Bhaktapur भक्तपुर Khwopa |
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Town | |
Bhaktapur Durbar Square before the 2015 earthquake
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Location in Nepal | |
Coordinates: 27°40′20″N 85°25′40″E / 27.67222°N 85.42778°ECoordinates: 27°40′20″N 85°25′40″E / 27.67222°N 85.42778°E | |
Country | Nepal |
Zone | Bagmati |
District | Bhaktapur |
Area | |
• Total | 6.89 km2 (2.66 sq mi) |
Population (2011) | |
• Total | 81,728 |
• Density | 12,000/km2 (31,000/sq mi) |
• Religions | Hindu, Buddhism |
Time zone | NST (UTC+5:45) |
Postal code | 44800 |
Area code(s) | 01 |
Website | http://www.bhaktapur.com/ |
Bhaktapur (Nepali: भक्तपुर Bhaktapur Listen ), literally translates to Place of devotees. Also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa (Newar: ख्वप Khwopa), it is an ancient Newar city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, about 8 miles (13 km) from the capital city, Kathmandu. It is located in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. It is administratively divided into 10 wards.
Bhaktapur was the largest of the three Newar kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley and was the capital of Nepal during the great 'Malla Kingdom' until the second half of the 15th century. It has a population of more than 81,728, of which the vast majority are still Newars. Historically more isolated than the other two kingdoms, Kathmandu and Patan, Bhaktapur has a distinctly different form of Nepal Bhasa language.
Bhaktapur has the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. This is supported by the restoration and preservation efforts of German-funded Bhaktapur Development Project (BDP).