Ten world Heritage Sites in Nepal: Must Visit

• HB Kham

Nepal- cradled on the lap of snowy Himalayas- is the divine mystical homeland of, Gods, Goddess-like Buddha, and Pashupatinath and brave Gorkhas with vibrant flora and fauna with enriched ethnic cultures. More than 200 species of birds and 300 species of animals are spotted here with some of the endangered animals like one-horned Rhinoceros and Bengal Tiger. Nepal is also the den of more than 300 mountain ranges along with the highest peak (Everest-8848 meters) and 8 other peaks above 8000 meters and more than 125 ethnic tribes living with distinct language and rituals. Nepal despite being the least developed country in the world is rich and prosperous in terms of legendary heritages sites. The land is the main harbor for 10 world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO which must be visited.

1. Pashupatinath Temple: Hindi Pilgrimage Site

Pashupatinath- one of the largest Hindu temples dedicated to Hindu God Shiva is very popular among the devotees of Hindu religion in Nepal, India and elsewhere. Historically, it was constructed during the 5th century by one of the Kirant monarchs who ruled in Kathmandu valley. After Kirant kings, Malla kings continued to protect and promote this heritage. The temple is spread across the Bagmati River, considered to be pious among the Hindu believers. It is around 3-5 kilometers northeast from Kathmandu. The temple is built with a Pagoda style and a gilded roof. On this occasion, a national festival known as “Mahashivratri” thousands of devotees from Nepal and India visits this temple. The temple is one the world heritages recognized by UNESCO in the World Heritage sites list in 1979. For more…

2. Swoyambhunath Stupa: Meeting Buddha in Person

Over 2000 years old Swoyambunath Stupa, built by King Manadeva in 13th Century, 460 AD, resting on a hillock, 3 kilometers from Kathmandu is popular as “Monkey Temple,” perhaps due to the movement of monkeys around the stupa. Both Buddhists, Hindus and lovers of a scenic view of nature and Kathmandu valley prefer to spare some time and walk up to this stupa to be free from hustle and bustle of life in Kathmandu town. Devotees are seen circumambulating the stupa all the time by touching the prayer wheels installed at the base. It is believed that circumambulating around the stupa along with prayer wheels would exonerate individual sins. For more…

3. Boudhanath Stupa: Center of Tibetan Buddhism

The 36-meter-high stupa of Boudhanath, located 3 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the main centers of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, that once lay on ancient Nepal-Tibetan trade route. Renovated during Licchavi rule in the 8th century has 13 stage -canopy with a pair of eyes seeing everywhere that symbolizes awareness. For more…

4. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Narrative of Licchavis

Kathmandu Durbar Square, sprawling in the center of Kathmandu city is famous for its historical royal palace known as Hanuman Dhoka. Hanuman Dhoka Square gets its name because of a statue of Hanuman built by King Prata Malla in 167 and storeyed palace building built in 1770 by late King Prithvi Narayan Shah known as Basantapur Durbar. Pagoda style roofs of these palace buildings can give an exotic view of ancient Nepal. For More…

5. Patan Durbar Square: Symbol of Newari Craftmanship

Built-in 12 century, Patan Durbar Square is not only the epitome of historic Newari arts and architecture but also the royal palace of Malla rulers. Its fame is further heightened by the Krishna temple (temple dedicated to Lord Krishna), built-in 17th century by Malla rulers to represent the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple which is completely made of stones and 21 shrines. It is possibly one of the oldest artistic Buddhist cities in the world with a unique heritage to share with the outside world. Located on the bank of Bagmati River, Patan is known by another name- Lalitpur- and is surrounded by 4 stupas in all 4 corners of the city. For More…

6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Majestic Medieval Palace

Bhadgaon or Khopa Bhaktapur is the primordial name of this medieval city, which is still resplendent with regal medieval historical monuments, traditional culture, wooden arts, crafts and potteries professed by the indigenous Newar community-one the indigenous tribes in Nepal. The main charming sites are monuments of King Bhupendra Malla, Nyatapola temple, the 55-windowed palace of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Peacock Window and Golden Gate. For More…..

7. Changu Narayan Temple: Oldest Hindu Temple

Changu Narayan temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples, dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and his incarnation Narayan. It was built in the 4th century during the Licchavi era and was rebuilt in 1702 after an inferno. About 22 km far from hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, the temple is situated in Bhaktapur and is perched on a hill and faces towards the swaying green and yellow rice fields. The temple as old as 3000 years has a double roofs-two-tiered pagoda style. Lions carved out of stones consistently guarding the four doors of the temple and ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu seen on the walls of the temple. For More…

8. Lumbini: World Pilgrimage Site for Buddhists

Situated at least 300 kilometers far from Kathmandu, Lumbini is the historical birthplace of Lord Buddha. Asoka, the Indian King was one of the disciples of Lord Buddha, who came to Lumbini in 250 BC and built a stone pillar to commemorate the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Many monasteries built by Nepal, India, Cambodia, Japan China, Thailand, Sri-lanka, and Myanmar can be seen in the premises of Lumbini, which are fascinating to visit. For More…

9. Chitwan National Park: Nepal’s First Park

Chitwan National Park mainly lies in the southern low lands of Nepal; and is the first national park that came into existence in 1973, with an area of 952.63 Km (367.81 sq mi). Around 100 Km away from Kathmandu, is also the most well-preserved national park in Asia. The park today is vibrant with 544 species of birds, 68 species of mammals, 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish. The park has been successful in preserving the endangered wild species like one Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile. For More..

10. Sagarmatha National Park: Paradise of Natural Beauty

Since 1979, Sagarmatha National Park is in the list of World heritage recognized by UNESCO. It stretches over an area of 1148 square kilometers in the Khumbu region. This park is home to the world’s highest peak -Mt Everest (Sagarmatha), 8848 meters and covers all other higher peaks above 6,000 meters up to 8000 meters. The park harbors a variety of wild animals and more than 118 species of birds. The forest abounds in rhododendron, juniper and pine trees and animals like musk deer, the ghoral, black bear, the wolf, etc. Endangered species like red panda, snow leopard can be seen by luck or coincidence. For More…