World Heritages

10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

UNESCO identified World Heritage Sites as places that belong to all the people in the world. Nepal also has few monuments inscribed on the World Heritage lists. Some of these are over 2500 years old. Since many of these sites inside Kathmandu valley are in close proximity therefore this helps you to view them during a single day. Only three of the sites from Nepal listed in the World Heritage Sites are located outside the capital city. Nepal is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including seven in Kathmandu Valley. The heritage sites have been nominated based on their cultural and natural value.

World Heritage Sites of Nepal
World Heritage(Cultural sites)

1. Pashupatinath Temple
2. Swayambhunath Stupa
3. Boudhanath Stupa
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
5. Patan Durbar Square
6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
7. Changu Narayan Temple
8. Lumbini

World Heritage(Natural sites)

9. Chitwan National park
10. Sagarmatha National Park

1.Kathmandu Durbar Square
Centered in Kathmandu, Kathmandu Durbar Square has Hanuman Dhoka, Degutale Temple, Taleju Mandir, Nasal Chowk, Nine storey Basantapur Tower, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Mul Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Tribhuvan Museum, King Mahendra Memorial Museum and Kal Bhairab temple in its vicinity. Hindu Mythology boasts that if a person interprets 17th century stone inscriptions written in 15 different languages on the walls of the palace of Hanuman Dhoka, there would be instant flooding of milk from the wall. Hanuman Dhoka was the former Royal Palace of the Malla kings and later was passed onto the Shah dynasty. Royal family lived in the Hanuman Dhoka palace till 1886 and thereafter shifted to Narayanhiti palace.
This is an ancient royal courtyard which lies in the heart of the capital city, Kathmandu. Another name for Kathmandu Durbar Square is Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The latter is more of a popular name these days. There are many temples which are dedicated to different Hindu beliefs. Most of the buildings here were constructed from the 15th – 18th century. The palace is named after the Hindu god Hanuman, who is regarded as the protector of the entire palace. However, the palace is still used for ritual and ceremonial occasions. Museums inside the palace lets one explore the culture, religion, custom, tradition, architecture, history of Royal palaces etc. An entrance fee has been set for entering into the museums. Museums remain open for 7 days in a week with the exception of Tuesday from 10.30 am to 3 pm in the winter and from 10.30 am to 4 pm in the summer. On Friday one must visit the museums from 10.30 am to 2 pm.

2. Patan Durbar Square 
Lying connected to the 5 kms South-East of Kathmandu Valley by Bagmati River, 459 hectares of Patan is bounded by 4 stupas built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC as recorded in the history. Patan is also called Lalitpur. Another tale boasts that the valley was named after king Yalamber. Patan people refer to Patan as Yala. History has it that Patan was founded in the 3rd century by the Kirat dynasty and later was modeled into perfection by Lichhavis in the sixth century followed by Malla dynasty. At present Lalitpur sub metropolitan city has been categorized into 22 wards. This city presents a potpourri of finest traditional crafts and rich artistic heritage. Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Mulchowk, Jagat Narayan Temple, Big Bell, Pillar of Yognarendra Malla, Hari Shanker temple, Vishwanath temple, Bhimsen temple, Marga Hiti, Mani Mandap, Café Pagoda, Rato Machhendra Temple, Minnath, Rudra Varna Mahavihar etc are the major attractions of Patan.


3.Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur lies on the Eastern part of Kathmandu valley. Also known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa, Bhaktapur is regarded as the abode of ancient Nepali culture, custom and alluring arts pieces of excellent craftsmanship. Each historical monument represents medieval culture, religious and custom of Nepal. Newari populace has largely dominated Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal which has remained untouched by western culture. Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple and fifty-five windowed Malla palace are the living prides of Bhaktapur. The place houses finest restaurants and hotel to cater to the needs and requirements of tourists.


4.Boudhanath
Boudhanath epitomizes Tibetan Buddhism. It lies 8 kms East of Kathmandu and was built by Licchavis King Man Dev in the 5th century A. D. Its colossal and ancient stupa is regarded as one of the world’s biggest stupa and has been built on a stepped octagonal base and inset with alcoves representing Buddha and his teachings. After Chinese invasion in 1959, Tibetans in thousands came to this famous Buddhist Chaitya and energized the stupa. The stupa is surrounded by various temples or ‘gompas’. The atmosphere of the whole place lightens up with zest as fragrance of incense drifts through the air. Chanting of monks and creaking of prayer wheels can be heard while strolling around the base. It is one of the prime sites for pilgrims and tourists in the country.
The Baudhanath Stupa is one of the oldest and biggest monument built in the Himalayan nation. The structure was built around the 5th century A.D. It is a 36 m high unique three level mandala style structure. People following Buddhist religion flock in thousands during the Buddhist festivities. This monument is more or less similar to the Swayambhunath Stupa.


