Bhaktapur ( Bhadgaun)

Introduction to Bhaktapur ( Bhadgaun):

Bhaktapur is known as Khwopa in local Newari tongue. The cultural capital of Nepal, Bhaktapur’s history goes back to the Early 8^th century and it  used to be the capital city of whole Nepal till the 12^th to the 15^th century. Until the early 18^th century, the ancestors protected the city as a sovereign country surrounding it with boundary walls and a number of city gates. Shaped like a flying pigeon, the city spreads over an area of 6.88 sq km. and lies at 1401 meters above the sea level. Bhaktapur gives shelter to almost 100 thousand people, most of whom are peasants, businessmen, handicraft producers and public employees are among the others. Juju Dhau ( Yoghurt), Bhadgaule Topi (Black Cap), Haku Patasi (Black Saree with red border), Pottery and handicraft are the identifiers of the city and are well known for their uniqueness. Majority of the inhabitants are either Hindus or Buddhists. It is religious harmony that unites the people in the city. Even festival and cultural activities, irrespective of its religion, is observed with full and equal enthusiasm.

A blend of northen art and southern mythological philosophy, the aged arts, architecture and culture are the heritage of Bhaktapur that it inherits from the earlier generations. The Pagoda and Shikhar style temples, Vihars and Bahis, (traditional Buddhist Monasteries), Lonha Hiti (Stone Spouts), ponds, pati, math and sattal (Public shelters), stupas, city gates, teracotta temples, Dyochhens (residence of Hindu Deities), Jarahs (traditional water tanks), Palaces artistic private houses and other cultural and historical heritages are the major monuments of the ancient city.