Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur

Saturday, 18th March 2012

With a full day before our evening flight an extra trip was offered to Bhaktapur which has retained its heritage of Cultural Capital of Nepal and dates back to the 7th century. The Hindus and Buddhists have coexisted in harmony and drawn inspiration from each other through the ages. After exploring the buildings and surrounding streets we had lunch overlooking the square and its vibrant activity.

The Shangri-La Hotel garden . . .

is full of pots holding a variety of blooms . . .

and planted borders

The front of the hotel isn't quite as colourful . . .

but has its own guard at the entrance

Bhaktapur Durbar Square houses master pieces of stone sculpture . . .

a variety of buildings . . .

in different styles . . .

and guarded by . . .

large stone sculptures

The Golden Gate dates to 1754 A.D.

There are many buildings to look at . . .

including one that is built entirely of stone

After exploring . . .

around the square . . .

we head off up some side streets . . .

before returning for lunch

Pottery Square where pots are laid out to dry . . .

before being made ready . . .

for placing in the kiln

At the opposite end of the square . . .

a large wheel is being used . . .

to turn a pot - but how does he keep it turning fast enough?

Al tries out a local mask but I'm afraid it won't fit in his suitcase!

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