Are you interested in visiting heritage sites? If you like to explore historical places, heritage sites, traditions, and cultures, Nepal is a must-visit place. Nepal is a country known for its culture and tradition. Mainly, Kathmandu is also known as the city of temples. These given spots were considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Also, check out these top 7 must-visit world heritage sites in Kathmandu that are recognized as world heritage sites by UNESCO:
1. Bhaktapur durbar square
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Are you into museums? If yes, don’t miss out on visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square, also known as Nepal’s “living museums”. It is located at the heart of Bhaktapur city. The city is filled with multiple temples, attractive palaces, and amazing monuments showing the unique architectural style of the Newari people. Additionally, this is a former royal palace and is now considered a heritage sites. So, many people visit this square to enjoy and observe the exquisite Newari architecture.
Also, you can find many pottery and statues around the square. The people of Bhaktapur were also considered the best craftsmen in Nepal. The refined architecture and the wooden carving of the temples, palaces, and surroundings are a sight to see in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. While exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square, do not miss out on trying local delicacies like JuJu Dhau (king of curd).
Highlights Of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Explore the former royal residence “The 55-Windows Palace”
- Visit the tallest pagoda-style temple in Nepal “Nyatapola Temple”
- Chance to participate in pottery at the Pottery Square
- Opportunity to observe the artistic monument, wood carvings, and stone sculptures.
Operating hours
09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
How to get there?
You can ride a local bus from Ratna Park. Which takes around one hour. You can rent a car/motorcycle. It takes around 45 minutes from Thamel to Bhaktapur.
Entrance fee:
SAARC nationals: NPR 500
Other foreigners: NPR 1800 (USD 18)
Nepalese people: Free
Things to remember before you visit
- Wear modest clothes
- Be mindful of the surrounding
- Support the local businesses by buying souvenirs
- Remove your shoes before entering the temples
2. Boudhanath stupa
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Check out one of the world’s largest stupas “Boudhanath stupa”. Boudhanath is a unique monastery to discover Buddhist cultures and stupas. It is located around the east of Kathmandu. This stupa is famous for its spiritual significance in Buddhism.
The Boudhanath is similar to Swayambhunath but larger. It is known that it contains the relics and remains of Buddha. You can observe spinning prayer wheels and prayer flags carved with Tibetan scriptures around the stupa. This area is surrounded by several shops selling Buddhist handicrafts. Don’t forget to try Tibetan dishes such as Thukpa & Laphing while traveling here.
Highlights of Boudhanath Stupa
- Chance to learn Thangka painting
- Visit the monasteries surrounded by the stupa
- Practice yoga by the stupa
- Visit Taragaon museum
Operating hours
Open 24/7
How to get there?
You can rent a taxi from Thamel. Also, you can ride a local bus from Ratna Park and ask the driver to drop you at the gate of Boudhanath stupa.
Entrance fee:
SAARC nationals: NPR 100
Other foreigners: NPR 400
Nepalese people: Free
Things to remember before you visit
- Be respectful while visiting monasteries
- Dress modestly
- Be respectful of the monks
- Walk clockwise around the stupa
3. Swayambhunath stupa
Another majestic stupa like the Boudhanath stupa, the Swayambhunath stupa also known as the “Monkey Temple” is a famous and oldest religious site in Nepal. This stupa is located west of Kathmandu and perched at the top of a hill providing amazing views. The stupa symbolizes the harmony between Hindu and Buddhist religions.
Like its name Swayambhunath (self-oriented god), it is believed to have been created. Here, you can immerse yourself in spiritual significance. Many Buddhist devotees from every corner visit this stupa. Be prepared to be charmed by its unique blend of religion and culture.
Highlights of Swayambhunath stupa
- Discover the amazing coexisting mixture of Hindu shrines and Buddhist stupas. a
- Observe the religious monuments, sites, and shrines such as Swayambhunath Buddhist Museum, World Peace Pagoda, etc.c
- Enjoy the panoramic scenery of the Kathmandu Valley
- Visit the Dewa Dharma Monastery
Operating hours
Open 24/7
How to get there?
You can take a taxi. It takes just about 4 min from Thamel to Swayambhunath. You could also walk. It takes about 35 minutes.
Entrance fee:
SAARC nationals: NPR 50
Other foreigners: NPR 200
Nepalese people: Free
Things to remember before you visit
- Wear respectful clothes
- Be mindful of the surrounding
- Ask before taking photos or videos
- Remove your footwear before entering the temples and monasteries
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4. Changunarayan Temple
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Do you want to explore temples? Don’t miss out on visiting Changu Narayan Temple, which is also considered Nepal’s oldest temple. Changunaryan is located on the outskirts of Bhaktapur city nestled amidst lush greenery and scenery. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You can discover sculptures of 10 Vishnu incarnations.
