UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Ten historical sites in Nepal have been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. There are two natural heritage sites and eight cultural heritage sites, each having a lengthy history. Visitors are encouraged to explore these magnificent sites and take in Nepal's magnificent and amazing legacies. The Nepal World Heritage Sites have something to offer everyone, whether they are nature lovers or history and culture aficionados. Kathmandu Valley alone boasts 7 UNESCO-listed sites among the world's oldest capitals.

The first sites in Nepal to be added to the list were the Sagarmatha National Park and the Kathmandu Valley; both were added in 1979. However, due to the partial or substantial loss of the traditional elements of six out of seven monument zones and the resulting general loss of authenticity and integrity of the whole property, Kathmandu Valley was put on the List of World Heritage in danger between 2003 and 2007. Chitwan National Park was listed in 1984 and the most recent site listed was the Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha added in 1997.

Here below are outlined the 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal.

 

1) Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is the first national park in the Himalayas to be recognized as a World Heritage Site. The park is a unique area with mountains, glaciers, ice caps, and deep valleys where Sherpas live. Some of the highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, are found in the national park. It is a treasure trove of unique Himalayan plants, animals, and flowers. The Everest Base Camp, the most well-known trekking location worldwide, is located in Sagarmatha National Park.

Important features of Sagarmatha National Park:

• Within the park is Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.
• Several 8000, 7000, and 6000-meter peaks are also protected by the park.
• Within the park is Gokyo Lakes, the world's highest freshwater lake system.
• Some of the natural inhabitants include the snow leopard, red panda, blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr.
• Within the park are traditional Sherpa settlements that have preserved ancient Buddhist culture and traditions.

Entry Fee:

• NPR 1500 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 3000 is for other tourists.

Where is Sagarmatha National Park located?

Traveling to Lukla and then hiking across the national park's diverse terrain is the simplest way to reach Sagarmatha National Park. Lukla is reachable by air from Ramechhap or Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can hike from Jiri and Salleri to Lukla. You can get to  Jiri or Salleri from Kathmandu with ease using either public or private transportation.

 

2) Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is among Nepal's oldest protected natural areas. The Royal Bengal tiger and endangered one-horned rhinoceros are two of the many wild species that call the national park home. Wild elephants, gharials, and sloth bears can all be found in the park. Additionally, Chitwan National Park is among the top locations for bird watching. The park is home to a variety of birds, including kingfishers, Bengal floricans, grass warblers, storks, egrets, etc.

Important features of Chitwan National Park:

• Discover the Royal Bengal tiger's and one-horned rhino's endangered habitats.
• Go on a jeep safari into the woods to observe exotic animals without disturbing their natural habitat.
• Explore a Tharu village and get a glimpse of their way of life.
• Take a trip in a canoe on the Rapti river.

Entry Fee:

• NPR 1000 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 2000 is for other tourists.

Where is Chitwan National Park located?

From Kathmandu, take a tourist or local bus to Chitwan. On average, it takes 5 to 6 hours to get to Chitwan. Another option is to fly to Chitwan. The aircraft touches down at Bharatpur Airport. The flight takes around 20 minutes, and from Bharatpur it takes about 40 minutes to travel to Chitwan National Park.

 

3) Lumbini – The Birthplace of Lord Buddha

Lord Buddha, the greatest spiritual teacher ever, was born in Lumbini. The Maya Devi Temple, Sacred Garden, Puskarini Pond, and the numerous monasteries constructed by various Buddhist nations are all notable features of the town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, one can sense a sense of harmony and peace.

Important features of Lumbini:

• Emperor Ashoka created Ashoka Pillar, which is inscribed with the information that here is the location of Lord Buddha's birth.
• Maya Devi Temple, the site of Buddha's birth.
• Examine the Sacred Garden and Puskarini Pond.
• Visit the Pagoda for World Peace, the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, and the many monasteries

Entry Fee:

• NPR 100 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 200 is for other tourists.

How is Lumbini accessible?

There are two methods for getting to Lumbini. You can fly or drive across country. From Kathmandu, it takes about 8 to 9 hours to drive. There are available private cars and tour buses. The flight lands at Bhairahawa Airport in around 35 minutes. To go to Lumbini, you must drive for around 30 minutes.

