1 event in Bhaktapur
Events in Bhaktapur — Festivals, Culture & Things to Do
Bhaktapur does events differently — its calendar runs on centuries-old jatras and living heritage rather than club nights. Bisket Jatra turns the whole city into a festival at Nepali New Year, Gai Jatra fills the streets each August, and between them the squares host cultural performances, pottery and craft workshops, and food fairs built around juju dhau, the city's famous king curd.
See what's on in the Bhaktapur old town, browse cultural events across the valley, or zoom out to everything on this week.
Upcoming events in Bhaktapur
1 event
Frequently asked questions
What festivals happen in Bhaktapur?
The two giants are Bisket Jatra, the chariot-pulling New Year festival every April, and Gai Jatra, the costumed procession each August — both take over the whole old city. Around them sit dozens of smaller jatras, Dashain and Tihar celebrations, and seasonal food and craft fairs. Confirmed festival events and timings are listed on this page as they're announced.
Is Bhaktapur worth visiting in the evening?
Yes, and it's underrated — the day-trip crowds leave by late afternoon, and the squares around Durbar Square, Taumadhi and Dattatreya are at their best in the evening light. Most restaurants and rooftop cafés wind down by 9 PM, so Bhaktapur evenings are about heritage ambience and Newari dinners rather than nightlife.
How do I get to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu?
Bhaktapur is about 13 km east of central Kathmandu — 30–45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic, or a cheap frequent bus from Ratna Park to the Bhaktapur bus stop by the old city gate. Note that foreign visitors pay an entry fee for the old city itself; events listed here include venue details on each event page.
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