5. Pashupatinath
The Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the holiest place for the Hindus. It is located 6 km east from Kathmandu. The structure is a two-storey building and is built in pagoda style. The site is a collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions. The structures in this perimeter were raised over the centuries and lies right besides the banks of the holy Bagmati river. The temple has been on the World Heritage list since 1979.
As the name indicates, Pashupatinath temple is a temple of Lord Shiva and is the holiest place for Hindus. The sacred temple lies on the banks of sacred Bagmati River 5 kms east of Kathmandu city. Non-Hindus are strictly prohibited from entering the temple. It has two-tiered roof and four silver doors. Devotees from all over the world come here to pay their homage to lord Shiva.

6. Swayambhunath 
Syayambhunath Stupa is believed to be around 2500 years old and because of this it is considered probably one of the oldest monuments making its name in the list. The structure represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 rings of the spire symbolizes the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana. There are 365 steps passing through which you will reach the holy site of Swayambhunath stupa.
It is 3kms away from the West of Kathmandu. Ancient tale has it that thousands of years ago Swayambhunath was an island. Later a stupa was built. King Manadeva contributed in the making of the stupa in 460. After the invasions from Mughal, it was distorted and had to undergo renovation in the 14th century. King Pratap Malla in 17th century further enhanced the architecture and also added a stairway to get to the stupa. At present, the stupa is a solid hemisphere of brick and clay, supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and has Lord Buddha’s eyes adorned on all the four sides of the spire base. Buddhists regard it as the holiest place. Swayambhunath also offers a majestic view of the entire Kathmandu valley.


7. Changunarayan
Two-tiered Changunarayan temple is 15 kilometers away from Kathmandu city. Since this is the temple of Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan and is situated near Changu, the temple has been named so. Stone inscription of 464 A.D and other architectural master piece featured in the temple showcase ancient history of Nepal. The temple also bores the sculptures of Vishnu’s ten incarnations; Vishwaroop, Vishnu Vikranta, Vishnu riding Garuda, Nar-Singha Vishnu etc. Temples of Kileswar Shiva, Chinnamasta Devi and other gods and goddesses are also present in the vicinity of Changunarayan temple. The temple provides an awesome view of Manohara River cascading through lush vegetation.

8. Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha was enlisted as a World Heritage site in 1997. This is one of the holiest place for Buddhist pilgrimages. Many monuments, monasteries and a museum, the Lumbini International Research Institute are also within this holy site.
Lumbini lies in the southern Terai plains of Nepal and is about 300 kilometers Southwest of Kathmandu. It is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha and is therefore regarded as a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists. In 250 BC, Emperor Ashoka built a large stone pillar containing an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. Lumbini bears not only historical and religious significance but also cultural significance. Lumbini Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Tara Foundation, World Peace Pagoda, China Temple, Thai Monastery, Burmese (Myanmar) Temple, Nepal Buddha Temple and Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery are the major attractions of Lumbini. There is a museum and a research center for Buddhism. It is also considered an ideal birding destination as it houses variety of rare bird species.

World Heritage Sites (Natural)

1. Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan National Parkwas formerly known as the Royal Chitwan National Park. It is the first national park in Nepal and was established in the year 1973. It was granted the status of World Heritage site in 1984. This park is home to many different species of wildlife. These also includes the famous Asian one-horned rhino and the Royal Bengal tiger.
Royal Chitwan National Park has stretched across an area of 932 sq. kilometers and lies in the inner Terai belt of Chitwan. The park offers a very worthwhile excursion through jungle safari. With nature at its best you will come across the rarest species of eco-system. Canoeing through the lake of the park will have you encounter with crocodiles and more fun-filled adventure. During your stay in one of the resorts of the park, you will be guided on a cultural tour to the lifestyles of Chitwan people. In the evening and at night you can indulge in most exotic events of your choice.

2. Sagarmatha National Park

Finally, the Sagarmatha National Park is yet another park of Nepal which has made to the World Heritage Sites. This was established in the year 1976. This is a protected area in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal and the most noteworthy is Mount Everest which falls in this park. It became the country’s first national park which was inscribed as a Natural World Heritage site in 1979.
Sagarmatha National Park situated at the foothills of Himalayas has occupied an area of 1,148 sq. kilometers. Plant species like blue pine, silver fir, rhododendrons, birch etc have glorified the beauty of the park. On venturing into the park, one may encounter rare species like snow leopard, pandas, lynx etc. Birdwatchers can have the best sightseeing experience while viewing rare bird species like snow cock, pheasant, snow pigeon etc. In a nutshell, Sagarmatha National Park is a storehouse of Himalayan natural resources.