Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon means ‘City of Devotees’ and is the best preserved of all the cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is located to the east of Kathmandu, and takes about 45 minutes to reach, although if you are staying at Nagarkot or Dhulikhel it is closer. Bhaktapur was an old Newar city-state, and like Kathmandu and Patan has a superb Durbar Square at its centre. The main highlight is the impressive 55-window palace, built by the Malla King in the 18th century. Taumadhi Square lies to the east of Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square, and contains the impressive Nyatapol Temple, possibly the finest example of any of its kind in the Kathmandu Valley. As you walk up the steps to the temple, you will see figures of deities and mythical beasts, each ten times more powerful than the one before. Dattatreya Temple is located in a square of the same name, and the roads surrounding it are great to just walk around a see local life all around you. If you like local handicrafts, then do pop into the Woodworking Museum and the Brass and Bronze Museum. You will continue to Potter’s Square, where the pottery is still produced. As Lord Ganesh is the patron saint of potters, you will see a temple dedicated to him here. The Changu Narayan Temple dates from the 4th century, but was rebuilt after a fire in the early 18th century. Dedicated to Vishnu, it is a great place to wander around with the added benefit of excellent views over the Kathmandu Valley.