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Bhaktapur Travel Tips

Bhaktapur Travel Tips

Bhaktapur Around The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Travel Guide

Local SIM Cards

Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC) are major mobile providers. Ncell often a choice for travelers; broad coverage and good data plans.

Acquisition

  • Purchase at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) upon arrival or at mobile shops.
  • A copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo are needed.
  • SIM cards are inexpensive, and data packages offer good value.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available. Mobile data services are consistent in urban areas.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Reliable 4G/LTE services in urban areas like Bhaktapur.
  • Quality and speed vary, but usually enough for basic needs.

Postal Services

Send postcards or letters home from Nepal.

Mail Information

  • The General Post Office (GPO) in Kathmandu is the main postal hub.
  • Local post offices are in Bhaktapur for sending postcards.
  • For international courier (DHL, FedEx), offices are in Kathmandu.

Language Aids

Nepali is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Translation Tools

  • The Google Translate app is valuable; download Nepali offline pack.
  • Learning a few phrases shows respect, often brings a warm response.

Important Phrases

Greetings & Politeness

  • Namaste / Namaskar (Nah-mas-teh / Nah-mas-kar): Hello / Greetings.
  • Dhanyabad (Dhan-ya-bad): Thank you.
  • Hajur (Ha-jur): Yes (polite), also to acknowledge or respond.
  • Chaina (Chai-nah): No / Don't have.

Common Needs

  • Kati? (Ka-ti): How much?
  • Ramro chha (Ram-ro chha): Good / Nice.
  • Mitho chha (Mi-tho chha): It's delicious (for food).
  • Pani (Pa-ni): Water. Khana (Kha-na): Food.

Language Note:

For more in-depth language learning before your trip, consider a resource like Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours & Schedules

Know typical operating hours for various services.

Shops

Generally open from 9 AM - 7 PM. Smaller local shops may open earlier and close later.

Restaurants & Cafes

Typically open from 7 AM - 10 PM. Some may open later for dinner service.

Museums & Attractions

Most operate from approximately 10 AM - 5 PM. Check sites for variations. Bhaktapur Durbar Square ticket counters have specific hours.

Banking & ATMs

Financial institutions mostly operate on weekdays.

Hours & Locations

  • Banks open 10 AM - 4 PM, Sunday through Friday. Closed Saturdays.
  • ATMs are available near major squares or commercial areas in Bhaktapur.
  • Most ATMs accept international cards (Visa, MasterCard). Note withdrawal limits.

Religious & Public Holidays

Many public and religious holidays occur in Nepal. Services may be limited or closed.

Festival Impact

  • Major festivals like Dashain and Tihar mean long holidays.
  • Banks, government offices, and some businesses might see reduced hours.
  • Checking a local calendar for specific dates before your visit is a good idea.

Seasonal Schedules

Monsoon Season June-Sept

  • Outdoor activities or tours may be limited or canceled.
  • Heavy rain and road conditions sometimes affect travel.
  • Bring waterproof gear for outdoor exploration.

Deep Winter Jan-Feb

  • Shorter daylight hours mean some outdoor attractions might have reduced operating hours.
  • Cooler temperatures prevail, with clear mountain views possible.
  • Warm clothing advised, especially for mornings and evenings.

Time-Saving Tip:

For flight delays or cancellations, a service like Compensair assists with compensation claims.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful interaction with the local culture enriches your travel and aids tradition preservation.

Greeting Customs

Greetings in Nepal are often accompanied by a gesture.

How to Greet

  • "Namaste" or "Namaskar" with palms pressed together at chest level.
  • Handshakes are common among men; for women, await their initiation.
  • A polite smile often complements greetings.

Appropriate Attire

Modest dress is advised, especially outside major tourist centers.

Clothing Guidance

  • Cover shoulders and knees for daily wear.
  • Remove shoes before entering temples or private homes.
  • Avoid revealing clothing at religious sites.

Dining & Tipping

Meal etiquette and compensation norms.

Customs

  • Use your right hand for eating traditional Nepali meals.
  • Avoid touching food with your left hand; it is unclean.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not strictly needed.

Photography

Seek permission for photos, especially close-ups.

Permissions

  • Always ask before taking photos of individuals.
  • Photography may be restricted inside some temples; heed "no photography" signs.
  • Avoid using flash in sensitive areas.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Gestures & Contact

  • Avoid pointing feet at people or sacred objects.
  • Avoid touching someone's head; it is sacred.
  • Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.

Discussions & Public Conduct

  • Avoid discussing sensitive political topics.
  • Bargain politely in markets; do not bargain in fixed-price shops.
  • Avoid loud behavior or public intoxication.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Gender Considerations

  • Nepali society is generally patriarchal.
  • Women travelers dress modestly to avoid certain attention.
  • Solo female travelers are generally safe but should be cautious, especially at night.

LGBTQ+ Information

  • Nepal has progressive laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Public displays of affection are not widely accepted culturally.
  • Discretion is advised in public settings, notably outside progressive urban circles.

Cultural Immersion:

Supporting local artisans, like potters in Pottery Square or woodcarvers, by buying their authentic products directly supports traditional crafts, sustaining cultural heritage.

Accessibility Information

Bhaktapur's historic nature has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Challenges

The core heritage area, with its cobblestone streets and steps, poses difficulties.

Infrastructure

  • Significant challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
  • Many traditional buildings lack ramps or elevators.
  • Pathways are uneven, navigation difficult.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Accessible attractions are limited. Public transport poses issues.

Site Access

  • Interior access to temples and museums often hard or not possible.
  • Public buses are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Taxis might be hard to get in and out of; roads can be rough.

Services & Resources

Visual/Hearing ImpairmentsServices are limited.
Braille SignageNo specific signage.
Audio GuidesRarely available.
Travel CompanionA local guide is a good choice.
Specialized Tour OperatorsAccessible travel operators might assist.
ModificationsExpect extensive adjustments for tours.

Planning Ahead:

Consulting with specialized accessible tour operators is advisable for tailored arrangements.