A large rectangular pond dating from the Licchavi period, squares with different historical associations, and festivals with distinct dates: Bhaktapur offers several specific points to consider when planning a trip. First decide whether you want to focus on the sights, pottery or a festival. If you are travelling for a specific occasion, it is especially useful to check the event dates in advance.
Pond, Squares and Museum
Bhaktapur is home to Siddha Pokhari, a large rectangular pond dating from the Licchavi period. Its clearly defined shape and historical context offer a different point of reference from the city’s squares and festival traditions. If you want to get to know Bhaktapur beyond its events, the pond adds a place whose distinctive features are its size, shape and history.
The Woodcarving Museum is located in the former Pujari Math at Dattatreya Square. It is a ten-minute walk from Durbar Square. Dattatreya Square is the oldest of Bhaktapur’s four squares. Two distinct historical associations therefore meet in this place: the square’s position in relation to the other three, and the former use of the building that now houses the museum. The walking time also gives you a concrete reference when planning a visit to the museum.
Festival Traditions and Timing
The traditional Gai Jatra procession follows the ceremonial route of Pradakshina Patha around Bhaktapur. Among other places, it passes through Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Dattatraya Square. These squares feature as stops on a shared procession, rather than simply as individual names on a list. Gai Jatra also has a satirical side: jokes about social issues may be made during the festival. If you are interested in this tradition, you will find both a specific connection to the squares and a theme that goes beyond the route.
Biska Jatra is celebrated in Bhaktapur for eight nights and nine days. The season falls in mid-April, but the timing varies from year to year. For planning purposes, it is therefore important to distinguish between the duration and the specific travel dates: the duration describes how long the festival is celebrated; for a stay around the festivities, you should also check that year’s event dates. If a festival is the reason for your trip, confirm the relevant dates before booking a hotel.
Pottery and a View of Bhaktapur
Pottery Square is a place where a great deal of pottery work takes place. At pottery training centres at Pottery Square, you can learn pottery for a fee and make your own items, such as cups. This offers a hands-on way to engage with the craft, in addition to viewing the square. Check the current availability of lessons before visiting; the opportunity to make something is a separate planning consideration and should not be mistaken for a guaranteed drop-in activity.
Near Bhaktapur is Changu Narayan Temple, a World Heritage Site on a ridge overlooking Bhaktapur. Its location and views make it a different point of interest from the squares within the city. When choosing what interests you, you can weigh up whether to focus on the squares, pottery or also the view over Bhaktapur, without having to turn this into a set excursion itinerary.
Plan Your Stay
If you are travelling around Biska Jatra or Gai Jatra, the specific festival dates are key to choosing your travel period; for a pottery lesson, check current availability. If you are mainly interested in the squares and museum, the named places and the walking time between Durbar Square and the Woodcarving Museum offer practical guidance for planning your day.
Discover more destinations: Madhyapur Thimi, Thaiba, Bungamati, Panauti, Kathmandu, Budhanilkantha, Sankhu, Lalitpur
Go to the main travel overview: Bagmati.
