Bhaktapur en Patan (Kathmandu Valley)

Places of Interest - Nepal

introduction

The narrow Kathmandu valley flanked by high mountains on all sides is the historical, cultural and administrative center of Nepal. It was here that Kings of the country were crowned, Kingdoms grew, but also collapsed, temples were built, destroyed and were devastated by earthquakes and numerous monasteries were built.

Nepalese art and culture still reigns here and the valley can be called the biggest tourist attraction in the country. The valley is located between the Mahabharat Lekh in the south and the Great Himalayas in the north.

Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are all located in the Kathmandu Valley, all three with their own sights and charm. The area houses at least 130 monuments, including Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages. The Kathmandu Valley has got a World Heritage status since 1979, despite large devastating earthquakes. The earthquake of 25 April 2015 completely destroyed several of the monuments recognized as World Heritage sites and severely damaged others.

highlights

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).

tips & advice (2004)

You can easily reach above tourist-destinations (Bhaktapur and Patan) on different day trips from Kathmandu. If you choose to stay overnight in these, the advantage is that you have the city in the evening and early in the morning for yourself (as a tourist).

For entrance to the historic city center of Bhaktapur 750 Rs would be asked and for Patan 200 Rs.

Bhaktapur en Patan (Kathmandu Valley)

Places of Interest - Nepal

introduction

highlights

tips & advice (2004)

see also:

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