Bhaktapur

Also known as Bhadgaun, Bhaktapur is a museum of midieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculptures, woodcarvings, and colossal pagoda temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses. This city was founded in 889 A.D. Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries. This city lies to the east of Kathmandu, attached to it. Some of the major attractions include:

• Siddha Pokhari: This big rectangular water pond located near the main city gate, was built durnig the reign of King Yakshya Malla in the early fifteenth century and is associated with a number of myths. A wide range of snowy peaks are also visible from this spot.
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This palace is bounded by a 55 window palace of brick and wood. This square is one of the most charming architectural showpiece of the valley because it shows the ancient arts of Nepal. Like other temples and palaces, there are wood carvings on every place-struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows that seem to form a "well-orchestrated symphony," as the book Nepal says. Bhaktapur Durbar Square also includes the renowned structures like the following. I will try to add their descriptions later on when I have time.
  • The Lion Gate
  • The Golden Gate
  • The Palace of 55 Windows
  • The Picture Gallery
  • The Statue of King Bhupatindra Mall
  • The Batsala Temple
  • The Pashupati Temple

Other interesting places to visit in Bhadgaun are:

• Nyatapola Temple
• Bhairav Nath Temple
• Dattatraya Temple

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