Nepal is home to ten cultural and natural heritage sites which have been granted the status of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Out of the ten World Heritage Sites, seven of these are located within the Kathmandu Valley.
UNESCO classified the Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini under the cultural heritage sites while Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park fall under natural heritage sites. Today we discuss theses World Heritage Sites in brief.
Ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Nepal
Despite being a small country with only 147,516 km⊃2; in area, Nepal is still home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are:
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudanath Stupa
- Swayambunath Stupa or Monkey Temple
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Patan Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Changu Narayan Temple
- Lumbini
- Chitwan National Park
- Sagarmatha National Park
1. Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu)
One of the significant cultural and religious sites of Nepal that comes under UNESCO's list of world heritage sites is the temple of Pashupatinath.
Caption: Pashupatinath: Sacred Hindu Temple
Followers of Hinduism worship this temple all over the world. While only Hindus can join the main temple, you can openly view the temple premise surroundings.
Watching the special ceremonies and practices here is an unforgettable activity which can have a profound influence on you.
Every year this location draws a massive number of pilgrims, especially during festivals like Shivaratri and Teej. Throughout this 518 hectare field, there are over 518 temples along with monuments.
2.Boudanath Stupa (Kathmandu)
Boudhanath Stupa is another popular place on Nepal's heritage list. This temple has tremendous importance for practitioners of Buddhism. We may see many people from all over the world, visiting Boudhanath and paying homage to them.
Caption: Boudhanath: Tranquil Stupa, Sacred Space
In the fifth century, the Licchavi King Shivadev founded this Stupa. This Stupa is one of the world's highest Buddhist Stupa. The surrounding region is inhabited mainly by Buddhist citizens.
The stupa premises has more than forty local monasteries. Every day the residents, both visitors and pilgrims, come to this place.
3.Swayambhunath Stupa or Monkey Temple (Kathmandu)
The foundation of the Swayambhunath Stupa dates back to 1500 years ago. The Stupa is one of Nepal's oldest religious sites.
Caption:Swayambhunath: Iconic Stupa, Spiritual Oasis
Swayambhunath's framework reflects the elements that are fire, earth, water, and wind. Historians claim this Stupa was formed from a dry lake as the present valley came into existence.
Both Hindu and Buddhist followers worship this Stupa that lies atop a hill in the Kathmandu valley.
This Stupa is the perfect combination of Hindu temple designs and Buddhist stupas. There are precisely three hundred sixty-five stairs that lead up to the Stupa at Swayambhunath.
The Stupa provides an impressive perspective overlooking the whole Valley of Kathmandu. This platform will give you a rare view of all of Nepal's heritage sites.
4.Kathmandu Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square (Kathmandu)
Kathmandu Durbar Square or locally known as Basantapur Durbar Square is a famous architectural and cultural attraction in Nepal.
Caption: Kathmandu Durbar Square: Historic Majesty
Several decades earlier the Malla and Shah dynasty monarchs stayed in the palaces. The palace is full of numerous courtyards and temples. You could see the beautiful windows and outstanding woodwork.
There are the Mahendra Museum and the King Tribhuwan Museum available to tour. This UNESCO World Heritage the site has architectural importance.
You can also find the house in which Kumari stays at the Kumari Chowk. Kumari is Nepal's living goddess and is believed to be the manifestation of the goddess Talegu. With this visit to this world heritage site, you get the chance to know about Nepal's past and community.
4.Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur)
Unlike the Durbar Square of Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square has ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards as it was host to ancient kings and queens in the past.
Caption: Patan Durbar Square: Timeless Heritage
As a renowned tourism destination, Patan exists only eight kilometres south-east of Kathmandu. This has the inflow of visitors, both internally and externally.
The palace and temple system gives you a more in-depth look into Newari craftsmanship. The temples in the square are dedicated to gods of both Buddhism and Hinduism. Historians claim that Emperor Ashoka built some parts of the square in the third century B.C.
Other areas you shouldn't skip on your travel to Nepal's heritage list include Shrine of Hari Shankar and a shrine of Mahabouddha. There's also the temple of Krishna, the temple of Mahabouddha, the temple of Kumbeshwor, the temple of Bhimsen, the temple of Rato Macchendranath, the temple of Bishwanath and more.
Regional stores and restaurants in the area sell souvenirs to carry home with you. While in Patan you can also enjoy the delicacies of the Newari. This UNESCO world heritage site in Nepal is cherished by people.
