Today we will visit the surroundings of Bhaktapur to see the Changu Narayan Temple.
Changu Narayan Temple
We have breakfast again in the hostel and go out to the main road to Nagarkot in front of Bhaktapur Metropolitan City, Office of Municipal Executive next to the taxi stand, this time we have to climb about two hundred meters to the right until we reach the junction Dekocha Changu Narayan where the bus stops for the locality of Changunarayan. It costs 25 rupees/pax/trip.
Changu Narayan
The village of Changunarayan is located about five kilometres from Bhaktapur on a hilltop. The bus takes about 20 minutes on a road that winds through paddy fields.
Changu Narayan
Its main attraction is the Hindu temple of Changu Narayan although it is worth spending a few hours in the rest of the village where you can find museums and craft shops.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979. Architecturally it is remarkable for its carvings on stone, wood and bronze. The main building in the form of a pagoda, where the sacred relics are kept, is only open to Hindus.
Changu Narayan Temple
The number of sculptures and erotic figures in the temples and the different colours that decorate their façades are remarkable.
Locals begin to arrive with goats to be blessed. At Indra Jatra, families gather to celebrate the end of the monsoon by sharing the blessed goat at the table.
Changu Narayan Temple
Despite being the oldest temple in Nepal, we did not find too many tourists there. The entrance fee is 300 rupees.
Changu Narayan Temple
On the way back to Bhaktapur we eat in another spectacular courtyard in Dattatraya or Tachupal Tole Square, at the Mayur restaurant, thakali (similar to dal bhat), lentil chapati and noodles with chicken and vegetables.
Thakali set
We visited the Hanuman Ghats temple on the outskirts of the city. Very authentic but very dirty and forgotten.
Hanuman Ghats Temple
We walk back to Taumadhi square to have a last look at the Nyatapola temple. In front of it there are some small temples and a very interesting local fruit and vegetable market.
Hanuman Ghats Temple
We look for the Indrayani temple, where animals are still being sacrificed, especially goats, and as we turn around we see the snow-capped mountains in the background.
Indrajani Temple
Bhaktapur
We have dinner in Bhaktapur at Vajra Rooftop restaurant, momos and beer, with stunning views of the city. It is our last day in Nepal.
Sunset at Bhaktapur
Sunset at Bhaktapur
On our way down from the restaurant we are lucky enough to participate in the Indra Jatra procession held in Bhaktapur.
Indra Jatra
We go to bed for a couple of hours, our flight leaves tomorrow morning at 2 am.
Accommodation Hotel Bhaktapur Inn, triple room with private bathroom, including breakfast $12/night.
Bus from Bhaktapur 25 rupees/pax/trip
Entrance fee to Changu Narayan temple free of charge
Lunch in Bhaktapur at Mayur restaurant, thakali, chapati lentils and noodles 1,640 rupees
Dinner in Bhaktapur at Vajra Rooftop restaurant 740 rupees, momos and beer
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