Bhaktapur, a small town about 10 KMs from Kathmandu, is famous for its many varied temples.The most impressive is the five-story Nyatapola Temple on Taumadhi Tole (pictured), the tallest temple in Nepal built in 1702 during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla.Bhaktapur, which became an independent city-state under King Ananda Malla in the 12th century, also has its own Durbar Square (replete with a number of temples, including one featuring erotic cows, camels and elephants.)
The northern section of the square is home to the Royal Palace, with visitors able to access the Golden Gate, intricately carved and set into a bright red gatehouse, and the National Art Gallery, with an extensive collection of Tantric cloth paintings.But the town also has a timeless air, with visitors able to see grain laid out to dry in the sun, potters at work in Potters’ square, locals weaving baskets, drying laundry or collecting water, and children playing.
Keep an eye out for exquisite architecture as you wander the streets: many buildings feature intricately carved woodwork (such asthe famous Peacock window, on an alley leading south-east from the Tachupal Tole).No cars are allowed inside the Bhaktapur town centre and, as a result, it is quiet by comparison to the country’s capital. As a result, many travelers prefer to stay in Bhaktapur and take day trips to Kathmandu.
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