Seven World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu valley is one of the most popular and developed place in Nepal. The valley is also known for its monuments which displays full range of historic and artistic achievements of the country. If you want to explore the beauty of Kathmandu valley, you can visit 7 monuments designated by UNESCO World heritage sites within 48 hours. The 7 world heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley are; Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambunath Temple and  Changunarayan Temple.

Pashupatinath Temple: Being one of the most sacred temples for Hindu devotees, Pashupatinath temple was enlisted in World Heritage Site in 1979. The temple was created in the 5th century by Licchavi King Prachanda Dev, and this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for its 4 faced Shiva Linga, a huge golden statue of Shiva’s Bull, deer park, and Sandhya aarti that takes place every evening. In addition to that, you can also observe saints, devotees, birds, monkeys, deer, and open cremation at the bank of the Bagmati river. Pashupatinath Temple is 2.4 KM away from Tribhuwan International Airport, 3.8 KM away from Ratnapark, and 4.3 KM away from the Thamel area.

Bouddhanath Stupa: Being one of the largest stupas in Asia, it is the most sacred place for the Buddhist Pilgrims of Nepal.  Boudhanath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions. The stupa remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well as a popular tourist site. While visiting the stupa, you can observe the beautiful monastery, street vendors, lifestyle of Tibetan Culture, Thanka art, handmade sculpture, and handicraft. Similarly, you can taste the delicious Tibetan cuisine of nearby restaurants. The stupa is located 4.6 KM away from Tribhuwan International Airport, 6.0 KM away from Ratnapark, and 6.6 KM away from the Thamel area.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Popularly known as Hanumandhoka Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square brilliantly showcases the architectural skills of Newar artists and craftsmanship. Kathmandu Durbar Square was constructed on the Licchavi period in the third century. You can observe the beautifully designed masterpiece like Taleju Temple, Kumari Bahal, and Shiva Parvati Temple. Some of the other artistic structures of the square are the old palace, courtyards, Basantapur Durbar, and Hanumandhoka. Kathmandu Durbar Square is located 6.2 KM away from Tribhuwan International Airport, 1.2 KM away from Ratnapark, and 2.4 KM away from the Thamel area.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Being one of the ancient heritage sites of Nepal, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is famous for its art and culture. The most famous structures of the square that allures the visitors are its 55 window palaces, Statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Nyatapole Temple, Bhairav Nath Temple, and the Golden Gate. This square is a magnificent example that reflects the ancient Nepalese civilization. While visiting the durbar, you will surely admire the handicrafts, souvenirs, sculptures, wood carvings, and beautifully constructed pagoda and shikhara style temples situated on the square premises. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located 11.8 KM away from Tribhuwan International Airport, 14.5 KM away from Ratnapark, and 15.6 KM away from the Thamel area.

Patan Durbar Square: Patan, the oldest of all the three cities of Kathmandu valley,  is known for its artistic heritage. It is probably one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. The major attraction of the durbar square is the old royal palace and artistically designed temples all within the square. People visit Patan Durbar Square to observe Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath temple, and taleju Bhawani temple. Patan Durbar Square is located 5.9 KM away from Tribhuwan International Airport, 4.7 KM away from Ratnapark, and 5.9 KM away from the Thamel area.

Swayambunath stupa: Popularly known as the ‘Monkey Temple of Nepal, Swayambunath stupa is the Buddhist stupa situated at the hilltop. It is probably the best place from where you can observe a captivating view of Kathmandu. This place is always filled by hundreds of visitors and souvenir stalls. Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. It was founded by the great-grandfather of King Manadeva during the 5th century. Swayambunath stupa is located 8.2 KM away from Tribhuwan International Airport, 4.5 KM away from Ratnapark, and 2.9 KM away from the Thamel area.

Changu Narayan Temple: Changu Narayan is the name of the deity enshrined in the Changu Narayan Temple, located near the Changunarayan Municipality in Bhaktapur. The temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples of the valley and is believed to have been constructed in the 5th century. The temple is considered to be the oldest temple in which the shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is a milestone in Nepali temple architecture with substantial embossed works. The temple is surrounded by sculptures and arts related to Lord Vishnu. Also, there are temples of Lord Shiva, Ashta Matrika, Chhinnamasta, Kileshwor, and Krishna inside the courtyard of the main temple. The temple is located 15.0 KM away from Tribhuwan International Airport, 17.8 KM away from Ratnapark, and 18.9 KM away from the Thamel area.