The ancient city Bhaktapur lies on the Eastern part of Kathmandu valley which is also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa. This old city is inhabited by indigenous Newari people in large group is regarded as the abode of traditional Nepali culture, custom and unique arts of wooden and potteries

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square complex is made up of the Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square and is situated just 10 kms to the east of Kathmandu . The Durbar square is surrounded by spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newari artists and craftsmen. The courtyards, temples, palace buildings, statues, and monuments inside the square were constructed in different eras by Newari artists. In Newari dialect, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also known as “Layaku.” Originally, there were 99 courtyards attached to this place, but now only 6 remain. Before the 1934 earthquake, there were 3 separate groups of temples. The Vatsala Devi temple, famous for its sandstone walls and gold-topped pagodas, was also demolished during the earthquakes of 1934 and 2015. Currently, the square is surrounded by buildings that survived the quakes.

One of the most prominent of the monuments inside the square is the the 55-window Palace which was constructed by King Jitamitra Malla and was home to royalty until 1769. It is now a national gallery. The other attractive monuments here are the Nyatapola Temple (which is the highest 5 storied pagoda styled temple in Nepal), statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Peacock Window etc. The Golden Gate, another marvel of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, leads into Mulchok Court, which is home to the Taleju Temple. This temple, like others in the main towns of the Kathmandu Valley, is dedicated to the goddess Taleju. Other interesting places are Dog barking Bell, Siddhilaxmi Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple. The entry fee here is 500 nepali rupees for Indians and SAARC nationals, whereas it is $15 for other foreign nationals.