UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal

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. This is the ancient royal courtyard of the Nepalese royalty. There are many temples which are dedicated to different Hindu deities. Most of the buildings here were constructed from the 15th - 18th centuries. The palace is named after the Hindu god Hanuman, who is regarded as the protector of the entire palace.

11 Facts about Kathmandu Durbar Square

1. Kasthamandap is translated as “Kathmandu” in Nepali.
2. Considered the oldest building in Kathmandu Valley, the Kasthamandap temple was erected in the far 12th century with all wood from one single tree.
3. Hanuman Dhoka in eastern Durbar Square is the biggest existing historical place with the most plentiful art collection in Nepal.
4. Statues of hanuman stand on the stone pier of the left palace gate, enclosed with a red brocade canopy.
5. Built-in 1549, Taleju Temple, a three-storeyed gold-plating eave Tempio, is the tallest temple in Kathmandu with a height of about 35m.
6. Kaal Bhairab is a huge stone statue of Bhairab (Lord of Terror), one of Shiva's rebirths in northern side of Durbar Square.
7. The legend has it that if any individual can interpret the 17th-century inscriptions written in 15 languages on the Hanuman Dhoka wall, there would be immediate flooding of milk from the wall. Hanuman Dhoka is the former palace of Malla and Shah Kings.
8. The palace has 17th-century monuments of Hanuman and Lord Narasimha.
9. The palace is an architecture that depicts culture, religion, history, custom, and tradition.
10. The Square is full of life itself where you can see vendors sell stuff from vegetables to unique crafts around the rest house. The rest house is built with the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu got its name initially.
11. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a tourist hub and the sights of statues, woodcraft and architecture are stunning.

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nationals: NPR 150
• For other tourists: NPR 1000

How to get to Kathmandu Durbar Square?

There are different ways to reach Kathmandu Durbar Square. The easiest way is to begin your journey from Thamel. From here, take a road that leads to Chetrapati and head to Ason. You take the path to Indra Chowk and head towards Bishal Bazaar or take the narrow road known as Makhan. After walking for about a minute, you reach the Kathmandu Durbar square. You can ask the locals for directions if you are all by yourself. If you don’t want to walk, taking a taxi from your hotel will be easier.

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The Bhaktapur Durbar square, also known as Bhadgaon, is a unique city located 13 km east of Kathmandu. The complex consists of at least four distinct squares. They are namely Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. The collective distinct squares are known as the Bhaktapur Durbar square.

7 Facts about Bhaktapur Durbar Square

1. Each ancient monument offers the medieval culture, religion, tradition, and customs of Nepal.
2. Bhaktapur is home to local Newari people and has remained untouched by modernity. Lion Gate, Nyatapola Temple Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra and fifty-five windowed Malla Palace are Bhaktapur's living significance.
3. Bhaktapur is the city of Devotees and is popular for its unique art, culture, festival, dance, and typical Newari lifestyle.
4. Local dance and festivals are witnessed by the locals and relish their ancestors' same enthusiasm in the past.
5. The Hindus and Buddhists have coexisted in peace through the ages. Bhaktapur is mainly comprised of the masonry, peasantry, painting, carving, bronze casting, jewelry; pottery, etc are other traditional originalities still prevailing.
6. Monuments and artistic statues on wood, stone, and metals are sprinkled all over the city's historical hub.
7. Lanes and narrow and zigzagged alleys take you to see the Environment of Newar primitive settlements.

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nationals and Chinese Citizens: NPR 500
• For other tourists: NPR 1500

How to get to Bhaktapur Durbar Square?

You can take a taxi from Thamel to Bhaktapur. The duration of the drive is around 45 minutes in a taxi. Local bus services are also available. You need to be at Naya Bus Park or Ratna Park to take a local bus. Buses to Bhaktapur leave every ten or fifteen minutes from the bus stops. After reaching Bhaktapur, you may have to walk for about 10-15 minutes to reach the durbar square.

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The Patan Durbar Square is situated only 8 km south-east of Kathmandu city. This city is one of the oldest cities in Kathmandu valley. The city was founded in the 3rd century. It is an open museum of the finest Newari craftsmanship. The Hindu and Buddhist monuments are scattered around this ancient royal courtyard.

