Discover Nepal’s 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Discover Nepal's 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Discover Nepal’s 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites while you are in Nepal. UNESCO World Heritage Sites have cultural or natural value, according to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini are both Cultural World Heritage Sites, while Chitwan and Sagarmatha National Park are Natural World Heritage Sites.

Each of these sites, as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has a richness of fascinating culture, history, or simply sheer natural beauty and diversity to offer. Let’s take a closer look at the sites, monuments, and natural beauty that have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The top ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal are listed below.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Taleju Temple

The most popular Asan Bazaar, sacred Hindu, Buddhist temples, Living Goddess Kumari, Hanuman Dhoka, Museum, and intriguing Newar community can all be discovered in Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is located in the heart of the capital city. In 1979, UNESCO designated Kathmandu Durbar Square as a World Heritage Site.

In the eighth century, Kasthamandap (a wooden pavilion) was built of single tree wood-derived the name Kathmandu Valley. In 1960, Maju Dega (17th century) uncovered a hippie temple. The highest temple in the square is Taleju Bhawani Temple (16th century), which is located to the northeast of the area (36 meters high). An erotic carving depicting medieval sexual education and protection from the Lightning Goddess can be found at Jagannath Temple (16th century). The Basantapur palace square is a great place for visitors to spend time

2. Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa has listed the cultural world heritage site in 1979. The stupa is one of the largest dome-shaped stupas in the world. The dome is sized correctly and serves as a symbol. The whitewashed dome and its gilded tower, which is adorned with the Buddha’s all-seeing eyes, serve as a three-dimensional reminder of the Buddha’s path to enlightenment. The aura of the stupa is energizing, with the scent of incense drifting through the air.

3. Pashupatinath Temple

Pasupatinath Temple
Pasupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath, a Hindu sacred pilgrimage monument and Lord Shiva temple, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Pashupatinath is a sacred temple for Hindu worshipers. The temple is located 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Pashupatinath spans from Pashupatinath’s main shrine to Guheswori.

The temple’s main features include a gold-plated rooftop, silver entryway, and woodcarvings. Devotees travel from all over the world to offer their respects to Lord Shiva. Hindus are cremated on a range of sites around the Bagmati River.

4. Swayambhunath Stupa

Swoyambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath, a Buddhist stupa 3 kilometers west of Kathmandu, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The hilltop vista provides a panoramic glimpse of the valley and surrounding landscape. It is a Buddhist pilgrimage site that provides cultural and natural beauty from the stupa itself.

Swoyambhunath Stupa
Swoyambhunath

Swoyambhunath’s iconic whitewashed stupa is one of Nepal’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Because of the many monkeys that live on the temple grounds, the stupa is also known as Monkey Temple. Travelers go through the shrines, chanting prayer mantras. Visiting Swoyambhunath is a magical experience, with ancient carvings adorning every square inch of the temple and incense filling the air.

5. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a historic palace square that was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. The palace square (6.88 square kilometers of land), Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square, Dattatraya Square, all of which is filled with thrilling temples, the palace, Sattal, royal bath, art gallery, sculptures, Mahabihar, stone sculpture, metal craft, school, restaurant, souvenir store, and guest home

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Alleys of Bhaktapur

The square as a whole is a spectacular exhibit of Newari architecture. Every structure is a work of art in and of itself, and tourists will have a great time exploring.

6. Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan is regarded to be Nepal’s oldest temple. It is located on a high hilltop known as Changu or Dolagiri, which is encircled by a champak tree and a tiny settlement known as Changu Village. Lord Vishnu is worshipped at the Changu Narayan temple, which holds several of his avatars as well as other deities.

Elephants, winged lions, ram-horned giraffes, and lions are among the mythical beasts depicted in the main temple. In terms of artistic, cultural, religious, and historical significance, it is the oldest surviving temple. Furthermore, in 1979 AD, UNESCO designated the temple as a World Heritage Site in Nepal.

