How to get to Bhaktapur

Situated at an altitude of 1401 masl, Bhaktapur is a unique old town, divided into 24 traditional localities covering an area of  5 sq.km. Founded by King Ananda Dev in 889 A.D., Bhaktapur is said to have been built in the shape of conch, the sacred symbol of lord Vishnu. Literally, Bhaktapur means the city of devotees.

From the airport

Travelers wishing to come to Bhaktapur directly from the Tribhuvan International Airport are recommended to take the prepaid taxis at the airport exit gate. Normally, it should not take more than 30 minutes to get to Bhaktapur and it should not cost more than Nepalese Rupees 800.

From Kathmandu

For comfortable travelling, a meter taxi would be the best means to get to Bhaktapur. In this case, it takes around 40-45 minutes to get to Bhaktapur and it will not cost more than Nepalese Rupees 650.

For tourists, travelling by local buses could prove to be interesting. Express mini buses leave form the Mini Bus Park in Baghbazar drop off/depart from a stand just southwest of Bhaktapur’s Naw pokhu Pokhari, a short walk from Durbar Sq. Buses departing in every 10 minutes charge Rs. 25 per passenger for a one- way trip.And Buses from Purano Bus Park(Ratna Park) drop off/depart from a stand just east of Bhaktapur’s Chayamasingh Bus Park, a short walk from Dattatrya Square .

The last Minibus and Bus back to Kathmandu leaves at about 6.45pm. Express buses are the best bet, as local buses stop in Thimi route.

One can also rent a motorbike or a mountain bike to get to Bhaktapur. On a motorbike it is less than half an hour ride and on mountain bike it will not take more than 50 minutes. The advantage of hiring a bike is the extended rides to other interesting driveways and trails beyond Bhaktapur city.

From Patan (Lalitpur)

In every 15 minutes mini buses leave for Bhaktapur form patan. One can get these buses at the Lagankhel Bus Park  drop off/depart from a stand just southwest of Bhaktapur’s Naw pokhu Pokhari, a short walk from Durbar Sq. and enjoy a one- way trip for Rs 25.

From Nagarkot

Buses for Nagarkot (Rs 50, one hour) leave regularly from the northeastern corner of the city known as Kamalbinyak.
Buses to Changu Narayan (Rs 20, 30 minutes) leave every 30 minutes or so from the northern junction with the Changu Narayan road and direct from Purano Buspark Ratna Park)  too.
For Dhulikhel you’ll have to walk 10 minutes down to the Arniko Highway (via Potters’ Square) Suryabinayak and catch a (probably packed) through bus from Kathmandu.