Welcome to Bhaktapur, one of Nepal's most charming cities, where ancient temples, local artisans, and mouthwatering food come together to create a magical experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site is brimming with history, culture, and, of course, some of the best food you’ll ever taste in your life.

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through narrow lanes, tasting authentic local dishes, and soaking in a rich cultural atmosphere, Bhaktapur is the place to be. So, buckle up for a delicious and delightful journey through this mesmerizing city!

Morning: Exploring Ancient Temples and Squares

Start your day with a trip to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the heart and soul of the city. With its majestic palaces, temples, and towering pagodas, you will feel as if you have just stepped onto the location of an old movie.

Make sure to look in wonder at the delicately carved carvings and golden statues while strolling through these centuries-old courtyards. The 55-Window Palace will catch your eye at once with its exquisite wooden windows, and the Vatsala Temple will leave you in awe with its exquisite stone work.

Take a relaxing walk through the small streets of Bhaktapur—these cobblestone pathways have the heart and soul of the city. There, you'll find the warm locals about their daily work, children playing street games, and artisans at work on their masterpieces. The best of all? You can drop into small, intimate shops and purchase handicrafts that'll transport you to this ageless land.

Midday: Interacting with Local Artisans

Now roll up your sleeves and get your creativity flowing! Bhaktapur is renowned for its craftwork, especially wood carving and pottery. Stop by Pottery Square, where the roads are lined with clay pots of all shapes and sizes.

Watch expert artisans turning their wheels, shaping soft clay into beautiful designs. Feeling adventurous? Why not try your hand at making pottery? It's a lighthearted (and often messy) activity that allows you to tap your inner artist while still maintaining local traditions.

Afterward, walk to the wood carving studios, where you can watch master artisans carve out fine designs on wood. From minute descriptions of deities to traditional motifs, the craftsmanship here is a work of art in the true sense. It's like stepping into a living museum where history meets the present.

Afternoon: Enjoying Bhaktapur's Famous Curd and Newari Delights

Time to treat your taste buds with! You simply wouldn't visit Bhaktapur and not get a taste of its signature dish—Juju Dhau. That rich, smooth yogurt is this city's greatest pride. Its local name, "King Curd," doesn't do it much justice.

What you'll enjoy is its subtle, earthy flavor that only comes in rustically elegant, small clay bowls. The creamy, smooth texture and sweet, tangy flavor of yogurt will leave you hooked after a single spoonful. It's not a dessert; it's a tradition. Juju Dhau is a symbol of hospitality and celebration and is served at weddings and festivals.

The best part? You get to go visit nearby shops where you not only get to enjoy this tasty treat but can even observe demonstrations of curd preparation. Imagine being taken into confidence about the process of how this delicious meal is prepared in the traditional fashion.

You get the whole drill, right from selecting the freshest milk for fermentation to how the curd is perfect to taste. A great way to learn about local culture and savor your sweet tooth at one go!

And yet, there is more! Bhaktapur offers an amazing selection of Newari cuisine that you'll be grazing on all day long.

Some of the treats you should be sure to taste are:

Kwati: A hearty bean soup that makes use of nine various sprouted beans. A protein powerhouse that's packed full of flavor, and the spicy broth will have you warm on the coldest of afternoons.

Chhoila: If you're a meat lover, Chhoila's your new best friend. Grilled meat (usually buffalo or chicken) that's marinated in a mysterious spice blend and cooked to smoky goodness. Served with crispy bara (fried lentil cakes), it's the kind of food you'll be craving seconds (or thirds!) of.

Yomari: Sweet tooth? Then you can't leave Bhaktapur without trying Yomari. Steamed dumplings, they contain a sweet jaggery-sesame seed paste, and occasionally even coconut. Doughy, soft, and sweet—this is the ideal dessert to cap your Newari meal.

Mitho Bara: These sweet, crispy lentil fritters are perfect to snack on while you walk around the city. Fried in a tangy chutney, Bara will have your taste buds singing.

Newari Set Meal: For an authentic foodie's treat, try a Newari set meal. A classic platter of a selection of dishes like Kwati, Chhoila, Bara, and, naturally, Juju Dhau, this is a feast fit for kings (or a very hungry traveler)! Accompanied by beaten rice and meat dishes, it's the ultimate treat.

Evening: Local Festivals and Performance

As dusk falls, Bhaktapur's cultural life is initiated. Visit one of the several temples in the city to see the evening rituals and ceremonies. The rhythmic sound of beating drums, the reciting prayers, and the dancing oil lamp light fill the atmosphere with an aura that's nothing less than magical.

If you're lucky, you might even happen to see an evening performance of traditional dance. The Newars are renowned for their lively performances of culture in the form of masked dances and folk music. These performances typically take place either in the town square or as part of religious festivals, and you get to see the Bhaktapur folks celebrate their customs firsthand.

And in the evenings, the streets of Bhaktapur light up with night markets. All manner of trinkets and regionally inspired handicrafts can be purchased there, as well as, of course, street food to snack on. Browse freely around the teeming markets, have a few extra samosas to eat or momo (dumplings), and bask in the evening air.

Conclusion

Bhaktapur is a place with rich history, culture, and food—the perfect ingredients for a fantastic day trip. With the breathtaking temples and vibrant squares, the tantalizing Newari cuisine and effervescent local traditions, the city contains the essence of Nepalese heritage.

By supporting the local artists and dining on local cuisine, you'll not only be helping to preserve Bhaktapur's cultural heritage, but also creating memories to last an eternity after you leave. So, the next time you find yourself in Nepal, be sure to add Bhaktapur to your itinerary—it's a city that will cast a spell over you regardless of the number of steps you take.