Five roofs rise above Bhaktapur, the tallest temple in Nepal.

The temple

Nyatapola, meaning something with five storeys, is a five-tiered temple in central Bhaktapur, the tallest temple in Nepal at 33 metres. King Bhupatindra Malla built it in six months, from December 1701 to July 1702. It has survived four major earthquakes, including the 7.8-magnitude quake of April 2015.

Guardians on the stairs

It is one of only two five-storey temples in the Kathmandu Valley. Its five-level plinth carries steps lined with pairs of stone animals and deities as guardians. With the Bhairava temple it forms Tamarhi square, the cultural heart of Bhaktapur, and its silhouette appears on the city's coat of arms.

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  33 metres Nepal's tallest temple.
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  Stone guardians Up the stairs.
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  Bisket Jatra Festival in the square.