Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, the word literally translates to the city of devotees also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa, is the home of medieval art and architecture.

Bhaktapur is located 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu, on the eastern edge of the valley. It is known as the City of Culture, Living Heritage, and Nepal’s Cultural Gem.

Founded in the 9th century, Bhaktapur is shaped like a conch shell. It lies at an elevation of 4,600 feet above sea level. The city was once the largest of the three Newar kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley. It served as the capital of Nepal during the Malla Kingdom until the late 15th century.

Today, Bhaktapur is the third-largest city in the valley. It has a population of over 80,000, mostly Newars, who still preserve their language and traditions. Due to its historic isolation, Bhaktapur developed a unique Nepal Bhasa dialect.

The city is famous for its beautiful temples, palace courtyards, and traditional architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its art, woodwork, and stone carvings.

A major attraction is the Nyatapola Temple, built by King Bhupatindra Malla. This five-tiered pagoda stands on five terraces. Each level is guarded by pairs of mythical and real creatures—wrestlers, elephants, lions, griffins, and goddesses.

Visitors should try the local specialty, “Ju Ju Dhau”, which means “King of Curds.” You can also visit the Thanka painting museum, time permitting. A 30-minute walk leads to the Dattatreya Temple and Pujari Math, two more cultural highlights.

Bhaktapur offers an immersive experience filled with history, culture, and traditional lifestyle. No trip to Nepal is complete without a visit to this incredible ancient city.

Duration

Grade Easy

Reviews

Simply put “WOW”.

Simply put “WOW”. I have never met more responsible people in my life. They made sure every step of the way was taken care of from the drivers, tour guides, trek guides, porters and hotel accommodations. I highly recommend this company for its hard working, responsible and friendly people. The people make a company. Special thanks to: Anuja “the planner”, Chitiz & Ashmir “the ultimate trekking guides” and finally Robin “the enthusiastic jungle bird watcher”.

Nick Devincenzo

San Diego, California

Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip!

Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip! We did the trip that included time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and a 5-day trek around Annapurna. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we had guides showing us around and everything was perfectly planned for us. Maila, our trekking guide was amazing and had so much knowledge! It was a great trip!

‎Autumn Wonderlich

Boston, Massachusetts

Incredibly well organized

This company was amazing. Incredibly well organized. I felt safe and spoiled. Our airport transports were always early and waiting for us. All of our reservations for our accommodations and busses were perfect. The temple tour we took was super fun and educational. Some of our luggage got stuck in our layover country and between this travel agency and our hotel they were able to get it for us and deliver it the next day. We also had a 10month old traveling with us and they made sure that our accommodation and travel plans were safe for him. During our 5 days of trekking, we had THE BEST guide/sherpa. I would positively let them plan another trip for us. Thank you!!!!

Email: https://facebook.com/karenk2000

Karen Graves

California

A wonderful trip

Thank you so much!!!!
We had a wonderful trip!!! And you were always there to help or guide us as needed! I hope we can have fun together again!!!!!

Janet Spencer

West Jordan, Utah

Nice trip to Nepal

Nice trip in Nepal organized by Plan Holidays Travel! Guide and Porter were great.

Michael Worcestar

Plan Holidays is the best company

Plan Holidays is the best company with wonderful staff members and Guide was incredible an genuinely cared for our welfare. It was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal. All of my thanks to Managing Director Mr. Kala Dhar Baral and the professional team members of Plan Holidays.

Samuel idas

Great Job

Plan Holidays did a great job on the organization of this wonderful journey! We all had a great time, it was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal.

Aleksandra Perr/Peter Babivskiy

I had a wonderful experience

I recently booked a tour with Plan Holidays, and I had a wonderful experience. Anuja scheduled the tour, and it was comforting to have our trip covered without any concerns. Our guide Shiva took us through Kathmandu, and showed all us the highlights of the city and provided us with the cultural and historical background. We also did the Poon Hill Trek with guides Chitiz and Ashmir, who provided a peaceful hike through the Himalayas. On our last two days, we spent time in Chitwan National Park, where our guide, Robin, took us on adventures where we saw crocodiles and rhinos.
The entire package was affordable, and our guides met our every need; they went out of their way for us on many occasions. It was comforting to get off the bus and see our guides waiting for us with our name tags. I would highly encourage anyone to book a trip through this company. I promise that you will have an amazing experience–five stars!

Brendan Praniewicz