List Of UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country that is surrounded by the Himalayan from all sides. Nepal is been home to the World Heritage Sites- UNESCO. The country is been very popular in the world as it consists of a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture. Many travelers from the world come to visit Nepal and spent their time happily.

From Nepal, there are ten sites included by UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). The sites include historical, religious, and cultural places like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Changunarayan, Sagarmatha National Park, Chitwan National Park, and Lumbini. We can explore the history carried out by those ancient sites. All sites consist its own features, importance, information, and significance. These sites are useful for collecting information for research studies.

We, The High Route Adventures Team have clearly mentioned each and every site of World Heritage Sites including their facts and information.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in Kathmandu. UNESCO World Heritage Site listed the Kathmandu Durbar Square in 1979. Kathmandu Durbar Square is famous as Basantapur Durbar Square, Freak Street. The Durbar Square periphery includes Hanuman Dhoka, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Mul Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Tribhuvan Museum, King Mahendra Memorial Museum Degutale Temple, Taleju Mandir, Nasal Chowk, Nine story Basantapur Tower, and Kal Bhairab temple. The temple here consists of the statutes and structures of the 15^th to 18^th centuries.

 Kathmandu Durbar Square has the huge Royal Square Palace and it has been the main highlight in Kathmandu valley. Moreover, you can visit the Living Goddess of Nepal at Kumari Ghar. Kumari is a young girl who represents the living goddess until her first puberty hits her after then she relapses back to be a normal human and the same procedure is passed to the next child. Jaya Prakash Malla initiated this system in 1757. Kasthamandap is very popular in this area, it is still used by the local people as a community hall on the occasion of important and vital ceremonies.

Some facts about Kathmandu Durbar Square

• Kathmandu Durbar Square is known to be the oldest temple in Kathmandu Valley.
• Kasthamandap is the oldest name of Kathmandu.
• Kasthmandap temple is built from the single sal tree in the 12th century.
• A three-storeyed Taleju Temple is located here which is considered to be the tallest temple In Kathmandu having a height of 35 m.
• Hanuman Dhoka which is the biggest historical place consisting of the plentiful and meaningful art collection lies in the eastern part of Durbar Square.
• You can see the statue of Hanuman carved on the stone at the left side of Palace with red brocade canopy.
• A massive statue of a kal Bhairav (lord of Terror) in a single stone is in Northern side of Durbar Square.
• You can see the 17^th century monuments of Lord Narasimha and Hanuman inside the palace.
• Hanuman Dhoka is the known to be the former palace of the Malla and Shah kings. Furthermore, it is belief that if any person can read and interpret the inscriptions written in 15 different languages from the 17^th century on the wall of Hanuman Dhoka, immediate flooding of milk from the wall would be started.
• An architecture that denotes the ancient culture, history, custom and tradition are seen in the Palace.
• The Durbar Square Area is the famous tourist hub place as you can see the many vendors selling the stuff from vegetables to unique crafts around the area.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur lies in the east of Kathmandu. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Bhaktapur is said to be the home of Nepalese culture, arts, tradition, and history.  Local people used to say Bhaktapur as Khowpa or Bhadgaon still.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is popular as the square consists of the 55 Window Palace. The main entry point to this square is from the Golden Gate. Inside the square, you can see the beautifully portrayed architectural building which was built in the 15th century. You will find another gate here, which is known to be the Lion Gate. The two pleasing stone statues of Hindu Deities have been installed on both sides very amazingly. There is the belief that both hands of artists were cut off right after they finished the artistic work.

Nayatapola Temple is the very well-known temple of this durbar square. It is also known to be the Pagoda of Nepal. The temple is built with numerous artistic exquisiteness and architectural excellence. You can see the statue of Siddhi Laxmi, the tantric goddess of ultimate power and success inside Nayatapola Temple.