 

4) Kathmandu Durbar Square

The Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka or Basantapur Durbar Square, is located in the center of the Kathmandu Valley. The word "durbar" means "palace" in English. The center of old Kathmandu is where you'll find durbar square. The square is an outdoor gallery of opulent pagodas, buildings, and sacred sites. The Kumari, a unique living goddess who resides in Kathmandu, still calls the castle home. It was originally occupied by the exiled imperial dynasty of Nepal. Therefore, keep in mind to visit Maru tole, Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple, Seto Bhairab, and Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum when you are at Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Important features of Kathmandu Durbar Square:

• Temples with pagoda roofs and royal palaces
• Old lanes leading to historic sites from the medieval era
• Fine metal, stone, and woodwork produced by Newari artisans.

Entry Fee:

• NPR 150 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 1000 is for other tourists.

How do you go to Durbar Square in Kathmandu?

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is accessible in a number of ways. The simplest route is to start your journey from Thamel. Take a route that goes to Chetrapati from here, then turn left to go to Ason. Ason's streets are typically congested and active. You can either take the route leading to Indra Chowk and proceed toward Bishal Bazaar or you can take the curvy Makhan road. The Kathmandu Durbar square is where you arrive after a short distance of walking. If you are alone, you can ask a local for directions. It will be simpler to take a taxi from your hotel if you don't want to walk.

 

5) Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Another stunning landmark in the Kathmandu Valley and a well-known World Heritage Site is Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur is the smallest of the Kathmandu Valley's three urban areas. For conserving and presenting the traditional Newari way of life, the city is well-known. People who practice Buddhism and Hinduism are blended together in the city. Must-see locations include Pottery Square, Dattatreya Square, Taumadhi Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which displays the rich culture and history of medieval Bhaktapur.

Important features of Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

• Temples and palaces constructed in the pagoda and shikhara architectural styles
• Possibility to take part in making traditional pottery at the Pottery Square artistic metals, stone sculptures, and wood carvings
• Visit the former royal palace, the Palace of 55 Windows.
• Visit the Nyatapola Temple, previously the Kathmandu Valley's tallest structure.

Entry Fee:

• NPR 500 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 1500 is for other tourists.

How can I go to Durbar Square in Bhaktapur?

From Thamel to Bhaktapur, taxis are available. In a taxi, the trip takes about 45 minutes to complete. There are additional local transport services available. To board a local bus, you must be at Ratna Park or Naya Bus Park. Every ten or fifteen minutes, buses depart from the bus stations for Bhaktapur. You might have to walk for 10 to 15 minutes after arriving in Bhaktapur to get to durbar square.

 

6) Patan Durbar Square

The Patan Durbar Square was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979 AD. The grand Durbar square at Patan's former illustrious royal house is similar to that in Kathmandu. Perhaps Nepal's most magnificent display of Newari architecture from the outside is this cluster of temples. The temple buildings on the square went into overdrive from the fourteenth to the seventeenth centuries during the Malla era. Therefore, don't forget to enjoy the temples of Lord Krishna and many other deities when viewing manufactured works of art. Visit the museum as well to learn more about the city's rich history.

Important features of Patan Durbar Square:

• Ancient Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples from long ago, and a medieval palace
• Golden Temple, Kumbeshwar Temple, Krishna Temple, Patan Palace Museum
• Around the palace area, there are numerous prehistoric Newari settlements.
• Visit the Patan Museum, which has some of the valley of Kathmandu's outstanding art and historical relic collections.

Entry Fee:

• NPR 250 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 1000 is for other tourists.

How can I go to Durbar Square in Patan?

You may take a taxi from Thamel to Patan Durbar Square. You will be dropped off at the Durbar Square entrance by the taxi. If there isn't much traffic, the travel from Thamel takes about 20 minutes. Public transportation is additionally offered. From Ratna Park or Sundhara Junction, you can catch a tuk-tuk or a public bus.

 

7) Changu Narayan Temple

The Changu Narayan Temple dates back to the Lichchavi period, which was ruled over by Haridatta Burma in 323 BC. One of Nepal's oldest temples, Changunarayan Temple is also a significant archeological site. It was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1969 and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Important features of Changu Narayan Temple:

• Carvings in stone and wood depicting all of Lord Vishnu's incarnations
• The oldest known written inscription was found in Nepal and was in Sanskrit.
• Check out the Changu Museum. Examine the impressive Lichchavi-era carvings that are scattered throughout the courtyard.

