Bhaktapur City Tour

Overview of Bhaktapur City Tour 2025/2026

Bhaktapur is one of Nepal's most beautiful cities, often considered a living museum where history, art, and culture blend in. When you walk through Bhaktapur, you will feel like stepping back centuries, with its well-preserved temples, royal palaces, and narrow streets made out of cobblestone that tell the tales of a rich past. The city is famous for its incredible Newari architecture, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant festivals that show the traditions of the local people.

On the Bhaktapur City Tour with Abound Holidays, you'll explore the iconic Bhaktapur Durbar Square which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with majestic courtyards, ancient statues, and beautiful temples that date back to the Malla dynasty. You don't want to miss the 55-window palace as well, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. 

In the Bhaktapur City Tour, you can stroll over to pottery square, where you can watch skilled artisans shaping clay pots exactly as they have for generations. Here you get to see for yourself how traditional pottery is made. 

The tour also includes visits to charming local markets, buzzing handmade crafts, fresh produce, and colorful spices. And if you're curious about Bhaktapur's famous sweet, JuJu Dhau, then you're lucky, as you can get to taste this here.

The day trip is perfect if you want more than just sightseeing, as you will be going through the heartbeat of a city proud of its heritage. You will get to meet locals who are very friendly, appreciate the mesmerizing designs of temples, listen to stories of origin from our guides, and much more. 

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or just someone looking for a unique cultural experience, the Bhaktapur City Tour has something special for you.

What to Expect in the Bhaktapur City Tour?

With the Bhaktapur City Tour, you will have a culturally rich, sightseeing and significant local experience tour. You will be walking through centuries-old streets and vibrant plazas, taking in majestic Newari architecture, and seeing historic crafts come alive before your eyes. Your friendly local guide will be sharing interesting stories, provide historical context information, and answer any question you might have.

Here's what you've got in wait for you:

• Walking along ancient alleys and lively squares with so much Newari history and beauty
• Delighting in artistic temples, palaces, and Malla era architectural marvels
• Experience Bhaktapur's heritage in local crafts, culture, and cuisine

Fun Activities to Do During the Bhaktapur City Tour

Bhaktapur is not simply round the corner of old temples viewing place rather it is where you can do things and feel the culture. Looking to turn clay like the locals or to do something new? Here are some of the fun ideas:

• Make Your Own Pot at Pottery Square: Give the wheel a spin and get your hands muddy.
• Hunt for Cool Handicrafts: Masks, carvings, and little souvenirs which is only found in Bhaktapur..
• Grab Some Juju Dhau: Trust me, this creamy yogurt is a must-try.
• Watch the Masters Carve Wood: It’s like seeing art come to life right in front of you.
• Stroll Through Busy Streets: Street snacks, local vibes, and plenty to see.

Destinations You Will Visit During Bhaktapur City Tour

Bhaktapur offers some of the most timeless and beautiful ancient temples as well as vibrant culture and history for its travellers. Along the way, you'll discover fascinating stories behind each landmark, their cultural significance and how it came to be from our local guide.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

You get to step into Bhaktapur’s historic heart at Durbar Square, which is a huge open square covered with wonderful palaces, churches and fanciful carved courtyards.

Built during the Malla period, this area is famous for landmarks like the 55-window palace, the Lion’s Gate, and the Golden Gate, all showing incredible craftsmanship. You’ll also see the stone Vatsala Temple and 17th-century statues adding to the square’s grand atmosphere. The mixed live of residents, merchants, and tourists gives it a vibrant place full of life and culture.

Nyatapola Temple & Taumadhi Square

Nyatapola Temple towers five stories tall, Nepal's highest pagoda and Bhaktapur's civic pride. It's a shrine to goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, protected by effigies of fierce animals and gods created to watch over the holy site. A brief street away is Taumadhi Square, colorful shops selling local handicrafts and tasty street food. This bustling square offers a true feel for Bhaktapur's urban pulse, where spirituality and community sense blend in harmony.

Dattatraya Temple & Peacock Window

In the center of Bhaktapur's inner sanctum lies the beautiful three-tier pagoda constructed Dattatraya Temple, which is a combination of both Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Constructed in the 15th century during the rule of King Yaksha Malla's kingdom, the temple sustains the core tenor of taking refuge in the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, representing an indefatigable religious coexistence through the history of Bhaktapur.

A short walk from here is world-famous Peacock Window—a beautiful wooden window nearly everywhere considered to be the finest piece of Newari art. With elegant peacocks in soft flowers, the famous window preserves Bhaktapur's abundance of cultural heritage.

Pottery Square

Pottery Square is a center of tradition and craftsmanship. There, artists turn on wheels, shaping clay into traditional pots, jars, and other ceramics. Open furnaces char the ceramics in full view. It's an up-close experience — the earthy scent of clay, the wheel turning, and the camaraderie of artists. One can attempt to make pottery oneself or purchase handmade souvenirs.

Book Your Bhaktapur City Tour Package now with Abound Holidays

Best Time to Take the Bhaktapur City Tour

The best months to travel to Bhaktapur are September to November and March to May. The weather is usually nice during these two periods and you get to enjoy nice clear blue skies with comfortable cool to warm temperatures. This is the perfect weather for wandering the city’s ancient squares, temples and narrow lanes without the sweaty heat or frigid chill.

• These months coincide with important local festivals like Dashain and Bisket Jatra, offering a richer cultural experience.
• Clear skies make photography and sightseeing more enjoyable.
• Comfortable temperatures allow for longer, leisurely walks around the city.

Avoid the Monsoon Season for the Best Outdoor Experience

During June to August, the monsoon season in the Kathmandu Valley, including Bhaktapur, witnesses heavy rainfalls. Though the city appears green and lovely during these months, frequent rains can prove to be troublesome while traveling around for sightseeing.

• Narrow streets and stone pathways become slippery and muddy, increasing the risk of falls.
• Rain can disrupt outdoor activities and reduce visibility during the Bhaktapur heritage tour.
• Travelers who prefer dry, comfortable tours should avoid this season or come prepared with waterproof gear and flexible plans.

Bhaktapur is a lovely city kind enough to bloom all year round. Whether you’re coming in the winter months or in the summer, the city’s rich history and beautiful buildings are always open. But your comfort of outdoor exploration isn’t the same in all seasons, so selecting when to go can make a world of difference.

Bhaktapur City Tour Cost

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Bhaktapur with a hassle-free guided tour. Below is what the tour cost includes and excludes to help you plan your trip better.

What’s Included

• Private, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire tour
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off within Kathmandu Valley
• Entrance fees to all included heritage sites
• A Water bottle is provided during the tour

What’s Not Included

• Meals and drinks, unless otherwise specified
• Personal expenses and tips