Photo Essay: The Ancient Town of Bhaktapur, Nepal

Last Updated on January 11, 2025

Terracotta-roofed pagodas tower over the squares and courtyards. Narrow cobblestone streets weave their way between the houses, red-brick temples, stone statues and cisterns. Artisans are drying their pottery out in the open, while women weave cloth and knead clay by the roadside.

This is Bhaktapur, one of the best preserved ancient towns in Nepal. Thanks to its location in the Kathmandu Valley along the old trade route between Tibet and India, Bhaktapur used to be a prosperous gateway; today it remains an excllent place to visit with its  treasure trove of pagodas and palaces. With architecture dating back to the 16th century, it displays the best arts and craft achievements from Nepal’s Malla dynasty.

Also known as Khwopa (City of Devotees) in Newari, the UNESCO World Heritage site has not one but four major squares —all filled with temples and historical buildings. An earthquake in 1934 severely damaged the city but many of its buildings are slowly being restored to their original glory. To further restoration and preservation there is an entrance fee of US$15 for visitors but it’s worth the price. This also goes towards improving the residents’ standard of living.

Much like its architecture, Bhaktapur’s traditions have remained intact over the centuries. The intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage here are as deeply rooted in Nepal’s identity as its Nepali food, showcasing a rich legacy that continues to thrive.

During my recent trip to Nepal with G Adventures, I explored the old town and learned all about its history from our knowledgeable and fun guide BK. Here are some of my best shots:

Temples  in Bhaktapur showcase the skills of Newari artists and craftsmen over several centuries.

The pagoda style is typical of most temples built during the Malla dynasty.

Many of the stone statues in Bhaktapur are dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani.

Bhaktapur’s temple seen from a different perspective.

This particular pagoda dates back to the 16th century. Access is not allowed to the upper levels as restoration is still underway.

The 55 Window Palace in Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is decorated with intricate carvings.

Sanskrit words painted on the eaves of the wooden frames.

Sanskrit scriptures carved onto stones.

16th century Hindu carvings can still be seen on the exterior of the temples.

A giant stone figure guards the entrance to the Hindu temple in Durbar Square.

The Pottery Square is often filled with drying pottery and kilns.

An artisan bends down to check her her pottery.

My friend Kristian tries his hand at pottery-making.

A young lady is hard at work painting Buddhist thankas.

I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of this baby. Love how mothers use eyeliners on their babies who are barely a year old!

A kind vendor lets me photograph his sari shop. The store may be small but he’s got all types of sari and textiles on sale.

Selling pakora on the streets.

The streets of Bhaktapur.

 A narrow cobblestone alley that winds between houses.

Disclaimer: I traveled to Nepal with G Adventures as one of their Wanderers in Residence, but as always, all opinions expressed above are our own.