airfare and Nepal Visa fees.

 

Meals and Accommodation in Cities

 

Personal Expenses

  • All personal expenses may include a Nepalese SIM card, internet, battery charging, hot shower, laundry, fizzy drinks, soda drinks (coke, Fanta, etc.), alcohol, etc.

 

Drinks and Extras

  • Mineral water and bar bills

 

Unforeseen Costs

  • Expenses incurred due to unavoidable Events, i.e., road wrecks, flight delays, etc.

 

Entrance Fee

  • Entrance Fee duing the sightseeing Tour

 

Tips and Gratitude

  • Tips for guide (it is expected).

 

Other Activities

  • Optional tours and sightseeing or any activities during free time.
  • Donations of any kind.

Dates & Price

Essential Info

Bhaktapur Durbur Square Opening Hours and Entry Fees

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is completely visitable and strollable at any time of day. The ticket counter is open every day, from 7 am to 7 pm, but the square is deemed public and available for the public to visit at any time of the day, unless there is an event or private use. Outside of administrative hours, you will not be able to enter the square without a ticket.

Each museum or monument will also have its own operational hours, and they will most likely differ depending on what day you visit. Sometimes there may also be parts of the square closed for cleaning or events, for example, after festival days, or cleaning taking effect in the square as of early morning hours.

You should make sure to check in with your guide, or local people to ensure a smoother visit.

Below is a table showing the current fees for the entry requirements for visitors:

Category

Fee per Person

SAARC Nationals & Chinese Citizens

NPR 500

Other Foreign Nationals

NPR 1500 / USD 15

Children (Below 10 Years)

Free

National Art Museum Ticket (Includes Brass & Bronze Museum and Woodcarving Museum)

 

- Foreigners

NPR 150

- SAARC Nationals

NPR 50

- Nepalese

NPR 25

When is the Best Time for the Bhaktapur Durbur Square Tour?

Bhaktapur Durbar Square can be visited at any time of the year, and you will be able to appreciate the many works of art, history, and living culture on display in the square.

Each season and month offers the square a different experience and potential.  You will see everything from the hustle and bustle of holiday festivals to those quiet moments of taking pictures and reflecting.

Opportunity to Visit All Year.

You can always visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. There are temples and palaces in the square that are open to visitors all the time, including during the busiest festival days, making it a viable option no matter when you might have time in your schedule.

Morning and a late afternoon light - If you are considering the impact of people photographed with your subject, if you visit early in the morning (morning 7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM), you will have a better chance because they are typically a little less populated as well as the added benefit of the light at golden hour.

Seasonal Differences

Season

Experience Highlights

Spring (Mar–May)

Pleasant temperatures, happy flowers, Jatra festivities.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Green and lush, rain showers can definitely happen (like you could bring an umbrella), so be prepared for sogginess.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

You may be fortunate to have blue skies, cooler temps and festival celebrations purveyor to Dashain and Tihar. This would be the perfect time to engage in a festival celebration and also the best option to get some really wonderful photos.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cool, dry and the least amount of tourists during the year. Good time for low-key sightseeing, but a light jacket is recommended.

Festivals and Special Events

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the centre of attention throughout the year, having vibrant festivals that are very much consistent with Newar culture and Hindu-Buddhist traditions.

Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year)

Bisket Jatra is in mid-April, which signals the Nepali New Year. At the same time, it was quite a spectacular chariot procession, a tug of war competition, pole-raising rituals, and mask dances.

The festival is a big party for the deities of the Bhairav and Bhadrakali, and it consists of nine active days.

Gai Jatra (Festival of the Cows)

In the same month, around August, Gai Jatra pays tribute to those who have passed with touching processions. It is considered to be a cow festival; therefore, mothers and children colour themselves as cows and join the parade, and then they enter families which share satirical, music, and tearful remembrance as a way of alleviating pain.

Indra Jatra & Dashain

Indra Jatra in general is from late September to October, it includes Lakhey and Mahakali masked dances, oil-lamp rituals, and blessings from the Living Goddess Kumari. Dashain follows with spiritual ceremonies and ancestral offerings.

Khame Jatra

Khame Jatra allows a unique buffalo chase and tantric rituals to be witnessed at the festival, which was celebrated on the 9th day of Dashain at Gathemung near the Durga Temple a few days ago.

Tihar (Deepawali)

The square will be brightly illuminated during Tihar from October to November. The five days will be full of events during which cows, dogs, and crows will be honoured with lighting, songs, and blessings.

Navadurga Jatra

In the course of one Dashain cycle, nine goddesses in the form of masked figures come to the city for the blessings of wealth.

Holi (March)

The happy festival of colours is definitely one of the most loved among the people who come from several places to participate in the fun.

Dashain & Tihar (Oct–Nov)

The most important Hindu festivals of the year call for grandeur and light up the atmosphere with special rituals and diverse decorations.

Yomari Punhi (December)

Besides the fun activities, the festival also marks the end of the harvest season with a banquet of Newari sweets.

