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Bhaktapur (also known as Bhadgaon) is the third largest city in the Kathmandu Valley, just 14km east of the capital. Although very old, it reached its zenith immediately before Nepal was unified under the Gurkhas in 1768. Today it is a city best known for its pottery, weavers, and colorful well preserved temples.
View of the city from across the Hanumante River. |
Making a living at the main bus stop from Kathmandu. |
In front of the Pashupatinath Temple (17C) in the center of the city. |
A typical street in the center. |
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| Two views (above) of Durbar Square, the main square of the city, one of Nepal's premier architectural ensembles. The left photo shows the Bhupatindra Malla Column (late 15C) and Vatsala Durga Temple (1672), while the right photo is of the former royal palace, now used to house the National Art Gallery. | |
The Sun Dhoka is at one end of Durbar Square, and is crowned by images of Kali and Garuda killing serpents. |
The Fasidega Temple (17C) occupies the northeast corner of Durbar Square. |
Detail of decorative elephants on the flight of steps up to the Fasidega Temple. |
A view of "Potter's Square", near the drop-off point for buses from Kathmandu. I could hear the sounds of farm animals in some of the flats as I walked past. |
A random view of Bhaktapur, with the foothills of the Himalayas in the background. |
There seems to be a colorful temple on almost every street. |
Out of focus I know, but I couldn't resist their innocent smiles! |
On the southern outskirts of the city is a temple dedicated to the monkey-faced god Hanuman. |
Hanuman was the helper of Rama, main protagonist in the Indian epic of the Ramayana. |
The Nyatapola Temple is the tallest in Nepal, built in 1702, and faces the Taumadhi Tole, a large open square surrounded by pleasant cafes. |
A further 20km east of Bhaktapur lies the town of Dhulikhel. Although small and relatively obscure, there is some interesting scenery nearby in the Himalayan foothills.
Approaching Dhulikhel through fields of yellow mustard in the Panchkhal Valley. |
The town itself isn't much to look at! |
Men (and only men) play a game suspiciously like fooseball. I saw this everywhere I went in Nepal. To compare this to what women do click here. |
Anyone care for vegetables? The pictures also help illiterate tourists! |
Advertising for family planning. |
There is a river just a short walk out of town. |
Along the banks of the river is the Bhagwati Temple. Smoke rises from the cremation of a Hindu funeral pyre. |
Map courtesy of The World Factbook. |
