Bhaktapur, Nepal 🇳🇵
#718
27.671113, 85.426167
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bhaktapur is a historic city located in the Kathmandu Valley, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 81,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps; some cafes and coworking spaces offer faster options. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 NPR ≈ 0.0075 USD (1 USD ≈ 132 NPR), widely accepted are Nepalese Rupee (NPR). ATMs are available in the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not safe to drink. It is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz. Sockets are of type C and D. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include NTC (Nepal Telecom) and Ncell. SIM cards can be easily purchased at the airport or local stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard. Local banks like Himalayan Bank and Standard Chartered provide services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and Airbnb. Prices range from $10 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited. While some places accept cards, cash is preferred for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Himalayan Yeti Guest House' offer beds starting at $5 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Shree Yatra Coworking Space offers decent facilities and a community atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe KSHA offers a quiet space, Wi-Fi, and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for meetups on platforms like Facebook or local expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly language exchange meetups are often held at local cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are readily available, but ride-hailing apps like Bolt are limited; bargaining is common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops; prices start from $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beach, but nearby Nagarkot offers beautiful hill views and hiking opportunities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Yeti Airlines connects Bhaktapur to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Tribhuvan International Airport is the nearest for international travel. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Araniko Highway, linking to China and Kathmandu. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses and microbuses connect to Kathmandu and surrounding areas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly bus-based; no specific passes are available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regular bus services run to Kathmandu and surrounding towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bhaktapur Hospital is the primary healthcare facility, providing general and emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga centers are available, such as 'Yog Sadhana' offering classes for beginners. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms like 'Fitness Club Bhaktapur' offer basic facilities for around $20/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries like 'Bhaktapur Laundry' provide service at affordable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodmandu is popular for food delivery in Bhaktapur. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'King Curd' (juju dhau) and other Newari delicacies. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local eateries offer vegetarian, especially Newari vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bhaktapur Durbar Square has various sweet shops offering local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Street vendors and local markets in Bhaktapur sell fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | KTM Online offers grocery and essentials delivery services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores may deliver upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bhaktapur is quieter at night; few bars like 'Newa Bar' exist. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gorkha Brewery produces local beer, available in many restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited, but some restaurants offer local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for vendors near Bhaktapur Durbar Square for tasty snacking. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Chinese restaurants can be found in the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, and 55-Window Palace. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Art Gallery showcases traditional Nepalese art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Dattatreya Square and the Vatsala Temple are important sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous temples including Bhairab Nidhi and Vatsala Temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Biska Jatra is a significant annual festival celebrated in April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the traditional neighborhoods around Durbar Square. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances at local temples and public squares. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bhaktapur has vibrant local markets, especially for crafts and pottery. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music can be heard at festivals and community gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; the focus is more on traditional art forms. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local classes available through community centers for traditional Nepali dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries showcasing local artists, usually around Durbar Square. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Numerous medieval buildings throughout the city, especially in the square. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bhaktapur is known for its distinct Newar cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nagarkot offers scenic rolling hills and is just a short drive away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chandragiri National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various paths around the city and towards hills offer great views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Nagarkot is known for sunrise and sunset viewpoints. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in nearby hills and reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas are available in Nagarkot. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local couriers like 'Doko' offer parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for phone and gadget repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes available for Nepali and English in local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited, but some cafes provide quiet areas for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers often host classes and events for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few gaming lounges; most entertainment is traditional. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Bhaktapur; gambling is not widespread. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% tax rate for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% on dividends for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Currently at 36% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% Value Added Tax standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Nepal has CFC rules aimed at preventing tax avoidance. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property type and value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 3% of property sales price. |