6.Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Bhaktapur)
Bhaktapur is Nepal's oldest city, and one of the famous former palaces is the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Located on the eastern side this palace is twelve kilometres away from Kathmandu.
The durbar square highlights Nepal's exceptional craftsmanship and architectural beauty. In Bhaktapur, the four squares are Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square, and Dattatreya Square.
Caption: Bhaktapur: Ancient City, Timeless Charm
Bhaktapur is one of Nepal's prominent patrimonial locations. The golden gate, the gate of lions, a statue of King Bhupatindra, gallery of sculpture, the fifty-five windowed palace of Malla and temple of Nyatapola are the crucial elements to be observed and appreciated.
The is also one of Nepal's most famous UNESCO world heritage sites.
7.Changu Narayan Temple (Bhaktapur)
Changu Narayan is another location on Nepal's list of world heritage sites. It sits on Changu / Dolagiri Hilltop. The thick green forest encircles the area surrounding the shrine. There is also a village nearby called Changu.
The Changu Narayan temple located on the eastern side of Kathmandu is fourteen kilometres. The temple has inscriptions and foundations unique to the location. There are numerous monuments, dating back to 464 A.D.
Should you want to find out more about its past, you should head to the nearest temple museum. You'll get to learn the grand theories around Changu Narayan with this tour, and the people there.
For the nation and its residents Changunarayan the temple has significant religious and historical importance.
Throughout the temple are statues of ten Lord Vishnu incarnations; namely Nar-Singha Vishnu, Vishnu Vikranta, Vishwaroop, Vishnu riding Garuda and others. There are Chinnamasta Devi shrine, Kileswar Shiva temple, and other deities.
You will savour the mesmerizing look over the lush foliage of the Manohara Valley.
8.Lumbini
Known as the birthplace of Siddartha Gautam (Lord Buddha), Lumbini is on Nepal's list of world heritage places. It is only 300 kilometres south of the capital's west, Kathmandu.
Caption: Lumbini: Birthplace of Buddha
Lumbini exists in Nepal's Terai area and is a popular pilgrimage site for people in and outside Nepal. For all the UNESCO world heritage sites in Nepal, a majority of the people visit this location.
In Lumbini, you can see the Maya Devi shrine, Ashoka Pillar, World Peace Pagoda, Sacred Garden, Palace of Tilaurakot, and other monasteries.
There are also numerous monasteries within the premises. You should immerse yourself in the feeling of walking through this holy location.
There is a place for you to know more about Buddhism. A conservation centre houses, and preserves birds of different organisms. Food and accommodation services are no concern, and there is so much to see and to discover.
9.Chitwan National Park (Chitwan)
Another location on Nepal's list of world heritage sites is the Chitwan National Park. It is on the subtropical zone along the Inner Terai, on the south-central side.
Caption:Chitwan: Wildlife Wonderland, Natural Beauty
The wildlife reserve has an area of 952.63 sq km and is host to numerous plants and animals. Within this region, you can see Sal Trees, dense grasslands and Terai-Duar Savanna.
The forest is home to more than 700 animal species, 600 bird species and about 68 mammal species. You'll have to visit this place for someone who enjoys mother nature and discovering her creations.
The Royal Bengal Tiger and one-horned rhinoceros can be seen there. The park includes antelopes, naked hyenas, oriental darters, painted eagles, gharials, golden jackals and other species.
10.Sagarmatha National Park
Nepal established the famous Sagarmatha National Park in the year 1976. This National Park is the first to feature on Nepal's list of world heritage sites.
Caption: Sagarmatha: Nature's Majestic Sanctuary
National park Sagarmatha occupies an area of 1148 square kilometres. This place falls into Nepal's list of the world heritage sites is home to numerous plants and animals. Here lies the mighty Mt. Everest, which has an elevation of 8,848 m.
This national park has some endangered species such as red panda, snow leopard, black bear from the Himalayas, Himalayan monkeys, musk deer and more.
There are also about 118 species of birds, including the Himalayan Munal, yellow-billed chough, red-billed chough, blood pheasant etc.
You should schedule a walk along the path to explore this region's beauty. People go on an outing to Mount Everest and travel around this place via EBC.
For more information on cultural heritages of Nepal, do visit hopnepal.com.
