A slice of life in Bhaktapur

While we were staying in Bhaktapur we had a walking tour which included the Potter’s Square, a traditional Thanka Painting school, and Durbar square.


To me, the everyday sights and encounters along the walk are as interesting as the ‘destination’ sights.

The architecture reminds me of Turkey and the Ottoman architecture I saw there.
Many of the houses are brick or wood with overhanging wooden balconies, sometimes almost touching in narrow alleyways.
The window frames and lintels and door locks are works of art seen along the streets.
Kids are returning from school and wash is drying from upper windows.

There are many old water faucets along the streets, most not working any more. They are made of stone or brass and are very ornate.
Some of the still working wells are VERY deep.

At the Potter’s Square there are jugs and pots of all sizes, vases, eavestrough downspouts and piggy banks for sale.
After items are thrown they are dried and then piled high with wood and straw for firing.
These are very utilitarian items with no fancy glazing.

At the Thanka Painting school the students practice and apprentice for 8 years and are not considered for master classification for at least 14 years, if ever.
The fine painting detail is only possible with very steady hands. The brushes are as thin as 1 hair! There is no coffee in their break room!

At a nearby public school the students were also having an art lesson, but I didn’t see any 1 hair brushes being used.

Durbar Square has many shrines and there are wood and stone carvings everywhere you look.

If you make a donation and ring the bell you may get ‘bindi-ed’.

After the walking tour is over, it’s Everest time! (A lot more interesting than Miller time.)