7. Patan Durbar Square

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the heart of Lalitpur, is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations. The town is believed to have been called after King Yalamber, as Patan also means Yala. Patan Durbar Square is home to carved wooden shrines, historic royal houses, and temples. Malla’s magnificent recollection of distinct Newari culture and architecture is commemorated in the area by 55 prominent temples, artisans, and Buddhist monasteries, as well as a stunning street carnival (Jatra). The exquisite Krishna temple on the west side of Patan Durbar Square is one of a kind, displaying antique stonework.

8. Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is the spiritual heart of all Buddhists. In the year 1997 AD, UNESCO added it to their list of World Heritage Sites. The lovely hamlet of Lumbini is nestled in the Himalayas near the Indian border. Furthermore, it is a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and the ancient ruins constitute the soul of this serene setting.

Thousands of tourists have placed prayer flags with blessings and incantations around the entire site. Architecturally, each of the monasteries here is unique, with stunning facades and artwork.

9. Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park

The Sagarmatha National Park is located in Nepal’s north-eastern region. In 1979, UNESCO designated Sagarmatha National Park as a natural world heritage site in Nepal. This lovely park includes a variety of flora, including dense woods in the lower portions, mosses and lichens at higher elevations, and no vegetation at all in the highest areas. Sagarmatha is known for its rich natural history, tremendous geological young mountains such as Mount Everest, stunning paths, glaciers, Gokyo Lake (renowned for migrant waterbirds), and deep valleys. Rare animals like musk deer, snow leopards, and red pandas can be found in this well-protected habitat.

10. Chitwan National Park

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Chitwan National Park is a preserved rich biodiversity and ecosystems tucked between pushed chuckles of Terai. It conserves natural habitats for an enormous amount of flora and fauna. These grassy plains serve as a shelter for many endangered animals of the world like one-horned rhinos, and many bird species, like the giant hornbill and Bengal tigers. The national park is a World Heritage Site in Nepal enlisted by UNESCO in the year 1979 AD.

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Top Places to Visit in and Around Kathmandu

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Kathmandu is a city that was founded in a vast valley after draining a large lake as per the legends say and where the ancient traditions of this city are passionately conserved while embracing the modern technological advancements. This is a city where one gets a chance to witness the unity in diversity as many people from different caste, ethnicity, and religion, race living together in harmony and where the Gods and people share the same street. Truly a city of monuments, temples, stupas in every chowks and street. A city of various political influence and cultural embrace.

In this ever so culturally and traditionally rich place one has many options to go to and soak in and learn the historical past and tradition of those places. Here is the list of the places that you need to visit while inside the Kathmandu Valley.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square

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Kathmandu Durbar Square is enlisted in the “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and is also popularly known as Hanuman Dhoka square. It is one of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley as most of the cultural centers of Nepal are concentrated around the Kathmandu valley; Hanuman-dhoka Durbar Square among those cultural sites is the most important one. The statue of Hanuman established by his majesty King Pratap Malla at the entrance of the royal palace in 1672 A.D was what influenced “The name Hanuman-dhoka Durbar”. The famous Basantapur Durbar Palace was built under the reign of the great “Shah Dynasty” ruler King Prithvi Narayan shah in 1770 which is also known as Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is located at the heart of the ancient city in Kathmandu and is surrounding both Hindu and Buddhist temples. Most of the monuments that date back to the 15th to 18th century are mostly embellished in pagoda style with very intricate exterior carvings. The religious and culturally rich life of the people is emphasized with its historic palaces, temples, and traditions. Other interesting things which cannot be missed once you’re in Kathmandu are “Kumari (The Living Goddess) Gar” “Kastha Mandap” Maru Ganesh, Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old Palace, Saraswati Temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Taleju Temple, etc.

2. Swayambhunath Temple

The name “Swayambhunath” is termed after the word “Self-Created” and history mentions the stupa is from back 5th century when the valley was made out of an out of an antiquated lake. Most usually uttered as “Monkey Temple” the Swayambhunath is one of the excellent landmarks on Kathmandu valley which is enrolled at the world heritage site. Arranged on a peak, this wonderful holy spot showcases a constraining white stupa with entrancing Buddha eyes and a sparkling golden spire. One of the most prominent spots in the city, The Swayambhunath viewpoint also recommends the shocking landscape of the Kathmandu valley.