Some facts about Bhaktapur Durbar Square

• You can see the numerous ancient monuments which carry the value of medieval culture, religion, tradition, and custom of Nepal.
• The living significance of the Bhaktapur area is Lion Gate, Nyatapola Temple Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, and fifty-five windowed Malla Palace.
• Bhaktapur area is known to be home to local Newari people which is still untouched by modernity.
• You can see several monuments, stone carving, wood carving, metal carving all over the city.
• The Bhaktapur is very popular for the unique texture of curd (JUJU Dhau). Many visitors come here just to taste the curd.
• You can see the masonry, painting, carving, pottery, bronze casting, jewelry, and several Hindus and Buddhist monuments reflecting their own history, culture, and tradition.
• Local people celebrate the festivals with the same enthusiasm from the past to protect and preserve the culture and tradition.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan is located in the southeast part of Kathmandu valley which is also known as Lalitpur. In 1979, Patan Durbar Square was listed as World Heritage Site UNESCO. Furthermore, Patan is very popular for its artistic culture. You can see the stupas erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3^rd century BC in 4 different corners of the city. Patan has been the most ancient Buddhist City in the world. You can make your entry from the three different courtyards like Sundhari Chowk, Mul Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk.

Patan Durbar Square is itself an exploration piece. You can see the Patan Museum which is regarded as one of the best museums in Asia that includes bronze sculptures and religious entities inside Patan Durbar Square. You can explore the masterpiece stone design Tushahity- the Royal Bath which lies in the focus if Sundari Chowk. You can visit Hiranya Varna Mahavihar the three-story golden pagoda of Lokeshwar (Lord Buddha), erected in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Verma. Krishna temple that has 21 shrines and the Shikhar Style temple which is devoted to the Lord Buddha is another major highlight of this area. This temple consists of 5 golden pinnacles.

Some facts about Patan Durbar Square

• Krishna Temple is the major attraction in Patan Durbar Square having 21 golden pinnacles in the temple.
• You can see three major yards in the Palace namely Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Chowk.
• You can see the Vishwanath Temple which was built in 1627 when Siddhi Narsingh Malla was in rule.
• The Patan Durbar Square was found by Kirats in the 3^rd century. Later on, it was again remodeled by Licchavies (Golden Period).
• Patan was named after King Yalamber so still, Patan is known as Yala.
• Other major Highlights of Patan are Patan Durbar Square, Big Bell, Hari Shanker Temple, Jagat Narayan temple, Mulchowk, Bhimsen temple, Vishwanath temple, Mahaboudha temple, Krishna temple, Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavir, Mani Mandap, rato machhendra Temple, Café pagoda, Minnath, etc.

Swayabhunath – The Monkey Temple

Swayabhunath was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is located in the western part of Kathmandu. It is a Buddhist Stupa that offers cultural and natural beauty. A panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley is seen clearly from the hilltop of the stupa.

The Swayambhu is a very popular and pivot place for the ones who follow Buddhism. The Swayambhu gives the meaning of Self- Existent One. There lies the biggest sculpture of the Shakyamuni Buddha on the western boundary of Swayambhu. There is the belief that swyabhunath was formed from the lotus flower which was blossomed in the center of a lake.

Some Facts About Swayabhunath

• Swayambhunath stupa was built by king Manadevea in 460. It is believed that Swayambhunath was an island before.
• You can see all the four sides of the Swayambhunath are fixed by Lord Buddha’s eyes. Those four pairs of eyes denote the eternal watch of the god towards the valley to protect people.
• The stupa is made up of brick and clay having the shape of a solid hemisphere, a conical spire capped by a copper gilt pinnacle.
• The stupa is located at an altitude of 500ft above the Kathmandu valley.
• You can explore small Chaityas, pagoda temples, handicrafts in the periphery of the stupa.
• Swayambhunath is especially devoted to the self-originating God of flame.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The stupa was first erected by Lichhavies King Man Dev had erected the stupa in the 5th century. The stupa is built to depicts the pride, cultural tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and located in the east of Kathmandu (8km away). The Boudhanath stupa consists of several names such as Bauddha In Nepal, Khasti in Nepal Bhasa, Jyarung Khashor in the Tibetan Language.

