Craft · Bhaktapur, Nepal
Dattatreya Square and the woodcarvers
Walk to Bhaktapur's oldest square, Dattatreya, to see the carved peacock window and the workshops where Newar carvers still make windows, doors and roof struts by hand. A quiet half-day for anyone interested in craft and architecture.
Photo: Greg Willis from Denver, CO, usa · CC BY-SA 2.0 · CommonsDattatreya Square lies at the eastern end of the old town and is the quietest of Bhaktapur's three squares. The Dattatreya temple, dedicated to a deity revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, faces a row of old priests' houses called maths. The Pujari Math houses a small woodcarving museum, and on the lane beside it is the famous peacock window, a lattice carved with a peacock fanning its tail.
Around the square, workshops carve windows, doors, masks and temple struts from sal and other hardwoods using chisels and mallets. Some pieces are souvenirs; others are made for temple restoration after the 2015 earthquake, which has kept the old skills in demand. Ask before photographing the carvers and expect to be offered things to buy; there is no obligation.
From Dattatreya, walk back west along the old trade street that runs through the middle of the town, past shrines, water taps and courtyard houses. It links all three squares in about 20 minutes. Stop at a courtyard cafe for a Newari snack before returning to Durbar Square.
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Trips through Bhaktapur
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Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
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Kathmandu valley heritage on a saver budget
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Questions
Before you book
Where is the peacock window in Bhaktapur?
On a narrow lane beside the Pujari Math in Dattatreya Square, at the eastern end of the old town. Look for the small crowd of photographers.
Can I buy a carved window to take home?
Workshops sell carved panels and small windows. Ask about export rules for older or antique pieces, which may need clearance; new pieces are generally fine.
How long does it take to walk between Bhaktapur's three squares?
About 15–20 minutes from Durbar Square to Dattatreya at an easy pace, through Taumadhi.