Peak climbing in Nepal is usually both technically and physically very challenging activity. Nepal with 1310 identified Himalayan peaks over 6000m, currently 326 peaks are open for climbing.
Did you know Nepal is home to the top 10 World Heritage Sites? Well, as surprising as it sounds, it is a fact. And among them, the 7 must visit UNESCO World Heritages Sites in Nepal are located in the Kathmandu Valley alone!
One of the world’s naturally abundant and culturally rich countries Nepal, proudly boasts its architecturally affluent buildings, cultural abundance, and rare natural assets as 10 World Heritage Sites in Nepal. You will experience everything from royal palaces to ancient but traditionally worshiped temples, monasteries to flora and fauna at an altitude above 5000 meters from sea level.
Whether you are visiting this Himalayan land for an adventure trek or just to experience the breathtaking natural beauty, visiting these sites is a must. Every year these popular sites throughout different regions of Nepal welcome tourists from various corners of the world.
Go through this article to find more details about the history, operating hours, and much more information on the 10 world heritage sites in Nepal.
Although there are 10 world heritage sites in Nepal, you will find only 4 sections in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. This is so because the 7 heritage sites are located in the capital city of Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley itself. Hence, these are categorized under the title Kathmandu Valley, and the rest three are mentioned individually.
Since, any international visitor will first at Tribhuvan International Airport, located in the Kathmandu valley, it is wiser to take a few extra days to spend here. It will be a good way to acclimatize to Nepal’s climate while exploring the World Heritage sites.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these sites, starting first with the ones located in the Capital Valley.
Located at the center of town, Pashupatinath is often remembered as a savior by many who follow the Hindu religion, synonymous with Lord Shiva. When it comes to Hindus residing in Kathmandu Valley or anywhere else in the world, Pashupatinath equals divinity.
Nestled on the banks of the holy Bagmati river, Pashupatinath is the most pious shrine for the Hindus. From celebrating birth to success to saying your final goodbyes, people visit the temple for all holy purposes.
It is such an ironic fact about this pristine location that you will find people praising the lord with joy as well as the ones pleading to god to take their loved ones.
If you want to witness this rare yet opposite moment, visit Pashupatinath around 7 p.m. Be a part of the evening “Aarati” ceremony. While you cherish the god with a melodious “bhajan” on one side, you will see people burning off on the other bank of the river.
Highlights of Pashupatinath
Best time to visit: Early morning (visit in the afternoon for “Sandhya Aarati)
Best months to visit: June/July and November/December
Entry cost
Also known as the Monkey Temple to many, Swayambhunath is another must-visit World Heritage site located in the Kathmandu Valley. Located on the top of Semgu Hill, just beside the ring road, the main road of Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is a sanctuary celebrating Lord Buddha.
This holiest Buddhist shrine is believed to date back to 460 A.D. and was built by King Manadeva. However, it became valuable as a center for Buddhism in the 13th century. Truly, Swayambhunath is one of the oldest monasteries located in Nepal.
Frankly speaking, the stupa isn’t just a religious site but also a beautiful location to enjoy the valley’s natural abundance. You can get a panoramic view of the city from the top balcony of the stupa.
Best time to visit: During Evenings
Best months to visit: Around the year (Special during Buddha Purnima)
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Boudhanath stupa also referred to as Boudha or Jharung Khashor is another most infamous landmark of Nepal. This magnificent dome-shaped architecture is believed to have been built in the 5th century.
According to the legend, a woman named Jadzima offered her hard-earned savings to build the stupa. But, when she died, her sons continued the work of completing the stupa’s construction taking a total of seven years. In fact, you can find a temple devoted to the lady called Ajima temple.
Apart from the divine history, the stupa also stands out as a holy shrine accumulating the Mind of all Buddhas. There’s a local belief that whoever circles around the stupa with a pure heart, gets their wishes fulfilled as a result of good karma.
Best time to visit: During Evenings
Best months to visit: Around the year (Special during Buddha Purnima)
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Nestled at the high hilltop of Changu also called Dolagiri, Changu Narayan is Lord Bishnu’s temple located in Bhaktapur. This Newari temple built in Pagoda style was actually founded by King Mandev of Lichhavi dynasty.