Monthly Weather Snapshot around Bhaktapur Durbur Square

Month

Avg High/Low (°C)

Rain Days

Notes

January

17/6 °C

6 days

Cool, peaceful

April

24/12 °C

17 days

Bisket Jatra festival

June–July

28–25/19 °C

29–31 days

Monsoon, heavy rains

October

25/14 °C

9 days

Dashain/Tihar, clear skies

December

19/6 °C

2 days

Bhaktapur Grand Festival

Combining the Tour with Treks

If you're going to include a stop in Bhaktapur Durbar Square in your itinerary, and also be trekking in Nepal, regardless of the trek (i.e. Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or any other stretch of the Himalayas), then the timing of your visit would be much more relevant.

Spring months (March to May) and fall months (September to November) are good months for cultural touring mixed with trekking. These months offer good, clear weather, decent daytime temperatures, and a weather pattern that offers stable trekking/hiking conditions in the high mountains. 

Ultimately, the combination of a visit to a cultural city at a moderate altitude followed by trekking or hiking at high altitude will increase your comfort level for temperatures and also in consideration of your back-to-back holidays.

Winter (Dec to Feb) is actually an option when it comes to having fewer tourists and colder temperatures in high altitudes, although having snow at higher mass trekking routes may cause colder temperatures or harder terrain to trek due to holiday conditions. 

It is not wise to combine the tour and trekking in monsoon season (June - August), while quite feasible to do a tour in monsoon season, a heavy rain can really complicate trekking, by not only increasing the chance of landslides but also affecting visibility of open natural mountain views or even city sightseeing.

What Traditional Meals and Local Cuisines Should You Try Around Bhaktapur Durbar Square?

Durbar Square in Bhaktapur and the surrounding lanes can offer one of the most vibrant food experiences in Nepal. There is so much local Newari food available; sweet dishes, rich curries, street food, you name it, you can certainly find it. To help you experience any of the popular favs, whether you are eating in or working your way from street to street, here is a cheat sheet. 

Newari Specialties

  • Samay Baji: A ceremonial mixed plate of beaten rice (chiura), grilled buffalo meat (choila), boiled egg, black soybeans, potatoes, some sort of pickle, and often fried fish - it is a whole burst of flavours in one dish, representative of the Newar culture.
  • Bara (Wo): Savoury lentil pancakes, to which you can add egg upon request (originally designed to add buffalo meat, minced chicken, or various vegetables, which are less common now for more vegan/vegetarian options), served piping hot right off the plate.
  • Chatamari: Thin rice-flour pancake with toppings of gosht (minced meat), eggs, onions or vegetables; a "Newari pizza" that needs to be consumed quickly as it comes fresh and hot.
  • Choila: Extremely seasoned grilled meat, which is mainly buffalo but also chicken or mushrooms, is available, soaked and served cold to get the most flavor.
  • Kwati: The very flavorful mixed bean soup, which is generally eaten with different snacks like bara.
  • Sapu Mhicha: Buffalo tripe filled with bone marrow, slow-cooked until the texture is smooth, this is the recipe for the delicacy.
  • Yomari: Rice dumpling, which was a jaggery and sesame sweet saucepan stuffing, was steamed. It was traditionally associated with festivals, but now it is available throughout the year.

Popular Street Foods and Sweets

  • Sel Roti: Deep-fried rice ring-shaped doughnut, soft inside—best from the market stalls.
  • Momo: Nepali dumplings are stuffed with buffalo, chicken, or vegetables. Along with dipping sauces, they can be served steamed or fried.
  • Lalmohan (Gulab Jamun): Juicy, syrupy milk balls are drenched with syrup. It is a North Indian classic.

Rice, Yogurt, and Sides

  • Juju Dhau (King of Yogurt): Bhaktapur has no dessert that could be more famous than this one, which gets its reputation from the fact that it has a silky smooth texture and is only a little bit sweet, besides being served in red clay pots.
  • Chura (Chiura): Rice that is flattened and eaten with yogurt, pickles, or meat.
  • Tama Aloo: A sour curry made of bamboo shoots, potatoes, and black-eyed peas is a dish that vegetarians usually include in their diet.
  • Gundruk and Sinki: Nicely fermented vegetables and radish that are usually served as a soup or stew give a more acid note to the main dish.

Drinks

  • Aaila: Clear and high-strength Newari rice liquor, usually only made at festivals or when the family is having a special meal.
  • Thwon/Jaad (Chyang): Homemade rice beer that is a bit sweet and sour and has low alcohol content, and is cloudy, this is the most typical Newar drink.

How to Reach Bhaktapur Durbur Square From Thamel?

Most people who visit the Kathmandu Valley stay and hang out in and around Thamel, which is why it is referred to as a Thamel hub, because it is the Tourism and Accommodation Hub of Kathmandu. You will have absolutely no trouble at all figuring out how to get to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (15-16 km away) from here, as there are quite a few ways to get there.

