Maybe you’re heading to Nepal to see the mountains. The mighty snow-capped Himalayas are of course one of the many reasons you should visit Nepal. But, as you’ll quickly discover, there’s so much more to this fascinating land.


From the ancient cities, palpable spirituality and some of the world’s kindest people. Nepal is a place many people just can’t get enough of (myself included). The Kathmandu Valley is one of the most amazing areas in the country, and it’s packed with incredible towns, temples and culture. One of my favourite spots is Bhaktapur, a small town located less than an hour away from the giant, chaotic capital of Kathmandu.

Bhaktapur is the third of the valley’s medieval Newari cities, the other two being Kathmandu and Patan. It remains the best preserved of the three, despite the damage of the 2015 earthquake. The ancient city centre is car-free, making walking its cobbled streets very pleasant indeed. The whole town is like a living museum, with temples on every corner, bustling street markets and arts and crafts being produced wherever you turn. If you’re interested in Nepali culture and heritage, this is a place you really must visit on your trip to Nepal.


Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and there are literally hundreds of examples of traditional Newari architecture here. As you wander the city streets, you’ll constantly come across breath-taking buildings boasting complex patterns and the classic red brick exteriors. One of the most striking examples of architecture in Bhaktapur is Nyatapola Temple, unmissable due to its soaring five-tier roof. You can climb up the temple’s long steps, stand under the arches and look down over beautiful views of the Taumadhi Square and its surrounding hills.
Another must-see is Durbar Square, still stunning despite the earthquake damage. Many of the main temples are in the process of being repaired and restored after the quake. But, you can still enjoy sites like the Golden Gate of Bhaktapu