No Juan Is An Island

Bhaktapur, Nepal – Nepal is probably world renowned because of the Himalayan mountain range, as it is home to the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest. But to me, this landlocked nation is more than those snow peaks. It is the land of sherpas, yaks, and yetis, monasteries and mantras, and much more!

Case in point is this city called Bhaktapur. Locally known as Khwopa and historically called Bhatgaon, Bhaktapur is a must visit placr in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Famous for its ancient arts and cultural traditions, jaw-dropping architectural masterpieces and ancient sculptures, Bhaktapur as a destination has been tagged as a grand cultural and architectural museum. Notable places of interest include the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Nyatapola Temple, and the 55 Window Palace. All of which screams majestic, artistic medieval nature. No wonder UNESCO inscribed Bhaktapur as a World Heritage Site since 1979.

Travelling to Bhaktapur, one will see hundreds of examples of traditional Newar architecture, an indigenous style of architecture used by the Newari people in the Kathmandu Valley. The most prominent feature of Newar architecture are wide projecting roofs, typically protrude more than a meter from the façade. A walk through the city will let you feast on these beautiful architectural designs.

Bhaktapur is also famous for its cuisine. The most notable Nepali food in Bhaktapur is perhaps jūjū dhau, a type of yogurt made from buffalo milk. It reminds ne so much of Bangladeshi creamy yogurt, mishti doi. Just like the mishti doi, juju dhau is also made in clay pots.

Other food you might wanna try (which I did at a cafe at the center of the Durbar Square) include bara (he Newari pancake), and choila (a very spicy grilled meat).

Moreover, Bhaktapur’s potters and handicraft industries are some of the most popular in Nepal. I enjoyed walking along the narrow streets of Bhaktapur because of the seemingly endless shops selling and showcasing Newari artistry.. Due to its well preserved

So if you find yourself traveling to Nepal sometime soon, don’t forget to include a trip to Nepal’s Cultural Capital. Bhaktapur is just around 9 miles (1from central Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is easily accessible from the central city of Kathmandu.