World's best Heritages in Nepal to Explore

Proper conservation of practices followed by tradition from generation to generation refers to heritage. The remaining architectures built by ancient peoples explain their different legendary histories. Those sites reflect the historical, natural, and cultural values of the country. There are many cultural and historical heritages in Nepal valued for their different ancient preferences.

Nepal is very rich in cultural and natural values. People from different ethnic groups live in different regions of the country with their distinct traditions, customs, and religions. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is an agency specialized for collaborating nations through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice and human rights.

What is UNESCO?

UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is a specialized agency mainly developed with the objectives of contributing to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice. It includes 195 member states and 10 associate members. This organization of the UN is based in Paris.

What are the world heritage sites in Nepal?

A country filled with different cultural and natural heritage offers you lifetime memorable moments. Especially, the capital, Kathmandu, also known as the city of temples, containing many temples at every step, is amazing. Here in Kathmandu or near Kathmandu, you can observe seven of the world’s heritage sites listed under UNESCO world heritage sites. And the rest three sites are situated in other regions of the country. Beautiful heritage sites of Nepal are as follows:

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, situated 13 km east of Kathmandu and 1400 m above sea level, is one of the world heritage sites and the most visited place in Nepal. The whole Bhaktapur Durbar Square consists of four main squares: Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. 55 windows, Vatsala Temple, Statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairava Nath Temple, etc. are the main attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square, listed under UNESCO heritages, is one of the royal palaces situated in the Kathmandu valley. It was first at Dattatreya and later moved to Durbar Square. It is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square as there is a statue of the monkey devotee, Hanuman, of Lord Ram at the entrance of the palace. This palace contains many temples built by different Malla Kings in the 15th-18th centuries.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square, situated 8 km south-east of the Kathmandu valley in Lalitpur district, is one of the royal palaces of ancient Malla kings of Nepal. The beautiful structural arts carved in different temples reflect the ancient Newar architectures and culture. You can also explore the old Newar residential houses. Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, and Taleju Bhawani Temple are some of the main ancient structures. All three main courtyards: Mul Chok, Khesav Chok, and Sundari Chok contain many religious temples and shrines to explore.

Changunarayan Temple

The most preserved Hindu temple on the top of the hilly area known as Changu or Dolagiri is situated 12 km east of Kathmandu in Changunarayan VDC of Bhaktapur district. You can explore the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Being the oldest temple in Nepalese history, it contains many temple arts and architectures from generations of royal emperors. Historical Pillar, Garuda, Statue of Bhupatendra Malla, Sridhar Vishnu, Vaikuntha Vishnu, etc. are some of the major monuments you can observe there.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple, located in the eastern part of Kathmandu at the bank of the Bagmati river, is one of the sacred and holy Hindu pilgrimage sites. One of the major festivals in Nepalese life, Mahashivratri, is celebrated here. Describing the origin of Pashupatinath, there are many legendary stories of Lord Shiva. Vasukinath Temple, Usmatta Bhairav Temple, Surya Narayan Temple, Kriti Mukh Bhairav Shrine, Hanuman Shrine, Budanilkantha Shrine, etc. can be explored inside the temple.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa, lying 11 km north of the Kathmandu valley, is one of the largest stupas in the world built around the 5th century A.D with a height of 36 m. Boudhanath Stupa was first found by the Nepalese Licchavi King Sivadeva, a person from an indigenous group of people from the eastern Himalayas. Yolmo Shakya Zangpo reincarnated Boudhanath, whereas some of the historical chronicles date it to the reign of King Manadeva. Boudhanath is also called entombing, which means the remains of Kassapa Buddha. This three-level mandala-style structure offers you beautiful moments where you can explore many Buddhist monks during different Buddhist festivals.

Swayambhunath Stupa

One of the beautiful ancient monuments in Nepal listed in world heritage sites under UNESCO is believed to be 2500 years old, founded by the great-grandfather of King Manadeva. It is situated at the hilltop of Kathmandu valley. Those stupas, shrines, and temples inside the Shyambhu layout take you back to the Licchavi period of Nepal. The temple is also known as the Monkey Temple as you can see the holy monkeys living there in the northwest parts of the temple.

Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is one of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites listed under the world heritage UNESCO site. Different monasteries, temples, and museums offer you a chance to explore the remains of Lord Buddha’s time. The Ashoka pillar, made by an emperor of India named Ashoka, Mayadevi Temple, where the mother of Lord Buddha gave birth to him, Puskar Pond, etc. are the major monuments of Lumbini.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park, the first national park in Nepal established in 1973, is situated in the inner lowlands of Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Parsa, and Makwanpur districts of Nepal. The park, with a rich wild ecosystem, contains many species of endangered species like Langur, Crocodile, Python, Deer, Rhesus Monkey, Leopards, etc. along with different species of birds like black-chinned Yuhina, the pair of Gould’s Sunbird, Slaty-breasted rail, Grey-Crowned Prinia, etc. Among all these, the Bengal tiger and one-horned Rhinoceros are the great sources of attraction. Here you can closely observe the well-preserved Tharu cultures and traditions, which are also known as the original tribes of this region.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park, situated in the eastern Himalayas, covers an area of 1148 sq.km in Solukhumbu district of Nepal. The national park, established in 1976 AD, was the first national park listed under world heritage sites. It contains various floras and faunas like blue pines, firs, bamboo, and rhododendron, providing shelter to different wild species like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, wild yak, etc. and birds like Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Red Billed Chough, Yellow Billed Chough, etc.

Nepal is very rich in cultural and natural aspects. Thus, the country rich in historical aspects offers different architectures reflecting the legendary histories of the nation to explore.