Entry Fee:

• NPR 100 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 300 is for other tourists.

How is Changu Narayan accessible?

There are no direct buses from Kathmandu to Changu Narayan. But from Bhaktapur, you can take a public bus to Changu Narayan. You can take a taxi or a public bus to go to Bhaktapur. You may catch a public bus to Bhaktapur from Old Bus Park or Ratna Park. You may climb to the temple at Changu Narayan, a well-liked destination for day hikes from Bhaktapur. Taking a taxi from where you are might be a more convenient and pleasant choice.

 

8) Bouddhanath Stupa

King Songtsen Gompa of Tibet founded the Bouddhanath Stupa in the year 600 A.D. The stupa is one of the biggest dome-shaped stupas in the entire world. The dome is both symmetrically balanced and significant. The whitewashed dome and its gilded tower, both of which are adorned with the Buddha's all-seeing eyes, serve as a three-dimensional reminder of the Buddha's path to enlightenment.

Important features of Bouddhanath Stupa:

• 108 miniature representations of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabh and a ring of prayer wheels can be found at the stupa's base.
• Observe and engage with local pilgrims as they visit the stupa, which has one of the largest "mandals" in the world.
• Around the stupa are Buddhist monasteries, art galleries, gift shops, and cafes that are worth visiting.

Entry Fee:

• NPR 100 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 400 is for other tourists.

How is Bouddhanath Stupa accessible?

Taxis are available at your location. There are public transportation options from Gongabu, Sundhara, and Ratna Park. Every few minutes, buses leave for Bouddhanath Stupa from all these stops. The buses will take you to the stupa's entrance.

 

9) Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is a holy site for Hindu worshipers. This wonderful temple is situated next to the Bagmati River. Inside the temple, non-Hindus are not permitted. From the eastern bank of the Bagmati River, they can see the temple. Each night, hundreds of pilgrims attend a puja ceremony on the riverbanks below the temple. One of the earliest Hindu cremation sites in Nepal is located at the temple.

Important features of Pashupatinath Temple:

• One of the oldest and most revered Hindu temples, devoted to Lord Shiva, and home to sadhus, or Hindu ascetics.
• Dead bodies are burned at the Hindu cremation ground known as Arya Ghat. Hindu cremation practices are visible.
• Evening puja ceremony (Arti), a vibrantly spiritual event.

Entry Fee:

• Free for Hindus.
• NPR 1000 is for other tourists.

How Pashupatinath accessible?

The Tribhuvan International Airport is nearby. To go to the Pashupatinath Temple, take one of the many local buses that run from the center of the city. Take a taxi from where you are to the temple for the quickest route there.

 

10) Swambhunath Stupa

One of the holiest Buddhist temples in Nepal is the well-known whitewashed stupa of Swoyambhunath. Due to the numerous monkeys that live on the temple grounds, the stupa is also known as Monkey Temple. The unmistakable eyeballs in the electric jumble of prayer flags on the stupa are what make it famous. Travelers wander the temples while chanting mantras of prayer and haggling. Swoyambhunath is a stunning place to see, with ancient carvings adorning every square inch of the building and the aroma of incense permeating the air. The construction of this stupa by Boddhisattva Manjushri is said to be connected to the history of Kathmandu.

Important features of Swambhunath Stupa:

Ancient Buddhist stupa featuring the Buddha's four eyes

A full-view of the Kathmandu Valley

The chance to witness people paying respects at the shrines

Witness the harmonious coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Entry Fee:

• NPR 50 for SAARC countries.
• NPR 200 is for other tourists.

 

How Swambhunath accessible?

Swoyambhunath is accessible by cab. The stupa is a short 35-minute walk from Thamel. From Sorahkhutte, you may also catch a public bus. The stupa's location at the foot of the hill is where the bus stops. To get to the stupa, you must hike for 15–20 minutes. As you pass a lot of monkeys along the way, the climb might be enjoyable.

Final say

With all of its temples, monasteries, mountains, forests, and other attractions, Nepal is a wonderful place to travel. You will experience a sense of oneness with both nature and the divine after visiting these world heritage sites.

Dream Big! Dream Travel!!

Before Travel Trek Safety in Nepal