February 23, 2012 - Bhaktapur

On my day off this week, and Katie and Phil’s last full day in Nepal, we ventured approximately ten kilometers east of Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. It is the third major city within the Kathmandu Valley, the others being Kathmandu and Patan. Bhaktapur is known as the “cultural capital of Nepal,” and with very good reason. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city has been very well preserved throughout the years.

There are multiple entrances to the city, through which only pedestrians and motorbikes are permitted to pass. This allows the city to seem much more peaceful than crazy Patan or Kathmandu, where there are always loud cars, busses, and trucks pressing on their horns. The city is also very well maintained, with minimal trash on the roads and an overall much higher level of cleanliness than other cities within the Kathmandu Valley.

Bhaktapur is a great place to just wander around the narrow cobblestone streets aimlessly, taking in the old architecture and well-preserved heritage of the city.

There are many craft-makers at work, including amazing wood-working and pottery goods. Bhaktapur is known throughout the Valley as one of the premier locations to view and purchase hand-crafted woodwork. There is a famous window, known as the Peacock Window, located near one of the major squares in Bhaktapur; this is regarded as the finest carved window within the Kathmandu Valley. I can understand why. It’s quite impressive.

In addition to its woodwork, Bhaktapur is known for its works of pottery. In fact, that is an entire square (known, quite fittingly, as Potters Square) within the city that is dedicated solely to this craft. This area is full rows upon rows of clay pots drying in the sun.

You can even see the firing process near the back of the square, where the pottery is completed in make-shift kilns.

Bhaktapur has three distinct toles, or squares, all filled with gorgeous temples and shrines. One of these temples, the Nyatapola Temple, is five stories high and is the tallest temple in all of Nepal.

It is quite impressive, both due to its height and also the intricate details of the temple. The entrance to the temple is guarded on either side of the stairs by figures of power and strength, including elephants, lions, griffins, and goddesses.

There are many other sites to see – too many to describe them all. So I’ll just put the pictures below for you to enjoy.