Bhaktapur: An Icon of Nepal’s Cultural Heritage

Bhaktapur, one of the ancient cultural city of Malla period when Newar Kings used to rule here until it was usurped into the newly founded kingdom of Nepal by the forces of late Shah King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the middle age.

Bhaktapur is situated at an altitude of 1,401 m. It covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or alternative name as “the City of Devotees” still sparks with its medieval dazzling charm. Its invaluable cultural heritage and legacy incessantly bewitch the visitors to visit this ancient town. The visitors are immersed in a different world with myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements.

The ancient town has indeed earned a popular iconic cultural city image in the eyes of the visitors whether they may be domestic or foreigners. The glorious past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected in the Durbar Square of this ancient city. Pottery and weaving are the traditional industries.

The city of Bhaktapur is just 14 km east of Kathmandu. Likewise, the city of Patan which is located only 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is famous as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments.

The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left an enriched and flourishing legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for the modern inland and outside visitors. Bhaktapur, also Bhadgaon or Khwopa is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley which is one of the largest of the three Newar kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley, and it used to be the capital of Nepal during the glorious Malla Kingdom until the second half of the 15th century.

Today it is the third-largest city in the Kathmandu Valley, with a population of about 300,000, of which the vast majorities are still Newars. Bhaktapur has the best-preserved Malla period royal Palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal. That’s why it is enlisted as one of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal, and stone artwork.

Bhaktapur is the home of traditional art and architecture, historical monuments and craftwork, magnificent windows, pottery and weaving industries, excellent temples, beautiful ponds, rich local customs, culture, religion, festivals, musical mystic.

Bhaktapur is still an untouched as well as the preserved ancient city that is itself a mysterious world to explore and understand for the outsiders. From ancient times immemorial, it lay on the trade route between Tibet and India. This position on the main caravan route made the town rich and prosperous. The male inhabitants of this city wear a special type of cap called the Bhadgaule Topi.