Places of Interest - Nepal

Bhaktapur:

The city of Bhaktapur is city number three of the Kathmandu valley and in many aspects the most timeless. The traditional streets with cobblestones are car-free and lead to numerous temples, monasteries, monuments and small hidden courtyards and squares. Cultural life in the city is vibrant and you can see traditional weavers, potters and woodworkers at work. Bhaktapur was the capital of the valley between the 14th and 16th centuries, but the great architecture of the city was especially built under the reign of King "Bhupatindra Malla" at the end of the 17th century. 

"Tachupal Tole" is located in the east of the center and it is assumed that this is the oldest part of the city dating from the 15th century. Research has shown that this has been the traditional square with narrow alleys leading to the rive bank with its ghats (terraces). The square contains a beautiful lion monument and the main temple of the city has got to be the centrally located "Dattatraya" temple dating from the year 1427. This three-story temple is adorned with some erotic scenes and was built out of dedication to God Dattatraya even though some people argue that it would be built as a reminder of the reincarnation of God Vishnu. Other important buildings in Bhaktapur include the "Bhimsen" temple, the "Pujari Math" and the beautifully decorated "peacock" window. The further western situated "Durbar" square with its adjointing "Taumadhi Tole" square is perhaps the cultural highlight of a visit to the Kathmandu valley. It is a lot bigger than the one in Kathmandu and there are numerous examples of the “Newah” architecture and art. Here is also the old royal palace, the national art museum and, among other things, the beautiful "Nyatapola" temple.

Patan:

Kathmandu and the second city of the valley, Patan, are separated by the Holy "Bagmati" river. Although Patan has a long Buddhist history, his large architectural structures were manufactured during the "Malla" dynasty between the 16th and 18th centuries. Just like in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Patan also has its own "Durbar" square; it is smaller than the others but maybe the most spectacular because of the density and beauty of the temples standing here. The Krishna Mandir is the most important temple, other temples are the Bhimsen Temple, the Vishwanath Temple and the Taleju Bhawani Temple. The palace has three courtyards, Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. 

Other attractions:

The Hindu temple of "Changunarayan" (about 4 km north of the center of Bhaktapur).