Nyatapola Temple, Hindu temple in Taumadhi Square, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Nyatapola Temple is a Hindu sanctuary featuring five stacked roofs and standing as one of the tallest structures in the Kathmandu Valley. The building displays elaborately carved wooden details throughout its exterior and narrows progressively toward the top.
A king commissioned the sanctuary in the early 1700s and the construction was completed in less than two years. This rapid building effort reflects the ruler's significant resources and organized workforce.
The temple stairs showcase pairs of stone guardians positioned at each level, starting with wrestlers and continuing through elephants, lions, griffins, and tantric deities. Each pair represents growing spiritual and physical power as visitors ascend.
Visitors can explore the exterior throughout the day and observe the carved details from various angles, though the inner sanctum remains restricted to priests. The surrounding plaza provides good vantage points to view the entire structure from ground level.
The sanctuary has survived multiple severe earthquakes through its advanced structural engineering. Its ability to withstand such powerful forces makes it a remarkable example of early architectural science.
Location: Bhaktapur
GPS coordinates: 27.67140,85.42930
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:05
Nepal offers photographers an exceptional range of subjects, from the highest mountains on Earth to centuries-old religious sites. The Himalayan range dominates the northern regions, where trekkers head to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. At middle elevations, traditional mountain villages like Namche Bazaar and Manang Village provide cultural contexts, while Kali Gandaki Gorge ranks among the deepest in the world. High-altitude lakes including Gokyo Lakes, Rara Lake and Gosaikunda Lake lie in remote areas and attract photographers seeking untouched landscapes. The historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley preserve a rich architectural tradition. Boudhanath Stupa stands as one of the largest Buddhist structures of its kind, while Swayambhunath sits atop a hill overlooking the capital. In Bhaktapur, the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple rises above the townscape, and Durbar Square displays examples of Newari architecture. Lalitpur contains Patan Durbar Square with its temples and palaces. Beyond the valley, Lumbini marks the birthplace of Buddha, and Janaki Temple in Janakpur represents Hindu temple architecture. Phewa Lake in Pokhara reflects the Annapurna range, while viewpoints such as Sarangkot, Poon Hill and Nagarkot provide panoramas of multiple peaks above 26,000 feet (8,000 meters).
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