UNESCO Heritage Sites

Be a part of an amazing experience; visit architecturally and culturally rich heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini, the birthplace of  the Buddha; or get a glimpse of the exotic flora and fauna of Nepal's Himalayas in the Sagarmatha National Park and of the tarai in Chitwan National Park. Whether you are a nature lover or a culture enthusiast, there's something for everyone here. 

UNESCO has listed 4 World Heritage Sites in Nepal; Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park are listed as UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites; 7 sites in Kathmandu Valley counted together as one and Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha are listed as UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites. 

 

A photo posted by Chenoa (@chenoa_) on Oct 2, 2016 at 4:07pm PDT

Enter the historical grounds of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is in the heart of the Capital city, and visit the old Palace which was the seat of power of the Malla and Shah Dynasties until a new palace was built. Get a glimpse of the Living Goddess Kumari at the Kumari Ghar, her residence. Or visit the equally enthralling Patan or Bhaktapur. 

The earthquake of April 2015 damaged many old palaces, temples and monuments, and they are all presently being restored. However, despite the damge, much of the rich history and heritage of the Malla dynasty, the foremost pioneers of art and culture in the valley is still visible. The architectural beauty and exquisite wood carvings can still be admired by visitors walking around Kathmandu Durbar Square. Be a part of vibrant festivals which are still celebrated with boisterous joy by the local Newars.

Take a tour around Patan Durbar Square where you can walk through the old gallis (lanes), where timeless wood and stone carvings of hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist deities greet you from every temple wall. Admire the countless designs on wood carved windows and the architectuaral achievements of Newar craftsmen of centuries ago. The stone carved Krishna temple, the amazing craftsmenship in the old Malla palace and the row of pagoda temples enriching the Durbar Square are a sight to see. 

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is even more beautiful, with its 55 Window Palace, statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Art Gallery with antiques and temples of stone and woodcarvings and the resplendant Golden Gate all built during the reign of Malla kings. The other squares are famous for the five-story Nyatapola Temple that withstood two devastating earthquakes and the Dattatreya Square with its famous Peacock Window, the Woodcarving Museum and the Brass & Bronze Museum.

Just outside Bhaktapur, one of the major attractions is the Changu Narayan Temple, 8 miles east of the Kathmandu Valley. This place is worth a visit as Changu Narayan is the oldest temple in Nepal, which according to historians has been in existance since 325 AD. Take a side trip from Bhaktapur to enjoy the rich archaeological relics and stone carvings, which are the oldest epigraphics related to Nepal's history. 

If you want to experience Buddhism, then visit Swayambhu  also popularly known as the Monkey Temple, or Bauddhanath, and  enjoy a blissful time in these ancient places of worship away from the noise and chaos of the city. Spin the hundreds of prayer wheels that surround the main domes and be a part of spiritual incantations and prayers that take place in the evenings. Light oil lamps and send prayers to a loved one.