Bahals of Bhaktapur
6 ancient Buddhist monastery courtyards in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur has fewer bahals than Kathmandu or Patan but they are well-preserved and woven into the medieval brick city's living religious life.
Chatur Varna Mahavihar
चतुर्वर्ण महाविहार
Bhaktapur's most visited mahavihar near Durbar Square, built in 1492 with a fascinating mix of Buddhist and Hindu guardian figures.
Near Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Dipankar Mahavihar
दीपंकर महाविहार
A hidden gem deep in Bhaktapur's alleys, housing the city's principal Dipankara Buddha alongside Hindu deities in a beautifully syncretic setting.
Between Kwathandou and Bekhal, inner Bhaktapur
Jayakriti Mahavihar (Thatu Bahi)
जयकृति महाविहार
A Licchavi-era monastery in Bhaktapur's Itachhen quarter, host of the major Samyak Dan festival and home to ancient chaityas and a Panchabuddha gate.
Itachhen, west of Na:Pukhu
Mangal Dharmadweep Mahavihar (Jhaur Bahi)
मंगल धर्मद्वीप महाविहार
A 13th-century monastery in Bhaktapur's Golmadhi Tole featuring rare wall paintings of various Buddhas and a Dipankar Buddha dressed in distinctive blue garments.
Golmadhi Tole
Indra Varna Mahavihar (Inabaha)
इन्द्रवर्ण महाविहार
One of the five major mahavihars of Bhaktapur, located at Inacho Chowk and housing a Dipankar Buddha — an important node in the city's Buddhist ceremonial network.
Inacho Chowk, inner Bhaktapur
Tom Bahal (Aadipadma Mahavihar)
टोम बहाल
The oldest bahal in Bhaktapur and starting point of the Samyak Mahadan and Panchara rituals — a living center of Newar Buddhist ceremonial life in the city.
Suryamadhi Tole, Taulachhen