6 Facts about Patan Durbar Square

1. It is believed that in the historic time Kathmandu was immersed in extreme drought and three people were assigned to summon God Red Machhendranath into the valley for rainfalls.
2. Patan is also known as Yala because of King Yalamber. As per history, Patan was found in the 3rd century by the Kirats and remodeled by Lichhavis followed by Mallas.
3. Patan Durbar Square, Mulchowk, Jagat Narayan Temple, Big Bell, Pillar of Yognarendra Malla, Hari Shanker temple,
4. Vishwanath temple, Bhimsen temple, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Marga Hiti, Mani Mandap, Café Pagoda, Minnath, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, Rato Machhendra Temple, etc are the major highlights of Patan.
5. Krishna temple is the most vital temple in Patan Durbar Square with 21 golden pinnacles in the temple.
   Vishwanath Temple is devoted to God Shiva which was built in 1627 during the rule of Siddhi Narsingh Malla.
6. The three major yards in the palace are Sundari Chowk, Mul Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk.

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nationals: NPR 250
• For other tourists: NPR 1000

How to get to Patan Durbar Square?

You may take a taxi from Thamel to Patan Durbar Square. The taxi will drop you at the entrance of Durbar Square. It is around 20-minute drive from Thamel if the traffic isn't heavy. Similarly, public transport services are also available. You can take a tuk-tuk or a public bus from Ratna Park or Sundhara Junction.

Book your cultural tour of Patan including Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.

This temple was built in 4th century and is the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley. This temple is made in Pagoda style and is a fine example of stone carving. The idol of Lord vishnu in this temple has ten heads and ten arms.

10 Facts about Changunarayan Temple

1. You can find the stone inscription dating back to 464 AD and other pieces in the temple which reflects the ancient history of Nepal.
2. The temple holds the sculptures of Vishnu’s ten incarnations; Nar-Singha Vishnu, Vishwaroop, Vishnu Vikranta, Vishnu riding Garuda, Chinnamasta Devi, Temples of Kileswar Shiva, along with other gods and goddesses.
3. The temple offers a stunning view of the Manohara River flowing through lush vegetation.
4. The temple is located 12 km east of Kathmandu and the Manohara River flows along the hill.
5. The major shrine is thought to have been recognized in 325 AD, the temple was rebuilt in 1702 Ad after a devastating fire.
6. The premises of Changu Narayan are also abode to one of the ancient stone slab which goes the 5th century and has various engravings from the Lichhavi Era.
7. The temple is a superb piece of Nepali architecture with rich stamped works of wood and bronze.
8. The temple has four entries and the gates are protected by life-size pair of animals such as Griffis lions, sarabhas and elephants on each side of the entrance.
9. The struts of the temple feature the ten manifestations of Lord Vishnu and other idols carved in wood.
10. The temple glows up during festivals such as the Mahashanan, Changu Narayan Jatra, Haribodhimi Ekadashi, and Nag Panchami.

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nationals: NPR 100
• For other tourists: NPR 300

How to get to Changu Narayan?

Direct buses to Changu Narayan from Kathmandu are not available. However, you can take a public bus to Changu Narayan from Bhaktapur. You can reach Bhaktapur by taxi or via public bus. Public Buses to Bhaktapur are available from Old Bus Park or Ratna Park.
Changu Narayan is a popular spot for day hiking from Bhaktapur, and you can take a day hike to the temple. A less time-consuming and comfortable option would be to take a taxi from your location.

Book your tour to Changunarayan Temple.

This is a Buddhist stupa atop a hill in Kathmandu. Large numbers of monkeys are roaming here and hence it is also called “monkey temple.” Since there is a temple of Hindu Goddess Saraswathi also here, Swayambhunath is regarded as a place of religious tolerance.

8 Facts about Swoyambhunath Stupa

1. It is believed that Swayambhunath was an island thousands of years back. Later, a stupa was built by King Manadeva in 460.
2. The stupa is a solid hemisphere of brick and clay with a conical spire capped by a copper gilt pinnacle.
3. Lord Buddha's eyes are fixated on all four sides of the spire base.
4. It serves as the nerve center of respect and faithfulness for all the devout philosophies of Bajrayan and Lord Adi Buddha.
5. It is devoted to the self-originating God of flame.
6. The 4 pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha depict that the god has an eternal watch on the valley and is looking after its people.
7. Situated on the top of the hill, it is 500ft above valley level.
8. You can explore small Chaityas and pagoda temples with great five Mahayana (Lamaism) and Hinayana (Therbadist).