People come from all over the world to observe the two-story roofed temple that is rich in ancient Nepali architecture and showcases the evolution of Nepali architecture through the centuries. You can also get to explore the temples of Kileswar Shiva and Chinnasmasta Devi.
Highlights of Changunarayan Temple
- Explore the Changu museum
- Observe the pillar encrypted by the Mandela
- View the basrelief of Vishnu riding Garuda
- Visit the Living Tradition museum
Operating hours
04:00 AM – 10:00 PM
How to get there?
It takes about 6 km from a local bus from Bhaktapur to Changunaryan temple. You could rent a car or motorcycle.
Entrance fee:
SAARC nationals: NPR 300
Other foreigners: NPR 400
Nepalese people: Free
Things to remember before you visit
- Wear modestly and respectfully
- Be respectful of your behavior
- Remove your footwear before entering
- Respect the temple etiquette
5. Pashupatinath temple
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Visit one of the oldest and holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by several temples and Shiva Linga, Pashupatinath is considered the main pilgrimage site of Hinduism in Nepal. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati river where cremation rituals are done daily.
Many people visit this temple to take part in the holy ritual and explore the holy Hindu shrine. This temple is also famous for its gold-plated two-storey roof and silver-plated gate. You would also get to experience cremation ceremonies taking place every day near the Bagmati River.
Highlights of Pashupatinath temple
- Observe mesmerizing Sandhya Aarati (Evening Prayer)
- Opportunity to witness the funeral rites
- Explore Pashupatinath Temple, Gorakhnath Temple, Guhyeshwari Temple etc
- Chance to immerse yourself in spiritual practices
Operating hours
04:00 AM – 12:00 PM
05:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Note:12:00 PM – 05:00 PM (closed)
How to get there?
The temple is just about 5 km from the center of the city. You could take a taxi, bus, or motorcycle that will drop you at Gaushala and you have to take a short walk to the temple.
Entrance fee
Foreigners: NPR 1000
Nepalese people: Free
Things to remember before you visit
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple
- Wear simply and modestly
- Be careful of cremation ghats
- Avoid making loud noise and maintain peace
Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple.
6. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Imagine yourself wandering around the amazing temples showcasing the artistry of Newari people and woodcarving. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a popular spot to explore the history, religion, and art of Nepali people. It is located in the heart of Kathmandu.
The entire surrounding is decorated with unique architecture, museums, and attractive temples. The popular spots to visit during your Kathmandu Durbar Square are Hanuman Dhoka, Kal Bhairav Temple, Nine-storied Basantapur Tower, Tribhuvan Museum, etc. You can dig into the history and culture through the museum. Exploring the cafes, restaurants, and shops of handicraft is a must during your visit.
Highlights of Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Get to experience learning about the living goddess Kumari
- Observe the Hanuman Dhoka
- Explore the Basantapur Tower
- Stroll the bustling and vibrant streets and cafes
Operating Hours
Open 24/7
How to get there?
You can ride a local bus that is heading towards Ratnapark. You can also rent taxis and it takes around 20 minutes from the city center. If you are staying near Thamel, You can walk for about 20 minutes to get there.
Entrance Fee
SAARC nationals: NPR 500
Other foreigners: NPR 1000
Nepalese people: Free
Things to remember before you visit
- Avoid wearing revealing clothes
- Be mindful of loud noise
- Support the local businesses
- Avoid taking photos inside the temples
7. Patan Durbar Square
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Explore Patan Durbar Square, escaping from the usual Kathmandu Durbar Square. You can get to experience the exquisite art and monuments. It is located in Lalitpur. You can find palaces, courtyards as well as temples surrounded in this area. Patan offers amazing glimpses of Nepal’s rich history, culture, and tradition.
Some of the popular spots to explore are the Golden Temple, Rato Macchindranath Temple, Krishna Temple, Kumbheswor Temple, Mahaboudhha Temple, Pillar of Yoga Narendra Malla, and Jagat Narayan Temple. You can also admire the rich culture and tradition of the Newari community around the square.
Highlights of Patan Durbar Square
- Explore the Patan Musuem
- Visit the Krishna Mandir
- See the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)
- Visit the Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk
Operating Hours
10:30 AM – 04:30 PM
How to get there?
You can ride a local bus from Ratna Park. It takes around one hour. You can also rent a car/motorcycle. It takes around 45 minutes from Thamel to Lalitpur.
Entrance Fee
SAARC nationals: NPR 250
Other foreigners: NPR 1000
Nepalese people: NPR 30
Things to remember before you visit
- Wear modest clothes
- Take photos only were allowed
- Beware of scams
- Be respectful and make less noise
So, if you want to immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual significance of the heritage sites, book your holiday package of heritage sites from Happy Mountain Nepal which will help you to fulfill every requirement and make your trip enjoyable.