Some facts about Boudhanath Stupa

• Boudhanath stupa is one of the biggest stupas and is surrounded by various gompas and temples. It has an octagonal base with alcoves.
• You can smell the fragrance of incense drifts in the air once you enter the premises of the stupa. The fragrance heals you internally.
• The stupa consists of the four pairs of Buddha’s eyes in all four directions. It is believed that those pairs of eyes protect the devotes all the time.
• The Chorten of stupa depicts the Philosophy of Mahayana’s which is named Lamaism in Tibet, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Ladakh.
• Stroll around the Boudhanath and spin a prayer wheel while witnessing the prayer and chanting of monks.

Pashupathinath Temple

Pashupathinath is the holy pilgrimage site for the Hindus. It was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The temple is famous for the temple of Lord Shiva (Mahadev). The temple is located in the east of Kathmandu City along with the banks of the holy Bagmati river.

Pancdewal, Bishwarupa, Tamreshwor, Dakshinamurti, and many more temples are included in the Pashupatinath area. Pashupatinath area is spread from the main temple of Pashupathinath to Guheswori. There is a great history and mythology of temple kali which is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. There is the belief that the statute grows out of its spot in a unique way. Animals like Monkeys and Deer can be seen in the jungle of Shlesmantak.

Some facts about Pashupatinath

• Pashupatinath temple was built in the 5th century. Later on, it was renewed again by Malla kings from the area, where Shiva Lingha existed. Furthermore, it is believed that from 879 AD the temple was devoted to Shiva.
• Pashupatinath temple is the temple of Lord Shiva, where all Shiva devotees gather from different places. Mostly it is very crowded during Maha Shivaratri.
• It is the largest temple in Nepal across the holy Bagmati river.
• Pashupatinath Temple consists of 4 silver doors and the Bagmati river alongside where numerous people come to do their rituals and rites.
• You can see the Cremation area where Hindus perform their rituals after the people’s death.
• Tourists other than Hindus can view and explore the temple from the east side of the Bagmati River.
• You can explore the beautiful wood carving, several temples, architecture, and many Shiva lingha around the Pasupathi Area.
• Some of the major highlights of the Pashupatinath area are silver doors, wood carving, and gold-plated rooftops.

Changunarayan Temple

Changunarayan is located 15 km away from Kathmandu. In 1979, it was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple consists a two-tiered shrine and is popular as Lord Vishnu temple. In front of the temple at the main entrance gate, you can see the lesser statues of late king Bhupatindra Malla along with his queen in an ornate cage.

Moreover, there is four stone lions guard at all four doors side of the temple. The figurine of Lord Vishnu seated on a Garuda is located in the north part of the temple. Garuda was the vehicle of Vishnu and was half man and half bird. To the west face of the temple, there lies a statue of Garuda kneeling down. The back part of the statue is engraved with important information about Lichhavis Dynasty and Kathmandu valley.

Some facts about Changunarayan

• You can explore the history of Nepal from the stone inscription and other incarnations dating back to 464 AD.
• The temple was rebuilt in 1702 AD after a huge fire. Before that, it is believed that the major shrine of this temple was recognized in 325 AD.
• The Changunarayan temple carries ancient history from the Lichhavis era.
• Each and every architecture inside the temple reflects the beauty, history and carries out significant stamped work of bronze and wood.
• The temple consists of four different entrance gates and all the entrances are protected by the biggest statues of animals such as Sarabhai, elephants, and lions.
• You can see the sculptures of Lord Vishnu in ten different incarnations namely- Nar-Singha Vishnu, Vishwaroop, Vishnu Vikranta, Vishnu riding Garuda, Chinnamasta Devi, Temples of Kileswar Shiva, along with other gods and goddesses.
• People mostly visit the temple during the time of festivals like Nag Panchami, Changunarayan Jatra, Haribodhini Ekadashi, and Mahashanan.
• You can see the mesmerizing view of Kathmandu valley from the hilltop of a temple along with the Manohara River.

