10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal

With the incredible and majestic range of Himalayas and varied geographical feature showcasing rich flora and fauna in one hand and centuries-old ancient and artistic monuments and religious shrines exhibiting exclusive architecture in other hands, Nepal, although a small country has ten different World Heritage Sites.

Of the 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal, eight are cultural, and two are natural. You might have gone through the name of these world heritage sites in Nepal, although not aware of their recognition. 

What's more interesting is seven out of ten World Heritage Sites in Nepal is located within Kathmandu Valley. Let’s start the countdown and gather as much information about the World Heritage Sites in Nepal.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known as Basantapur Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. The durbar square comprises several religious sites, monuments, and palaces that exhibits spectacular architecture and the skills of Newar artists and artisans over several centuries.

With the temples and shrines, Kathmandu Durbar Square also comprises palaces of Malla and Shah kings including quadrangles and revealing courtyard.

The Durbar Square is also known for the celebration of the various festival, cultural actives, and tradition including Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, Machchhindra Nath Jatra, Dashain and so on.

In its vicinity lies the famous tourist hub, Thamel and the Freak Street (former Hippie nirvana), both popular destination amongst tourist in Nepal.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan is often cited as one of the oldest Buddhist settlement in the world and Patan Durbar Square, one of the world heritage site in Nepal is the center point of the city.

Patan Durbar Square is an excellent place to observe the Newar architecture. Comprised of ancient palaces of Malla Kings, temples, and shrines, one can see the exquisite cravings in these monuments.

The Durbar Square is full of Hindu and Buddhist monuments including Krishna Mandir, Taleju Bhawani Temple, Mahabouddha Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and Vishwanath Temple. Patan Museum is also the major part of Patan Durbar Square, which is also considered as one of the best museums in Asia.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur, which literally translates as “Place of devotees”, is the ancient Newar city known for its rich culture, festivals, temples and wood, metal and stone artwork. And, Bhaktapur Durbar Square of Bhaktapur is the pivotal point of the town holding much of its essence and is one of the world heritage sites in Nepal.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square holds an array of temples mainly in pagoda and shikhara-style, dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. With the numerous attractive ancient monuments like 55-Window Palace, Nyatola Temple, Vatsala Temple, Golden Gate, Mini Pashupatinath, and Lion’s Gate, the durbar square is the highlight of the ancient art of Nepal.

Festivals like Bisket Jatra, Gai Jatra, and Indra Jatra is presented in Bhaktapur when hundreds of gather around Durbar Square to witness the unique culture of Nepal. 

Also, Juju Dhau translates as “king of curd”, is another specialty of Bhaktapur. Although it is just a curd, Bhaktapur has mastered the skill and the taste is like no other curd in Nepal.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is highly revered in the Hindu community and is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Although the temple was built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, it is said that the site existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.

The whole complex of Pashupatinath covers the area of 6400 sq meters and comprises 518 temples and monuments. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main temple of Pashupatinath is build in Nepalese pagoda-style with a gold pinnacle.

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year and welcomes thousands of devotees. Maha Shivaratri is the greatest festival in the temple, which witness around a million visitors. Similarly, Teej festival of Hindu Nepali women attracts an equally large crowd.

Boudhanath

It is rare when, despite the crowd of people and hustle and bustle, you can still find peace and serenity. Boudhanath, located 8km east of downtown Kathmandu is a Buddhist pilgrimage site and center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. 

Although the site receives hundreds of visitors and is surrounded by several shops, the ambiance is rather serene and soothing.

Surrounded by several monasteries, the 36-meter high stupa of Boudhanath is one of the largest in South Asia and amongst the unique structure stupas in the world.

Boudhanath is built in the shape of a mandala design to replicate the Gyantse of Tibet and was renovated by Licchhavi rulers in the 8th century. You can see on each side of the stupa; there are a pair of all-seeing-eyes of Buddha which symbolizes awareness. On the ground level, there is a brick wall with 147 niches and 108 images of meditational Buddha behind copper prayer wheels.

Swayambhunath

Rather known as the “Monkey Temple” among tourists, Swayambhunath is one of the world heritage site in Nepal within Kathmandu Valley. Apart from being a religious shrine to Buddhists, the panorama of the valley from hilltop location of Swayambhunath is equally sought-after.

Swayambhunath is one of the most ancient shrines in Valley, which is revered by Hindus as well. The lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible from all the sides of the valley. Just above the dome is a cubical structure with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions.

The main shrine of Swayambhnath is surrounded by numerous smaller temples and prayer wheels. Museum, library, Tibetan monastery, shops, and restaurants are also the part of Swayambhunath complex.

Changu Narayan Temple

Also considered as the oldest temple of Nepal, Changu Narayan remains a milestone in Nepali temple architecture with rich embossed worlds. The design of Changu Narayan is two-storey roofed temple standing on a high plinth of stone, which is neither Shikhara nor pagoda style.

Recognized as the world heritage site in Nepal, Changu Narayan is located 12 km east of Kathmandu on a high hilltop surrounded by verdant forest.

There is a private museum as well that has a collection of ancient coins, tools, art, and architecture, along with historical, religious, artistic, archaeological, cultural and other rare objects. Ancient tools used by Newar family in the medieval period is also the part of the museum.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Changu Narayan Temple celebrates festivals and fairs on various occasions. Changu Narayan Jatra, Mahashanan, Nag Panchami and Hari Bodhani are some of the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha is already the most sacred site for Buddhists around the world, and as the world heritage site in Nepal, the value has bolstered even more.

Along with being the birthplace of Buddha, the place has proved to the important archeological site, where 13 successive layers of human habitation dating back to eighth century BC was discovered.

The Lumbini Garden, Puskarni Pond, Ramagram, Mayadevi temple, Ashoka Pillar, and temples and monasteries built by various countries like Myanmar, Korea, China, India, Canada, and the USA are some other highlights of Lumbini.

Sagarmatha National Park

Harboring the world’s tallest mountain, Everest at 8,848 meters, there is no wonder Sagarmatha National Park is world heritage site in Nepal. As Everest is referred to as “Sagarmatha” in the Nepali language, the park even shares the name with the peak.

Apart from the Everest, Sagarmatha National Park boasts rich wildlife and vegetation. Birch, rhododendron, firs, blue pines, juniper, and bamboo covers the lowers zone, while linches and mosses grow as the altitude increase. 

Musk deer, red panda, Himalayan thars, martens, Himalayan wolves, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and langur monkey are the wildlife of Sagarmatha National Park. Also, 118 species of birds, including Himalayan monal, blood pheasant, and yellow-billed chough inhabits the park.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is another natural world heritage site in Nepal which is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of Terai region, the subtropical southern part of Nepal.

The park exhibits rich flora and fauna, with one of the last population of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and is also one of the last refuges of Bengal Tiger. Altogether, there are 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 126 species of fish and 56 species of herpetofauna as per the record.

Tharu Village tour in Chitwan National Park is an equally popular activity, that lets you some insight of the Tharu people, who have been living in isolation in the jungle following the medieval lifestyle.