A haven for any adventure enthusiast, Nepal is a rugged terrain full of scenic hikes and treks. The views of the Himalayas are breathtaking! There is a kind of peace and tranquility in the air and green environs of Nepal. But it is more than just an adventurer’s paradise. It is the land of monasteries and temples. In fact, it is these national parks and heritage places in Nepal that make it a top traveler’s destination. Boasting a plethora of top places to visit, it has something to look forward to for all its travelers.
The Top Heritage Places In Nepal
Here are the ten world heritage sites in Nepal. These are the national parks announced as UNESCO Heritage Sites in Nepal and the historical places of Nepal:
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
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A centre of charm and site of architectural legacy, this is also known as the Hanuman Dhoka square. The kings were once crowned and ruled from here. Today a world heritage site, Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in Kathmandu. Durbar Square housed spectacular buildings like temples, and palaces, the architecture of which flaunted the skills of the Newar craftsmen. A lot of buildings were lost in the earthquake of 2015. But today too the place is one of the most frequented by tourists in Nepal.
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2. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Soak in the beguiling architectural sights of the monuments representing the customs and traditions of Nepal at this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site which lies in front of the palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom. At a close distance of 13 kms from Kathmandu, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is situated in Bhadgaon. Few places to visit in this plaza are the Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar which is the palace with 55 windows, Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and Golden Gate.
3. Patan Durbar Square
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The third of the Durbar Squares, Patan Durbar Square is located in the heart of the city of Lalitpur. The elegance of the Newar architecture that one can see at the Square leaves the onlookers totally astonished. The key attraction of the plaza is the royal palace of the Malla kings. The square has beautiful temples, idols, and some ancient Newari styled residences, which makes it one of the most fascinating heritage places in Nepal. Some top sights to visit here are the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, and Vishwanath Temple.
4. Swayambhunath Stupa
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Swayambhunath is perched atop a hill overlooking the spectacular Kathmandu valley. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites with the Stupa being one of the oldest in Nepal. The complex has various shrines and monasteries. The beauty of the place lies in Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on this stupa. The complex today has a Tibetan monastery and a museum which have been added to the complex over a period of time. Find the introduction of the national heritage of Nepal at the museum here.
5. Pashupatinath Temple
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Added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in 1979, Pashupatinath Temple is a holy Hindu temple complex. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu dedicated to Lord Shiva and was originally established in the 15th century. Today the complex has a collection of various temples which have been added over the time. The temple is pretty sacred amidst the Hindus and sees over a million devotees on the day of Maha Shivratri.
6. Boudhanath Stupa
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This Kathmandu stupa is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and also one of the largest in the world. This Buddhist worship site is a popular tourist spot in Nepal. In Nepalese the stupa is called the “Chorten Chenpo” which means “Great Tower”. Tibetan Buddhists can be often seen meditating here as it is one of their most holy spots!
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7. Changunarayan
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Perched atop a high hilltop of Dhaulagiri and in the environs of the champak forest is this ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan. The shrine here is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has been constructed in a traditional Nepali style and has sculptures and art embossed related to Lord Vishnu. The temple is a famous tourist spot and on its way is the private Changu museum which is a storehouse of ancient, archaeological, cultural, historical, and artistic objects.
8. Lumbini
The birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini is one of the most famous historical places in Nepal.
It was announced a world heritage site in 1997. It is a top pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. Lumbini is a spot of the cultural heritage of Nepal. It has religious, and historical significance too. The site has some temples including the famous Mayadevi Temple, monasteries, Lumbini International Research Institute, and a museum. One can enjoy bird watching here as the place has some exotic and rare bird species.
9. Chitwan National Park
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Established in 1973, Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. The park became a world heritage site in 1984. It lures travelers from far and near due to the wide variety of flora and fauna it houses. One can enjoy the elephant safari here while they capture the beautiful sal trees, balsam, and rosewood. There is also a canoe and jeep safari available for the park visitors.
10. Sagarmatha National Park
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Sagarmatha National Park is a protected bird area which was formed in 1976 and became a world heritage site in 1979. The park is famed due to it having the world’s highest peak, the Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) at 8,848 meters above sea level. The rugged terrain of the park makes it a great hiking spot for the adventure enthusiasts. It has a variety of flora and fauna. The park is covered in birch, blue pines, and firs and if lucky, one might catch a glimpse of the snow leopard here!
Heritage sites intrigue you too? Write below about the ones that you have visited! In the meantime book your trip with TravelTriangle to explore these heritage places in Nepal!
Further Read: 11 Festivals Of Nepal To Experience The Country’s Heritage
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
