BHAKTAPUR

Bhaktapur bazaar is the district headquarter of Bhaktapur district at a distance of 16 km. from Kathmandu. It is probably the most visited of the three historic cities, nicely compact and only a brief walk from Nyatapola, the tallest and most popular of Nepal's pagoda temples. Like Kirtipur, Bhaktapur is a medieval town locked in centuries old beliefs and traditions. But, unlike Kirtipur, the town is economically robust; walking its streets you find artisans at work, craftsmen producing their wares and modern facilities.
Also known as Bhadgaon, city of devotees, the name of the ancient city indicates its religious antecedents. Bhadgaon reached the principle of its glory during the Malla era and Bhaktapur has maintained its individuality mainly by virtue of its self-sufficiency and isolation from Kathmandu. Field still encircle the town, cultivated by Bhaktapur's farmers, working since centuries. The town grows its own crops. The women wear the distinctive black patasi bordered with a bright red strip. the town's Dabar Square is usually overrun with tourists, who sometimes stand there stunned, not only by the incredible, dimensions of the Nyatapola Temple but also by the nonstop hurley-burly of hawkers, pedestrians and children who occupy the place by day and seemingly by night. Most seek sanctuary in a tearoom, where a good hour can be spent sipping the piquant local tea and studying the erotica in the area.
The next most prominent part of the square is the awsome Nyatapola Temple, Nepal's tallest ancient structure, built by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands in five tiers and is balanced by the five foundation platforms that stand at the base. From as far back as you can stand, it looks like a fretted pyramid climbing up to the clouds, reaching a height of more that 30 m. Its inspiration is said to have been a form of appeasement to the terrifying menace of Bhairav, who stands in another temple. There seems to be more than just fancy to this tale.