Changu Narayan isn’t just just a traditional monument but also an architecture beholding the history of the Royal dynasty of Nepal. You will find a two-tiered pagoda with a gilded roof made of copper, intricate decors on the wooden door and frames. In fact, the entrance has a pair of lions guarding the temple along with elephant statues on either side.
Similarly, the temple courtyard is adorned with four pillars decorated with the possessions of Lord Bishnu. Apart from the architectural grandeur the temple courtyard will give you a glance of the Newari lifestyle too.
Best time to visit: During morning prayers or evening
Best months to visit: During Changu Narayan jatra, Mahasnan, Jugadi navami, and Haribodhani Ekadasi
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Entry cost:
Also known as ‘the Museum of Temples” for having more than 50 temples each dedicated to different gods of Hindu religion, Kathmandu Durbar Square is the most popular World Heritage site in Kathmandu valley.
If you want to take a look at Nepal’s royal history there is no better place to visit than Kathmandu Durbar Square. From depicting the history of kings who enthroned the royal throne of the country to the architectural glory of rich arts through different dynasties, you will learn a lot about Nepal here.
This durbar square is actually divided into three regions i.e. Outer Kasthamandap or Basantapur area, the main palace, and Hanuman Dhoka museum. While the Basantapur area and Main Durbar area are free to explore to local nationals, entrance to the museum will be charged.
While you can get a glance of Hindu traditions just by exploring the temples around the outer Kasthamandap area, the real gem is the palace area and museum. You can access the museum only after paying a certain charge even if you are a local resident.
Not all but three floors of the main palace and other buildings around it are converted into museums. You can see a fine display of royal history, intricate art details, and much more information about the country inside the museum.
Best time to visit: During Afternoons
Best months to visit: Around the year
Often referred to as Newa city i.e. city of Newari community, or Khwopa by the locals, Bhaktapur is another durbar square of Kathmandu. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a true reflection of the Malla dynasty, one of the finest royals of Nepal who were renowned for their love and taste for art.
The palace lies 12 km east of Kathmandu leading towards the Chinese border through Araniko Highway. The actual palace area covers a total of 6.65 square kilometers and has buildings that date back from the 13th to 18th century.
Similar to Kathmandu Durbar Square, this palace also tells a lot about the historical events of Nepal and Nepali Kings along with a lavish display of artistic creations well laid out on the temples and monuments throughout the city.
From extraordinary wood and stone monuments with intricate designs to palaces with 55 carved Windows to the five-stories tall Nyatapola temple, this exquisite city of devotees has it all. Apart from the grandeur of the durbar square, this ancient city is also infamous for pottery and woodcarving that you can find in every alley around the palace area.
Best time to visit: Evenings & during “jatras” i.e. Religious fairs
Best months to visit: March- April, October-November
Adorned as the Living Museum of Arts and Architecture in Nepal, Patan Durbar Square is one of the most popular and easily accessible UNESCO world heritage sites that no visitor should miss. You will get a view of numerous pagoda style temples, artistic courtyards, architecturally rich palaces and stone spouts made of stone and metals in the premises.
The palace area can be accessed through multiple routes but the right way to do it is through Mangal Bazar road as you will need an entry ticket to access the area. However, if you prefer long walks, you can walk in through the beautiful entrance gate i.e. “Patan Dhoka” and make your way across to the main durbar square and buy your tickets there.
Coming to the specialty of Patan Durbar Square, it is a city of artisans who have gracefully carried on the old charm, traditions, and unwavering craftsmanship throughout the generations.
One interesting fact about this durbar square area is the perfect amalgam of Hinduism and Buddhism in the heritages. You will find an influence of both in the stupas and temples located around the area. Whenever you visit the area, make sure to explore every alley to get the whole feel of this amalgam since the monuments are well spread out.
Best time to visit: During Evenings
Best months to visit: During Festivals (October/November)and Jatras (July/August)
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