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Bhaktapur Durbar Square

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

This historic plaza serves as the former royal palace complex of the Malla kings. It contains a concentration of Newari architecture, including temples, courtyards, and traditional brick buildings. Travelers visit this site to observe the city's historical urban layout and walk through the surrounding alleys that maintain an old-world atmosphere.

Getting There

The square is located in the city of Bhaktapur. From the center of Kathmandu, you can reach the area via local bus or taxi. The journey typically takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) or the city core.

Suggested Duration

Allow 3 to 5 hours to explore the main square and the immediate surrounding residential streets. This provides enough time to observe the architectural details and the local pottery squares.

When to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the midday heat. The site gets crowded during peak tourist seasons and during local religious festivals. Visiting during the autumn or spring months generally offers the most stable weather.

Nearby Attractions

The square is centrally located, making it easy to combine with other local sites on foot:

  • Nyatapola Temple: 0.1km
  • Pujarimath Museum: 0.7km
  • Suryavinayak Temple: 1.8km
  • Doleshwor Mahadeva Temple: 3.8km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Bhaktapur Durbar Square

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Good to visit alongside

Nyatapola Temple

Temples & religious sites

Nyatapola Temple

Nyatapola Temple is a five-story wooden structure considered the tallest temple in Nepal. Built in the early 18th century, it has withstood several major earthquakes and still stands today.

0.1 km away
Pujarimath Museum

Museums & galleries

Pujarimath Museum

This museum occupies a former monastery building originally constructed in the 15th century and rebuilt in 1763. The centuries-old structure itself is the main attraction.

0.7 km away
Suryavinayak Temple

Temples & religious sites

Suryavinayak Temple

Suryavinayak Temple is one of the most prominent Ganesh temples in the Kathmandu Valley. Known as the "Temple of the Rising Sun," this Hindu temple holds great historical and cultural significance.

1.8 km away
Doleshwor Mahadeva Temple

Temples & religious sites

Doleshwor Mahadeva Temple

A Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Suryabinayak, southeast of Bhaktapur. It's a worthwhile pilgrimage site where local faith and tradition remain very much alive.

3.8 km away
Changu Narayan Temple

Temples & religious sites

Changu Narayan Temple

A temple set on a hilltop in Changu village, Nepal, built in the 4th century and counted among the country's oldest Hindu temples. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4.9 km away
Koteshwor

Shopping & districts

Koteshwor

Koteshwor is a sacred area centered on the Mahadev Temple dedicated to Shiva, where worshippers steadily come and go amid a devout atmosphere. Several smaller shrines stand within the temple grounds, offering a glimpse of diverse traditional religious practices in one place.

7.8 km away