Bhaktapur: Pottery Workshop, King's Curd, and Bhajan Tour

Begin your journey at Pottery Square in the mid-afternoon, around 2:30 PM, when the warm mountain light casts long shadows across rows of sun-drying clay vessels. This historic square is the heart of Bhaktapur’s pottery tradition, where the Kumale community has practiced their craft for generations. Spend about an hour immersed in the tactile language of clay, learning directly from a local artisan how to shape a simple vessel on the wheel.

Beyond the hands-on experience, take time to wander through the open drying yards and observe the traditional straw-fired kilns, gaining a deeper appreciation for how the valley’s earth is transformed into the terracotta that defines the city’s character. Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a bit messy, and keep some small cash ready for workshop fees, which are usually modest. From there, make your way on foot toward Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where you can pause for a taste of the city’s most famous delicacy, Juju Dhau.

Often called the “King of Curd,” this rich, custard-like yogurt is made from buffalo milk and set in traditional unglazed clay pots that absorb excess moisture, giving it its signature thickness. Served fresh at small local stalls, it costs only a small amount and offers a direct connection to a culinary tradition that dates back to the Malla era. Take a moment to enjoy it slowly, as locals do, while watching the rhythms of daily life unfold in the square.

As evening approaches, continue toward the iconic Nyatapola Temple, arriving around sunset when the golden light illuminates its five-tiered structure. This is where the atmosphere shifts from lively to deeply spiritual. Beginning around 5:30 PM, local devotees gather in nearby sattals to perform bhajans - devotional songs that are not staged for visitors but are part of everyday religious life.

Find a quiet place to sit on the stone steps and observe respectfully as the air fills with the steady drone of the harmonium, the rhythmic clash of cymbals, and the collective voices of the community. The experience is meditative and grounding, offering a rare glimpse into the living spiritual traditions that give Bhaktapur its identity as the “City of Devotees.” The experience naturally concludes here by early evening, around 7:00 PM, leaving you in the heart of the square, from where you can easily walk back or take a taxi to Kathmandu.