20 Ponds Walking Heritage Tour in Bhaktapur

The main attraction of this trip are the corners and alley ways of the Bhaktapur city which includes many ponds and smaller temples which are located along the way. And also, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square as a whole experience. The first stop is Maheshowri temple. You will visit many ponds like Jela Pokhari, Khancha Pokhari, Nhade Pokhari, and Kumari Pokhari. Then a quick stop at Chupinghat Mahadev Temple and other major ponds in Bhaktapur like Laiko Pokhari, Mangal Pokhari, Kadha Pokhari, Degamana Pokhari, Tekha Pokhari, Bhajuya Pokhari, Rani Pokhari, Siddha Pokhari, Guhye (Na Pukhu) Pokhari, Bal Maasan Pokhari, Kaldaha Pokhari, Indrayani Pokhari, Bhandarkhal Pokhari, Sundhara Pokhari, Taleju Pokhari, and Nag Pokhari along with major attraction of Bhaktapur Durbar Square such as Nyatapola temple, 55 windows palace, Vatsala Temple, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, and Golden Gate.

Siddha Pokhari is a huge pond made by human at the entrance of Bhaktapur. The pond is big enough to ride a small boat. It is a bustling spot where locals often hangout. The environment around the pond is beautiful.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the most iconic landmark in Bhaktapur. The architectural and historical importance has been recognized by the UNESCO and listed as a World Heritage Site. Some of the popular temples and structures in the durbar square are: Nyatapola temple, 55 windows palace, Vatsala Temple, Siddhi Laxmi Temple, Golden Gate, and many other temples. In terms of food, the curd from Bhaktapur is famous throughout Kathmandu valley and has been called “JUJU DHAU” translated as “Kings of Yogurt”, and liked by all due to its creamy texture and thick consistency.

Nyatapola temple is a five-leveled temple over 30 meters tall. It is one of the tallest temple in Nepal. You can see 5 pairs of statues of ancient animals and deities at the sides along steps of the temple. It is said that each statue is 10 times stronger as you climb up the stairs. The temple is dedicated to the ancestral deity of Malla royal family: Siddhi Laxmi. The image of Siddhi Laxmi is said to be 10 feet tall but as the temple opens once a year in July, peaking a look is difficult.

Dattatreya temple is located in the east side of Bhaktapur, in Dattatreya Square of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The temple is associated with the deity Dattatreya which is composite of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The huge temple is said to be built using the stem of a single tree. The idols of the three gods with a huge tree at the back is one of its important feature.

Another iconic stop is the 55 Window Palace of Bhaktapur. The palace is right near the golden gate entrance. Its name comes from the 55 windows carved around the palace. There are carvings of many designs and deities around the palace with sacred wall paintings.