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nationals: NPR 50
• For other tourists: NPR 200

How to get to Swoyambhunath?

You can reach Swoyambhunath by taxi. The stupa lies close to Thamel, about a 35-minute walk. You can also take a public bus from Sorahkhutte. The bus stops at the bottom of the hill where the stupa is located. You will have to hike for 15-20 minutes to reach the stupa. The hike could be fun as you encounter many monkeys en route.

Book your tour to Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa.

Bouddhanath Stupa is about 7 km east of Kathmandu. This was constructed around 5th century and is one of the oldest stupas in Nepal. It is popular pilgrimage of Buddhist people especially in between Tibetan Buddhist religious pilgrims.

5 Facts about Boudhanath Stupa

1. It is the biggest stupa and built on an octagonal base with alcoves. The stupa is enclosed with various temples or gompas.
2. The stupa's ambiance is filled with zest as you can smell the fragrance of incense drifts in the air.
3. Witness the chanting and prayer of monks and spin the prayer wheels while you stroll around the area.
4. The four pairs of Buddha’s eyes offer a clear flash to the four cardinal directions which means that Lord Buddha is keeping a watch over the devotees all the time.
5. The chhorten reflects Mahayana's philosophy, which is named Lamaism in Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim and Ladakh.

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nationals: NPR 100
• For other tourists: NPR 400

How to get to Boudhanath Stupa?

You can take a taxi from your location. Public transportation is available from Ratna Park, Sundhara, and Gongabu. Every few minutes, buses leave for Boudhanath Stupa from all these stops. The buses will bring you to the entrance of the stupa.

On the bank of the holy river, Bagmati Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest places for Hindus around the world where the Non-Hindus are prohibited to enter the temple premises and the main temple is surrounded by abundant small temples, ashrams, and sculptures. In describing its structure it is a pagoda-style two-story building consisting of four silver doors around itself. Pashupatinath is the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva where “Pashupati” means animals and “Nath” means the lord of lords. Which describes “Pashupatinath” as a Lord of all the animals. The Pashupatinath is also the biggest Hindu temple in Nepal, where Hindu people from different parts of the world come to this place once in their lifetime.

Moreover, Pashupatinath is the center of the religious performance along with the Hindu cremation ceremony. Every year there are thousands of visitors from around the world to worship the lord on the occasion of “Teej” and “Mahashivratri”. “Mahashivratri” is the major festival celebrated here where thousands of devotees from across the world visit Nepal to worship the Lord Pashupatinath.

11 Facts about Pashupatinath Temple

1. It is a two-tiered roof and four silver doors. Bagmati River is a holy river where people come to perform different rituals.
2. Pashupatinath Temple is the main holy site on Shivaratri's day, where devotees come from different places.
3. The temple is famous for its big Maha Shivaratri festival in spring that attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees from within Nepal and from India.
4. Further east before the Bagmati touches Pashupati is the temple of Guheshwori.
5. Built in the 5th century and later renewed by Malla kings, the area has existed from the beginning of the time when a Shiva lingam was found here.
6. The largest temple in Nepal goes on both sides of the Bagmati River which is regarded holy by Hindus.
7. The main pagoda-style temple has a golden roof, four sides covered in silver, and beautiful wood carvings.
8. Temples devoted to several other Hindu and Buddhist gods surround the temple of Pashupatinath.
9. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, and alien tourists can view the temple from Bagmati River's east side.
10. Cremation of Hindus takes place on different platforms along the Bagmati River.
11. It is believed that the temple devoted to Shiva was at the site in AD 879.
12. A gold-plated rooftop, silver door and woodcarvings are the major highlight in the temple.

Entry Fee

• Free for Indian citizens
• For other tourists: NPR 1000

How to get to Pashupatinath Temple?

It lies close to Tribhuvan International Airport. There are numerous local buses accessible from the central city to get to the Pashupatinath Temple. The easiest way to arrive at the temple is to take a taxi from your location

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the most excellent spiritual teacher. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town’s landmarks are the Maya Devi Temple, Sacrede Garden, Puskarini Pond, and the many monasteries built by different Buddhist countries. One can experience a feeling of tranquility and harmony here.