3. Patan Durbar Square

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Patan Durbar Square is the next fabulous destination which is one of the three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley, incorporated into UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square is a wonder of Newar architecture with a tiled floor using red blocks. There are numerous sanctuaries and symbols in the area and most meaningful structures are the Golden Temple of 14th century, the octagonal Krishna sanctuary of 16th century and the Shankar Narayan sanctuary with two elephants at its passage. The acclaimed Patan Museum displays bronze and copper statues of gods from both the Buddhist and Hindu conventions.

4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is another spectacular space which is one of the three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley, incorporated into UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The recorded landmark on around displays medieval age culture and convention of Nepal and this old city is occupied by the indigenous Newar community of huge gathering. While the attractions comprise of no less than four unmistakable squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square) the entire domains are casually identified Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

5. Pashupatinath Temple

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Pinpointed on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is an exceptionally sacred Hindu temple erected of two-storied in the 15th century back where you can glimpse stunning the heavenly men known as “Sadhus” in an extraordinary piece of clothing. This “extensive Hindu sanctuary domain is a sprawling gathering of sanctuaries, ashrams, pictures, and engravings raised throughout the hundreds of years. Vaishnava temple with a Rama sanctuary from the 14th century and the Guhyeshwari Temple built in the 11th century likewise lies throughout Pashupatinath.

6. Kopan Monastery Gumba

The monastery was primarily established by the FPMT’s authors, Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, who bought the property from Nepal’s regal astrologer and set up around the 19th century. Without any doubt, it is reflecting it’s identity as Kopan Monastery pursuing the Tibetan influence. Monastery situated on the top of the hill is a pleasant place where you can investigate and gain knowledge about Buddhism along this monastery is considered an excellent point for its books on Buddhist psychology and philosophy.

7. Bouddhanath Stupa

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The most appreciated spot to explore all through Kathmandu valley is “Boudhanath Stupa” (One among the largest stupas in the planet) which was constructed back during the 14th century. It is additionally enrolled on the rundown of the world heritage site as well. The vast Buddha eyes on stupa and the colorful praying flags creates distinctive eye-catching outline all through stupa. Amazing belief and Buddhist text declare that Boudhanath stupa dominates the skyline. From throughout the world, this destination is identified as the imperative destination for whole Buddhist minions.

8. Royal Botanical Garden

Royal Botanical Garden established back in the 18th century is a garden dedicated to the collection, cultivation, and showcase of an extensive variety of plants displayed with their botanical names along with conservation of birds. It contains authority for plant collection, and it displays huge desert flora and fauna, herb gardens, plants from specific parts of the world, et cetera. The place is interesting and incredible for strolling along with its goal for instructive presentations, workmanship shows, book rooms, outside dramatic and melodic exhibitions, and other stimulation.

9. Thamel Street

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Displaying core populace of Newar community Thamel is Kathmandu’s extraordinary hotspot holding unique boulevards holding narrow streets decorated with colorful praying flags and completed with international and local restaurants serving whole assortments of dishes including Nepalese nourishment and liquors with live music band exhibitions moreover souvenir shops loaded up with Nepal unique melodic instrument, handcrafted customs, tattoo corners, religious antiques like singing bowl are magnetic. Additionally, Thamel is a definitive place to chill out in the city.

10. Garden Of Dreams

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The delightfully established garden pronounced as “Swapna Baigicha” is recognized as “Garden of Dreams”. It’s a well-known destination all through the crowded city for investing time to get out of stress for finding peace in Kathmandu to visit offers rest and restoration from the worries of the world. It is a standout amongst the most stunning spots on the planet, holding marble engraving, lovely wellsprings and lakes, hidden garden and countless moreover. The garden was worked in the 1920s and has been brought back into life by the Austrian financed group and still.