Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Complete Guide

Overview

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the historic heart of Bhaktapur city, located 13 kilometres east of Kathmandu. Together with the Durbar squares of Patan and Kathmandu, it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1979 as the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur, also called Bhadgaon or Khwopa in the Newari language, was the capital of the unified Nepal kingdom from the 12th to the 15th century, and the artistic and architectural legacy of that era defines the square today.

History

The Malla dynasty ruled Bhaktapur from the 12th century onward. After the death of Yaksha Malla in 1482, the valley split into three kingdoms — Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur — each ruled by a branch of the Malla family. This rivalry ironically produced a golden age of construction as each kingdom sought to outdo the others in temple building and urban design. Bhaktapur reached its architectural peak under King Bhupatindra Malla in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The 2015 earthquake caused significant damage, but restoration work by the German-Nepalese Bhaktapur Development Project (active since 1974) and other agencies has been ongoing.

Key Monuments

55-Window Palace (Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar)

The royal palace fronting the square is celebrated for its carved wooden facade featuring 55 latticed windows. King Bhupatindra Malla built the current structure in the early 18th century, though the palace complex dates back centuries earlier. The windows display extraordinarily intricate peacock, lotus, and deity motifs carved by Newari craftsmen.

Golden Gate (Sun Dhoka)

The gilded gateway leading into the palace courtyard is considered one of the most beautiful pieces of repousse metalwork in Asia. Cast in 1753 under Ranjit Malla, it depicts the goddess Taleju Bhawani flanked by celestial attendants, with a torana (decorative arch) packed with mythological figures.

Vatsala Durga Temple

This stone sikhara-style temple dedicated to Vatsala Durga stands prominently in the square. A large ceremonial bell, cast in 1737 by King Jagat Prakash Malla, hangs from a pillar beside it. The bell was rung at times of prayer and to warn of danger.

Nyatapola Temple

Though technically in Taumadhi Square a short walk away, Nyatapola is Bhaktapur's most iconic structure. Built in 1702 by King Bhupatindra Malla, this five-storey pagoda stands 30 metres tall and is the tallest temple in Nepal. Five pairs of guardian figures line the stairway, each pair said to be ten times more powerful than the one below.

Bhairabnath Temple

Taumadhi Square also holds the three-storey Bhairabnath temple dedicated to Bhairab, the terrifying form of Shiva. The temple's facade displays a large mask of Bhairab only during the Bisket Jatra festival.

Practical Information

Entry fee: Foreign visitors pay a fee at the entrance to Bhaktapur city (currently NPR 1,500 for SAARC nationals, NPR 1,800 for others). The ticket covers all monuments in Bhaktapur.

Best time to visit: Early morning before 9 a.m. when light is soft and crowds are thin. The square comes alive during festivals including Bisket Jatra (Nepali New Year) and Indra Jatra.

Getting there: Bhaktapur is accessible by local bus from Ratna Park in Kathmandu (about 1 hour) or by taxi (30–45 minutes depending on traffic).

Time required: Plan at least 3–4 hours for the Durbar Square and surrounding areas including Pottery Square and Taumadhi.

Conservation

The Bhaktapur Development Project, a German-Nepalese joint initiative started in 1974, has been instrumental in restoring buildings, improving drainage, and training local craftsmen in traditional techniques. The 2015 Gorkha earthquake (7.8 magnitude) caused considerable damage, particularly to the 55-Window Palace and Vatsala temple. Restoration work funded by various international agencies continues today.