Lumbini – The Birth Place of Lord Buddha

Lumbini was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997. It is located in the southern part of Terai and the southwestern part of Kathmandu. Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It consists of outstanding universal values and beliefs. You can visit different temples and stupas, monasteries, museums, Lumbini International Research including the Mayadevi temple within its holy periphery.

Some facts about Lumbini

• Lumbini was rediscovered by Khadga Shumsher Rana and Fuhrer (German).
• You can explore the Maya Devi Temple, Tara Foundation, world peace pagoda, Nepal Buddha Temple and Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery, Lumbini Garden, China Temple, Thai monastery.
• There lies an Ashoka pillar which was made up of a large stone pillar in 250 BC. You can see the detail about the birth of Buddha scripted in that pillar.
• Lumbini Carries cultural, historical, and religious importance in a significant way.
• General Keshar Shumsher had performed a major mine at Lumbini from 1933 to 1939 to enflame the Sakya pool with a sequence of steps and brick perimeter
• You can explore the seven steps of Lord Buddha.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park was established in 1973 with the objective to protect and preserve wildlife and vegetation. It is the first national park in Nepal having an area of 932 sq. km.  UNESCO listed Chitwan National park as a World Heritage Sites in 1984. Previously, the park is known as Royal Chitwan National Park during Shah Dynasty. Chitwan National park is been home to numerous species, flora and fauna.

Some facts about Chitwan National Park

• The region now elected as a Chitwan National Park was previously used for Hunting purposes of the ruling class in Nepal at the time of late 1800s to mid-1900s.
• You can track one-horned rhinoceros, royal Bengal tiger, gharials, rock python, clouded leopard, and many more endangered and rare animals inside the park
• It is very popular worldwide as the best national park in Asia for exploring wildlife and vegetation.
• This protected area offers a home to the 68 species of mammals including mongooses, sloth bears, smooth-coated otters, Bengal foxes, honey badgers, spotted linsangs, striped hyenas, golden jackals, jungle cats, Bengal tiger, leopards,  hog deer, sambar deer, rhesus monkeys, flying squirrels, antelopes, tallow-throated martens, Asian palm civets, rhinos, elephants, fishing cats, and wild boars.
• You can do boating, canoe ride, jungle walks, elephant ride, jeep safari to track the wildlife of protected areas.
• The park offers home and conserves several birds, butterflies, mammals, and around 1000 species of animals.
• You can track some species of endangered birds such as redhead florican, Bengal florican lesser florican, etc.
• Rock Pythons, monitor lizards, tortoises, and king cobra along with 113 varieties of fish can be seen in this protected area
• Other major attractions of the Chitwan National Park area are Tharu communities, Tharu cultural museum, Elephant Breeding Center, Birds Education Society, and Wildlife Display and Information Center.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is a protected area located in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal. It was established in 1976 and became the first national park of Nepal to be listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. His majestic Mt Everest falls in this park. It falls in the Everest Region. The park covers an area of 1148 sq. km. Sagarmatha is named after the meaning sea= Sagar or sky and matha means head. It provides a mesmerizing view of majestic peaks, valleys, rivers, and glaciers.

Some facts of Sagarmatha National Park

• Sagarmatha National Park is considered to be the highest national park in the world having an elevation level over 3000m from the sea level.
• It offers the home to 219 varieties of birds, 18 species of reptiles, and 37 types of mammals.
• You can track snow leopard, musk deer, lynx, and so on during your visit to the park.
• The park lies in the lap of the Himalayas and offers a magnificent view.
• You can explore the various flora and fauna and find plants like blue pine, fir, juniper, birch, rhododendron, etc.
• You can track birds like cock, pheasant, snow pigeon in this park.
• Another major attraction of this park is you can traverse through the Everest Base Camp. The park’s altitude ranges from the southern entrance of the park having an altitude of (9,334ft) to the peak of Mt Everest (29,029 ft). Additionally, the world’s 4th highest mountain Lhotse and the 6^th highest Cho Oyu lies in this region.

Posted on April 22, 2021February 4, 2024 by Prakash Kapri