Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan Tour - 1 Days

The Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan Tour is one of the best day tours you can do from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is known as Khwopa in the local Newari fongue the cultural capital of Nepal. Bhaktapur’s history goes back to the early 8th century, and it used to be the capital city of Nepal from the 12th to the 15th century. Until the 18th century, the ancestors protected the city as a sovereign country, surrounding it with boundary walls and a few city gates in different directions. The city inside the Boundary is shaped like a flying pigeon and the city spreads over an area of 6.88 sq. km and lies to 1401 meters above sea level.

Bhaktapur gives shelter 1o almost 100 thousand people, most of whom are peasants. Businessmen, handicraft producers, and public employees. Juju Dhau ( King Yoghurt), Bhadgaule Topi (Black Cap), Veritie of Pottery, and handicrafts are the identifiers of the city and are well known for their uniqueness. It is religious harmony that unites the people in the city as they believe in different religions. Every cultural activity and festival, irrespective of its religion, is observed with full and equal enthusiasm.

A mix of northern art and southern mythological philosophy, the aged arts, architecture, and culture are the heritage of Bhaktapur that it inherits from the earlier generations. The Pagoda and Shikhar style temples, traditional Buddhist monasteries, stone spouts, ponds, Pati, math and public shelters, stupas, city gates, terracotta temples, traditional water tanks, palaces, artistic private houses, and other cultural and historical heritages are the major monuments of the ancient city of Bhaktapur.

Places of Interest during the Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan Tour

• Dattatraya Square

• Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the main square of the city is a collection of stone art, metal art, wood carving, and terracotta art, and architectural showpieces. The Golden Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla perching on the top of stone monoliths, the National Art Gallery, the 55 Windows Palace, the Vatsala Temple, the big bell, and the bell of barking dogs are other highlights of the area. Yachheswor Mahadev Temple with ancient erotic wood carvings, the stone temple of Siddhilaxmi, and the octagonal structure “Chyasinhmandap” are must-see monuments of the site. Silumahadev Temple. Golden spout, stone spout, Taleju complex, Pahanchhen, a replica of Chardham (Jag Nath, Badri Nath, Rameshwor and Kedarnath Temples, four pilgrimage sites of Hindu) and many masterpieces of stone sculpture are the main attractions of the square.

• Taumadhi Square

• Pottery Square

Pottery is known as one of the world’s oldest professions. In Bhaktapur, you will witness many potters working with their traditional wooden wheels to give various shapes and sizes to clay. Talakwo (middle-south of the Durbar squre) and Suryamadhi (east of the city) are two particular and famous localities of Bhaktapur where earthen pots are made are known as Pottery Square.

• Changu Narayan Temple

After exploring Bhaktapur, continue your journey to Changu Narayan, a serene Hindu pilgrimage site in the hills overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Built-in the 4th century, Changu Narayan Temple honors Lord Vishnu and boasts stunning stone, wood, and metal sculptures depicting Vishnu in different forms, showcasing the skill of ancient Nepalese artists. Wander through the temple’s peaceful grounds, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking Himalayas views, and experience this sacred place’s profound spiritual atmosphere.

Together, the Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan tour offers a captivating blend of history, art, and spirituality, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels.