Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m and covering an area of four square miles, it still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated with myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. Of the Valley's three Durbar Squares, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best preserved one. This splendid palatial square has its gems in such artistic masterpieces as the following:

The Golden Gate
Golden gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the 55 windows Palace. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the Gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters of marvelous intricacy.
 

55 Windows Palace
The 55 windows Palace was built in the seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving.
 

Stone temple of  Batsala
This is also located in the Durbar square and is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style of architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the "bell of barking dogs". This colossal bell, placed in 1737 A.D. was used to sound curfew during that time.
 

Nyatapole Temple
This five-storey pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squats a pair of figures; two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and Baghini and Singini - the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is the tallest pagoda temple of the country and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
 

Bhairavanath Temple
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda but later changed into a three-storey temple in 1718 A.D. by king Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the God of terror.
 

Dattatraya Temple
Built in 1427 A.D. this temple is said to have been built from trunk of a single tree. Near this temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows.
 

Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 km to the east of the center city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Bishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings. The sacred complex is  also a world heritage site.
 

Thimi
Thimi, situated 8 Km east of Kathmandu, is a farming town on the way to Bhaktapur. Wonderful temples and other religious shrines point its steers. It is known for the artistic masks and mud pots often seen spread out on the streets to dry in the sun. Handspun cotton cloth is another Thimi specialty.