Bhaktapur Durbar Square

One of the best places I’ve been so far! Although it’s little far from central Kathmandu but it’s worth it. Properly cleaned and maintained, so many domestic and international tourists were visiting this place. Mata talaju door were closed when we went there and came to realise that they only open for public once in a year! However, we worshipped her from our heart. Security personnel were kind and polite to the tourists and public which is a good example of world class hospitality!

Nice town to walk around, great photo opportunities when you wander the streets. Nice temples. However, I find the fee to walk around very high considering it’s a town…yes there are temples to see but it just left me with the impression of being taken advantage of just because we are foreigners while locals just walk and drive around everyday. I understand it goes to maintain the place and their economy, but is the high price really justified? At least make it pedestrian only so we can enjoy better without always having a motorcycle behind us all the time…

This is the best Durbar Square in the country that I visited. It is the only Durbar that is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in Nepal. It is very large and it is suggested that you keep 2-4 hours at hand to explore this place. I missed the Pottery area due to time constraints but it was recommended to us by many.

Huge historic square with tons of culture & loads to see. Take a map & take your time - there’s shops, cafes and a lot to see just off the square. Venture into the side alleys for the best experiences & interactions. Steer clear of scam tour guides.

Beautiful place! Although it’s a bit unfair that only the blonde, white tourists have to pay an entrance fee. All the other people (even Asian tourists) get to walk through. If we were to do that in Europe we would be in big trouble for being racists. So please handle this more equally. I don’t mind paying a little more as a foreigner but only if all foreigners have to do this not only because of my looks.

This is an ancient area of ​​the royal palace. The palaces have art exhibits from different periods, stone sculptures, wood, and paintings. I prefer to walk around without a guide, and take my time in the historical atmosphere around me on my own. At the end of the square tour itself, it is worth going out to the nearby alleys, which also belong to the UNESCO project.

I had the pleasure of visiting Bhaktapur's Durbar Square, a historical gem located in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. This royal square, built in the 13th century by Jayasithi Malla, served as the royal palace complex of the esteemed Hindu Malla Dynasty from 1200 to 1769. During my visit, I decided to take a guide to truly make the most of my experience. I was fortunate enough to have Prabin Manadhar as my guide, who was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the area. He not only provided fascinating insights into the royal square but also facilitated meetings with local people, allowing me to immerse myself in the rich culture of the region. One highlight of my visit was the opportunity to indulge in Newari cuisine at Baiga Vutoo, a renowned restaurant in the area. With Prabin's guidance, I was able to sample some of the best dishes the town had to offer, truly enhancing my overall experience. I highly recommend taking a guided tour with Prabin Manadhar if you are planning a visit to Bhaktapur's Durbar Square. His expertise and friendly demeanor will undoubtedly enrich your experience and leave you with a deep appreciation for this historical and cultural treasure.

Bhaktapur lives up to the hype with regards to architecture and history. Well worth exploring, and if you can afford it grab a local guide to take you around and explain some of the finer details. Would suggest two hours minimum to explore, so bring your trekking shoes and make sure you've had your coffee prior (however there's plenty of shops on-site in case you need a top-up!)