  • Taxi: If the taxi option is your choice, you can expect about a 17-minute trip, and a cost of $15 - 18. This is the easiest and most comfortable option.
  • Private Car / Rental: If you would like to drive or rent a car yourself, it would also take about 17 minutes but would cost you between $2 - 15, based on the driver.
  • Public Bus (Line 5): If you are looking for an inexpensive way to get to Bhaktapur, using the public bus line is generally the best option (40 minutes ~1hr). You will need to get on bus line 5, starting from Ratnapark, and you will get to Bhaktapur, going through Tinkune and Khoteshwor. Buses are generally very frequent, too, but you may not have a lot of space on board.
  • Public Bus (Line 6): There is another route that takes you from Lainchaur to Kalanki, and then into Bhaktapur, which will take you almost 2 hours.

Lastly, in the case that you purchased a Bhaktapur Durbar Square tour package, you do not need to worry about transfer because it is included. The tour company package has the transfer in a comfortable bus or van from your Thamel hotel to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and allows you to have a pleasant experience right from the beginning.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Tour Tips and Guide

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes

The majority of Bhaktapur's streets are made of cobblestone, and they are rough. Your tour will be more enjoyable if you wear comfortable walking shoes as you are going through narrow alleys, temple courtyards, and squares on foot.

2. Carry Cash for Entry Fees and Shopping

Most visitors will be required to pay the entrance fees to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is advisable to carry Nepali Rupees in cash because card payments are rarely accepted.

Besides, cash is the preferred method of payment by shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs to customers.

3. Hire a Knowledgeable Guide

If you want to fully enjoy the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Bhaktapur you should hire a professional guide.

A guide has the opportunity to share the tales behind temples, festivals, and traditional crafts, and thus your experience will be enriched.

4. Visit Early or Late in the Day

At noon, the place can be very crowded, especially at the height of the tourist season. Getting there at the very beginning of the Day, or later in the afternoon, will help you avoid crowds and have a more peaceful atmosphere.

5. Respect Local Customs

An authentic living culture heritage site such as Bhaktapur, where a great number of locals are still traditional in their lifestyles, is.

Wear something that most people will consider modest clothing, and ask for permission before photographing people or taking pictures of their homes. Besides, always being polite and thinking over religious practices will be of great help.

6. Try Local Food

While in Bhaktapur, you should not allow the opportunity of eating the traditional Newari cuisine to pass. Some examples of

Several traditional restaurants are located around the Durbar Square.

7. Connect with Other Places of Interest

The Bhaktapur tour can also include visits to Pottery Square and Dattatraya Square, which will help you to better understand the city's culture and crafts.

8. Keep Water and Sun Protection With You

Carry water, especially in the hot season, and wear sun protection such as hats and sunscreen in order to be comfortable when walking outside.

FAQs

  • Q1. How long does a typical day tour last?

    Generally, a full day tour with guided visits to surrounding squares and museums will take 6 to 7 hours, but for a guided tour, only the duration will be 2 to 3 hours. This also means that one will be able to experience the culture in depth.

  • The square is an open area for the public; however, there might be some ancient parts of the structures where only stairs are available, and thus, if a wheelchair is used, access will be difficult as stairs and uneven surfaces will be there. It will be easier for a person if they are accompanied by someone who will assist them during the movement and give them the necessary help.

  • Taking pictures is usually permitted and even appreciated, especially if it is to capture the beauty of the architecture and the scenes of daily life. On the other hand, make sure that you do not disturb the temple rituals by following the rules and not entering the restricted areas.

  • Available languages for professional guides include English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. We can also provide you with printed guides in these languages.

  • Definitely, the square is perfect for visitors of all ages; however, children under 5 must be supervised. Some places can be tricky to walk through due to stairs and uneven surfaces, so caution is required.

  • Bhaktapur may be combined with Patan Durbar Square or Changunarayn temple visit.

  • Those who go should be aware of the religious customs, should not touch the delicate carvings, and comply with the photography regulations in the temples. The utmost importance is given to the preservation of the site.

  • People are generally at their highest on weekends and during festivals; you have a choice of times, like early morning and late afternoon, to enjoy a quieter visit.

  • Yes, essential facilities are present in the square and nearby tourist areas, as well as cafe and restaurant choices in the area. We also recommend that you carry some water in the hotter seasons. 

  • On the whole, Bhaktapur is a safe destination for most solo travelers, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. Some common sense is always recommended while traveling, especially after dark. 

  • For foreigners, the entrance fee is around UDS$15 while the visitors of SAARC countries and China pay Rs. 500.

Client Reviews

  • Knowledgeable & Passionate Guide

    Mountain Rock Treks did a wonderful job, specifically our guy, Naren. Naren's energy for Newar culture was contagious. He conveyed the significance of every statue and every detail in the temples, which helped our group engage respectfully. The minivan we also have included was clean and on time. If you want to have more energy and depth in your visit, then this is the tour for you.

    R
    Rowena PatelSenegalJuly 06, 2025
  • Valuable with Local Experiences

    This tour was more than just temples; there were local experiences included as well, such as Juju Dhau tasting and pottery quarters. The guide, Mountain Rock Treks, also made a point to show us some undiscovered elements and local artisans, so it felt like much more than a standard tour. Transportation included, good guide, minor cultural immersion- a super value.

    I
    Inez SingletonNetherlandsMay 14, 2025
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