Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur Trip

Bhaktapur

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Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Feefo

4.9/5 (1007 reviews)

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Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024
A medieval time capsule of cobbled lanes, grand squares and Newari craftsmanship.

Step back in time into the streets of Bhaktapur, a meticulously preserved Newar city a short drive east of Kathmandu. The historic centre is absolutely made for wandering with its narrow lanes, carved façades and traffic-free squares. UNESCO hotspot Durbar Square is the obvious starting point (and definitely worth the hype), with the Palace of 55 Windows as a headline act, but don’t stop there: wander to Taumadhi Square to see the stunning five-tier Nyatapola Temple and nearby Bhairavnath Temple, then carry on to Dattatreya Square for more temples, wood carvings and pleasant courtyard life. The city is also a wonderful place to browse local markets, and shopping opportunities for terracotta pottery and woodwork abound. It’s brilliant as a day trip – but even better with an overnight so you can see it early.

Things to do

What to do in Bhaktapur

Of the Kathmandu Valley's three ancient royal cities, Bhaktapur is the one that feels most like stepping back in time. Cars are largely banned from the old town, and without the honking chaos of Kathmandu, you can actually hear the rhythm of daily life – potters spinning clay in sunlit squares, the slap of wet rice paper drying on rooftops, and the murmur of locals gathered around public fountains that have been in use for centuries. Durbar Square here is a masterpiece of Newari craftsmanship, dominated by the towering five-storey Nyatapola Temple and the ornate 55-Window Palace, its façade a riot of intricate woodcarving. Pottery Square is the place to watch artisans shape traditional pots by hand, surrounded by thousands of terracotta pieces drying in neat rows. And before you leave, do as the locals do: grab a bowl of juju dhau, the famously creamy 'king of yoghurt' that Bhaktapur has been producing for generations. It's richer, tangier and altogether better than anything you'll find elsewhere in Nepal. Quieter and less hurried than its neighbours, Bhaktapur rewards those who linger – ideally with a guesthouse stay to experience the old town after the day-trippers leave.
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When to go

Best time to visit Bhaktapur

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january

Dry Season — a good time to visit

Reviews

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Based on 1007 Feefo Reviews

An Incredible Safari Experience Thanks to Timbuktu Travel
Matt
An Incredible Safari Experience Thanks to Timbuktu Travel
October 2026
11 nights in Kenya and Tanzania
We recently returned from an incredible safari through Kenya and Tanzania, and we couldn't be happier with our experience working with Timbuktu Travel. Joanna and her team were wonderful from start to finish. They listened to what we wanted from our safari and designed an itinerary that exceeded our expectations. They helped us prepare for every aspect of the trip, answered our questions along the way, and made sure everything ran seamlessly once we arrived in Africa. From the accommodations and guides to the transfers and overall coordination, everything was exceptionally well organized. We were also celebrating a milestone anniversary, and Joanna and her team went above and beyond to make it special. They arranged anniversary surprises at every stop, including cakes, traditional celebration songs, and even a private dinner. These thoughtful touches made an already amazing trip even more memorable. We also want to recognize Joachim, our private guide for the final four days of our safari. He was friendly, patient, incredibly knowledgeable, and an absolute pleasure to spend time with. He made the final part of our journey particularly enjoyable. The entire experience exceeded our expectations. We saw incredible wildlife, stayed at wonderful camps, and never had to worry about the logistics. Timbuktu took care of everything, allowing us to simply enjoy the adventure. We can't thank Joanna, Joachim, and the entire Timbuktu team enough for creating such an unforgettable experience. We would highly recommend Timbuktu Travel to anyone planning an African safari.

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