About Taumadhi Square
Taumadhi Square is located next to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is the second most visited square in Bhaktapur after Durbar Square. Taumadhi Square is often referred to as Taumadhi Tole because "tole" means "market street area" in Nepali. It is also very close to Pottery Square, which can be visited on the way here from Durbar Square.
Taumadhi Tole contains the tallest temple in the Kathmandu Valley - the Nyatapola Temple.
The square has an open central area with two major temples to the north and east. Other old buildings in the square are largely residential homes for local residents.
Here, you can appreciate ancient life and "living heritage" in Bhaktapur quite well. However, please note that the pagoda-style building near the center of Taumadhi Square is not a temple; it's a modern-day restaurant. It offers great views from the top, but there are equally good restaurants nearby.
Did you know?
Taumadhi Square connects directly to Bhaktapur Durbar Square while also leading to Potters Square and an old road leading to Dattatreya Square.
In 2019, work was carried out on the roof of the Bhairabnath temple within the square, which was completed. In 2020, work was carried out renovating the Nyatapola Temple, which was completed in 2021.
Must-See Highlights Around Taumadhi Square
If you're exploring Taumadhi Square in Bhaktapur, I strongly recommend you download my comprehensive guidebook. It features an exceptional heritage walk around the square, complete with photographs of every temple, ensuring you'll always know exactly what you're looking at!
Nyatapola Temple
Built in 1702 by King Bhupatindra Malla, this five-story, 30-meter-high stone structure has withstood the tests of time, including the earthquakes of 1934 and 2015. Visitors are welcome to ascend the grand stairway, where it's said that each guardian figure is ten times stronger than the one below it.
At the base, you'll encounter the wrestlers Jayamel and Phattu, figures we'll revisit in Dattatreya Square. Ascending, you'll see two elephants, followed by two lions, then two griffins, and finally, the tantric goddesses Byaghrini and Singhini.
Bhairabnath Temple
The imposing Bhairabnath Temple is more captivating from the outside than the inside. Home to Kasi Vishwanath or Akash Bhairab, this deity's legend is as intriguing as his temperament. The small brass figure at the shrine before the temple offers a unique photographic opportunity.
Wander around the temple's perimeter to discover wooden cart wheels and planks—parts of the colossal chariot assembled annually for the Bisket Festival in April, celebrating Bhairab in a grand procession. The temple's roof was meticulously restored in 2019.
Betal Temple
Adjacent to the Bhairabnath Temple lie the remnants of the Betal Temple, a victim of the 2015 earthquake. This small structure, primarily serving as an entrance to a quaint courtyard leading into Bhairabnath Temple, remains a poignant reminder of the earthquake's impact.
Til Mahdav Narayan Temple
A hidden gem in Bhaktapur, located behind the dance platform in Taumadhi Square. This courtyard houses the double-roofed Narayan (Vishnu) Temple, one of the valley's oldest, dating back to 1080 AD. Its ancient image showcases 12th-century artistry.
Additional attractions include the brick dance platform opposite Nyatapola Temple and the nearby souvenir stalls.
Secure your downloadable guide to Bhaktapur today, featuring every temple in and around the square, presented in an engaging walking tour format. Get my Bhaktapur guidebook here.
Entrance fee for Taumadhi Square
The current entrance fee for foreigners is already covered in your overall Bhaktapur ticket price.
This ticket grants you access to all of Bhaktapur, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pottery Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dyattraya Tole.
If you plan to stay in Bhaktapur, present your passport at the ticket office to easily extend the same ticket for an additional week at no extra charge.
Ticket booths can be found at all main entrance streets into the old city of Bhaktapur, and there are occasional random ticket inspections, so make sure to keep your ticket handy!
Exploring Taumadhi Square doesn't require booking a tour as it is a small area. Consider using a guidebook, hiring a guide for the entire Bhaktapur experience, or checking out the Kathmandu Valley Heritage Walks book.
Accommodation near Taumadhi Square
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There are very few hotels within Taumadhi square itself though most are just a minute or two walk away. Most nearby hotels are in Durbar Square or on the road between Taumadhi square to Potters square.
High-end hotels near Taumadhi Square
There are none! Most hotels in the square are of a mid-level quality so don't let anyone tell you differently.
Mid-range: USD $20-80 per night
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Siddhi Home - Located just behind Taumadhi square overlooking Til Mahdav Narayan Temple they get what a good hotel is meant to be. They have two locations near the square. Comfortable rooms in a quiet location! Book here ★★★★☆ | + Location + Views |
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Nepa: Guest House - Another guest house on the way between Taumadhi square & Potters square. Friendly staff with well kept rooms make this a good choice hotel. Book here ★★★★☆ | +Service + Price |
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Cosy Guest House - Offering 12 rooms this excellent guest house have cosy rooms overlooking both Pottery square & a small street leading to Taumadhi square. With nice staff & a good sense of guest care this is great choice of accommodation. Book here ★★★★★ | + Best Choice! + Clean + Service |
Budget hotels in Bhaktapur Durbar Square: USD $5-20 per night
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Nyatapola Guest House - On the street to Pottery square is this cosy guest house. Shared bathrooms, very friendly owner & some great experiences can be had here. Book here ★★★☆☆ | + Location + Service |
Looking for more accommodation in Bhaktapur? Try my hotel search below for the best rates.
Restaurants around Taumadhi square
There are quite a few restaurants and cafes around Taumadhi square, it's also very walkable to other areas around Bhaktapur. Unfortunately restaurant quality or service is not the best.
Cafe Nyatapola: A long-standing restaurant located in what looks like a temple opposite the Nyatapola Temple. It’s the views that really attract. Everything else is overpriced.
Namaste Restaurant: Go here for breakfast as it’s probably the best you’ll find in Bhaktapur. Fruit salad, lemon crêpes or a huge bowl of King Curd sourced locally. Located beside Nyatapola Temple the views are great & dinners are only okay. The staff are not so great aside from the manageress, Sarala who is great - say hi to her from me.
De Gurka: Reasonably priced with reasonable food with a rename in 2017... the management could do with some customer care training though.
Bhadagaon Cafe: Is it a coffee shop, sestaurant or hotel. It's all three really, but hard to tell sometimes. Hotel staff are lovely, cafe staff are pretentious. Foods good though.
Map & Directions to Taumadhi square
From Bhaktapur Durbar Square simply walk passed the lions at the end of the square and take the first right down the narrow street - it leads directly into Taumadhi Square. Alternatively from behind the Pashupatinath temple in Bhaktapur Durbar Square take a left and continue walking to Taumadhi. Full sized maps available in my guidebooks.
Map of Taumadhi square
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