8 Facts about Lumbini

1. The holy pilgrimage site for Buddhist attracts many tourists from all over the world. Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC made a large stone pillar with an inscription about the birth of Buddha.
2. Lumbini holds historical, cultural and religious importance.
3. You can explore the popular destinations such as Lumbini Garden, China Temple, Thai Monastery, World Peace Pagoda, Nepal Buddha Temple, Burmese (Myanmar) Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Tara Foundation, and Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery.
4. In 1st December 1896, Lumbini was rediscovered by Dr. Fuhrer (German) and Khadga Shumsher Rana.
5. They mined the Lumbini mound and found the Asoka Pillar and explored the famous inscription stating the Birthplace of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Lumbini.
6. In 1933-39, General Kesher Shumsher performed a major mine at Lumbini.
7. He showed buildings by unscientific methods that caused great damage to the site.
8. He engorged the Sakya pool with a sequence of steps and a brick perimeter.

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nationals: NPR 100
• For other tourists: NPR 200

How to get to Lumbini?

There are two different ways to arrive at Lumbini. You can drive overland or take a flight. It takes around 8-9 hours to drive from Kathmandu. Tourist buses and private vehicles on hire are available. It takes around 35 minutes—the flight lands at Bhairahawa Airport. You need to drive for around 30 minutes to arrive in Lumbini.

Book your tour to Pashupatinath Temple, Lumbini and Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park is situated in south central Nepal in the sub tropical lowlands of the inner terai of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Nawalparasi districts. It lies between 27°16.56’- 27°42.14’ Latitudes and 83°50.23’-84°46.25’ Longitudes. The altitude ranges from 110m to 850m above sea level. The park is bounded by the Rapti and Narayani River in the north, Parsa Wildlife Reserve in the east and Madi settlements and India border in the south. The physiography of the park consists of the Terai and Siwaliks. Three major rivers Narayani, Rapti and Reu, and their floodplains; and several lakes and pools are the major water sources of the park.

In recognition of its unique biological resources of outstanding universal value, UNESCO designated Chitwan National Park as a World Heritage Site in 1984. The Chitwan National Park is known for preserving the last population of One-Horned Rhinoceros and the last refugees of Bengal Tigers is home to 700+ species of wildlife including 50+ species of mammals, 525 species of birds, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 113 species fishes. The Chitwan National Park offers a variety of activities such as wildlife safari, nature walks, wildlife photography, and many more jungle activities.

Among the most popular destinations in Nepal, Chitwan National Park attracts over 130,000 foreign visitors annually, except during the monsoon season. The park's prime attraction is the jungle safari in the western half of the Terai. Visitors can explore the park via jeep, on foot, or elephant-back, offering unique chances to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Facts about Chitwan National Park

1. The park is known for the stunning excursion through the jungle safari. With nature at its peak, you will encounter the rarest species of the ecosystem.
2. Enjoy the canoeing through the lake in the park with crocodiles which add more adventure to your trip.
3. One Horned Rhinoceros, Gharials, Royal Bengal Tiger, clouded leopard, and rock python are some rarest animals protected in the park.
4. Bengal florican lesser florican, redhead florican, etc are some endangered birds are also seen in the park.
5. Chitwan National Park is regarded as one of Asia’s best national parks for exploring wildlife.
6. Chitwan National Park exists within a high humidity area that experiences a tropical monsoon climate. The monsoon season goes from the middle of June until the end of September.
7. There are at least 68 species of mammal found within Chitwan including the Bengal tiger, leopards, Asian palm civets, rhinos, elephants, guars, wild boars, hog deer, sambar deer, rhesus monkeys, flying squirrels, antelopes, tallow-throated martens, mongooses, sloth bears, smooth-coated otters, Bengal foxes, honey badgers, spotted linsangs, striped hyenas, golden jackals, jungle cats, fishing cats and the rare hispid hare species.
8. All in all, the whole park is home to rare animals around 1000 species of animals, birds, butterflies, etc are conserved in the park.
9. Nearly two-thirds of the globally endangered species of birds found in Nepal are found in Chitwan National Park. There have been as many as 543 various bird species in the park.
10. Birds found in Chitwan National Park include the Grey-crowned Prinia, spotted eagles, grass warblers, storks Bengal florican, swamp francolin, Oriental darter, egrets, and many other species.
11. There are at least 113 fish species along with mugger crocodiles. There are rock pythons, king cobras, monitor lizards, and tortoises.
12. Aside from the natural beauty and wildlife to be seen in the park, the main attractions of Chitwan National Park and its surrounding area include the Elephant Breeding Center, Wildlife Display and Information Center, Tharu villages and culture, Tharu Cultural Museum, and the Bird Education Society.

