Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal
The UN governing body UNESCO identified World Heritage Sites as places that belong to all the people in the world. Nepal also has few monuments inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage sites lists. These world heritage sites are amazing man-made wonders. 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 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located outside the capital city.
The 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal are:
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the holiest places for the Hindus. It is located 6 km east of Kathmandu. The structure is a two-story 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 beside the banks of the holy Bagmati river. The temple has been on the UNESCO World Heritage sites list since 1979.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa
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 on 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. The temple is listed in UNESCO world heritage sites in1979.
Boudhanath Stupa
Baudhanath Stupa
This Baudhanath Stupa is one of the oldest and biggest monuments enlisted in the UNESCO world heritage sites. 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.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square
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.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square
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.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Nyatapole Temple
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 is known as the Bhaktapur Durbar square.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple
The ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. This historic structure was built around the 3rd century A.D. The area was surrounded by forest with a champak tree and a small village known as Changu Village. It is located 12 km east of Kathmandu and few miles north of Bhaktapur.
Lumbini
Mayadevi temple at Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1997. This is one of the holiest places for Buddhist pilgrimages. There are several temples including the Mayadevi Temple along with many others which are under repair. Many monuments, monasteries, and a museum, the Lumbini International Research Institute are also within this holy site.
Chitwan National park
Elephant Bathing at Chitwan
The Chitwan National Park was 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 include the famous Asian one-horned rhino and the Royal Bengal tiger.
Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park
Finally, the Sagarmatha National Park is yet another park of Nepal which has made to the UNESCO 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. If you are interested in visiting these Heritage Sites or particularly any one of them, you can contact the trusty travel agents from Mountain Mart Treks. The travel experts have a proven record of customer satisfaction. This makes them the right choice to go for to assist you in making a suitable travel arrangement for you to the Himalayan nation.
