This place gives the Kathmandu Valley situated at 4500 ft. the name "The Wooden Stage". Bhaktapur just outside kathmandu is all about the Newari wooden carvings. With 55 windows all made of teak and the balconies that are all handmade, make this place a historical and "WORLD HERITAGE SIGHT". It can be reached by mini bus or tuk tuk or taxi. The main Durbar (Palace) Square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 windows, the Batsala temple and the outdoor markets. The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and such detailed carved examples of the king in the entire world. This gate is detailed with deities and demigods extraordinary craftsmanship. The Batsala Devi is located in the Durbar Square. This temple is an example of the best style of architecture in Nepal. Nyatapola Temple is a five-story pagoda built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla.

Easily accessible by bicycle, taxi or trolley bus from Kathmandu the centre of the old royal city of Bhaktapur with its cluster of tall, medieval, pagoda-style temples is now a conservation area. Renowned for the intricate wood-carvings on the ornate temples - in particular the "Peacock Window".

Bhaktapur, a medieval city dating to the 9th Century, is one of the seven original communities that eventually became Kathmandu. Patan is even older (3rd Century) but now is faster-paced and more cosmopolitan. As in old Kathmandu, life centers around the ‘Durbar’, or Palace Square.

But what a contrast! Kathmandu hustles and bustles. The constant ebb-and-flow of tourist flocks makes photography difficult. The Durbar at Bhaktapur (or, by its modern name, Bhadgaon) is a tranquil place to meander, contemplate, and compose photos at leisure. Shops along the narrow, yet inviting, cobblestone streets adjoining the square have higher-quality merchandise.

Highlights: Locals gathering at the Lion Gate to the main temple. The interior courtyards. The pottery square, with artisans at work. The relaxed, low-key street markets.

The square at Patan, also filled with a variety of temples and monuments, is similar --- yet different enough that you should see both. Walk 10 minutes to the public baths and Temple of Kumbeswar for the colorful sight of women doing their laundry as gaily-dressed children play nearby.

With a guide and driver, and not returning to your hotel for lunch, you can see both cities in four hours or so.

Bhaktapur is one the three imperial cities of Kathmandu's valley. Cars are forbidden inside the walls of the old center. Atmosphere is very different from Kathmandu. It is very calm; modernity seems to stay out of this city. Before nightfall we visited the Nyatapola, an impressive five-roof Hindu temple. At the foot of the stair case are 2 huge statues of warriors that are ten times stronger than humans. At the upper level stand 2 elephants, which are ten times stronger than the fighter. On the following level we can appreciate lions, griffons and finally tantric gods. On the foggy morning, we visit Durbar Square, a lot of erotic works on the wooden parts of temple (including a very funny image showing 2 elephant making love). Golden gate, Malla king column. On the eastern part of the city, women in red saris wait for the ceremony.