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nationals: NPR 1000
• For other tourists: NPR 2000

How to get to Chitwan?

Take a tourist or local bus to Chitwan from Kathmandu. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Chitwan. You can also take a flight to Chitwan. The flight lands at Bharatpur Airport. The flight duration is about 20 min, and upon reaching Bharatpur, you will have to drive for about 40 minutes to reach Chitwan National Park.

Sagarmatha National Park is home to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. It is extended over an area of 1,148 sq km. It was established in 1976 and got inscribed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in 1979. A buffer zone of 275 sq km was added in 2002. Similarly, Gokyo Lake inside the park was listed as Ramsar Site in 2007.

Situated at the highest elevation of the world, this national park offers you a wide variety of flora and fauna with a panoramic view at each step. Lying in the footsteps of the Himalayan Sagarmatha National Park is home to 152 species of bird, 28 species of mammals, 6 species of amphibians, 7 species of reptiles, and 26 species of butterflies. Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of 1,148 sq. km preserving endangered species like Red Panda, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Wild Yak, Gray Wolf, Impeyan Pheasant, and Crimson Horned Pheasant. The park offers popular trekking like Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Valley Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek, Everest View Trek and many more adventurous activities.

The Sherpa ethnic group primarily inhabits Sagarmatha National Park, known for their exceptional climbing skills, endurance, and strength at high altitudes. They offer visitors a chance to explore traditional villages in Nepal, and ancient monasteries, and experience their warm hospitality. Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest and the starting point for Everest Region Expeditions, serves as a bustling trade and tourism hub where many inhabitants of Sagarmatha National Park reside. Several famous monasteries, including the renowned Tengboche Monastery and Thame, Khumjung, and Pangboche monasteries, lie within the territory of the Park.

Trekkers and mountaineers from around the world flock to Sagarmatha National Park for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. The park presents a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities, making it an exceptional destination for those seeking to experience the majesty of the Himalayas.

Check the trekking packages in Everest Region in Sagarmatha National Park.

9 Facts about Sagarmatha National Park

1. It has stretched into the area of 1148 sq kilometers and offers the stunning views of majestic peaks, glaciers, rivers and valleys.
2. It is the highest national park in the world, with its minimum point of over 3000m above sea level.
3. The name ‘Sagarmatha’ is named in Nepali – ‘Sagar’ meaning ‘sea or sky’ and ‘matha’ meaning ‘head’.
4. The park was built on July 19, 1976, and was named as a National World Heritage Site in 1979.
5. Sagarmatha National Park is home to various flora and fauna including 18 types of reptiles, 37 species of mammals and 219 species of birds.
6. The best time to visit is between October and November, or between March and May. The park is home to wide varieties of flora, fauna and birds.
7. You can find plants such as rhododendrons, blue pine, silver fir, birch, etc which have beautified the park.
8. Also, you can encounter animals like snow leopard, lynx, and Musk deer and so on.
9. This place is heaven for birdwatchers as well as you can see cock, pheasant, snow pigeon and so on.

Entry Fee

• For SAARC nations: NPR 1500
• For other tourists: NPR 4000

How to get to Sagarmatha National Park?

The most straightforward approach to arrive at Sagarmatha National Park is to travel to Lukla and trek alongside the rich wildernesses of the national park. One can fly to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. Alternatively, you can trek to Lukla from Jiri. It is easy to get public or private transportation from Kathmandu to Jiri.

Undoubtedly the above heritages give Nepal its unique identity in a global landscape. If you would like to visit these Heritage Sites and learn more about these places, please CONTACT US for your Cultural Tours in Nepal. Also you can consider doing Multi Activity Tours which On A Single Tour offers you the combined activities such as cultural sightseeing tour, mountain flight over Mt. Everest and other 8000 m. mountains of Nepal and Tibet, white water rafting, jungle safari, mountain bike tours, trekking or hiking.