World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley

A cultural tour in Nepal will give you a glimpse of the real Nepal.  Nepal is a melting pot of several cultures and religions that live in perfect harmony with each other. You can learn about the original inhabitants of Kathmandu, the Newars, in a cultural tour through the Kathmandu Valley. 

This cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu is a combination of cultural and natural value making it an excellent inclusion on the list of world heritage sites. There are temples made of brick and roofs covered with small overlapping terracotta tiles, along with rich carvings in roof struts, windows, and doorways. A stupa’s form is simple, but powerful, with massive whitewashed hemispheres holding gilded cubes depicting the ever-seeing Buddha’s eyes.

There are seven World Heritage Sites within a radius of 20 kilometers of Kathmandu, making it the city with the most World Heritage Sites in the world. The lifestyle, culture, traditions, and craftsmanship of the locals contributed immensely to this. You can witness mixed culture and tradition with mixed settlement of people within this small city during your cultural tour. Throughout this small city, you can observe diverse cultures and traditions.

List of World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square:

A visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square will allow you to witness ancient statues, fountains, ponds, and a series of courtyards, such as Mohan Chok and Sundari Chok. Kathmandu Durbar Square was home to the palaces of several of the kings of Kathmandu, including the Malla and Shah dynasty.

The major attractions you will get to see during your cultural tour in the Durbar square that reflect Nepli art, architecture, culture, and history include Jagannath Temple, Mahendreswara Temple, Nautale Durbar (nine-storied structure), Kal Bhairav, Bhagwati Temple, Kotilingeshwara Mahadev (a Shiva temple carved from stone), Kumari Bahal, Saraswati Temple, and the magnificent Taleju Temple. You can also witness different festivals and religious rituals celebrated in the durbar square during your visit. 

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

The best way you can discover Bhaktapur is by strolling through narrow streets, passing residents’ homes, temples, and courtyards, and then visiting the market. Known as the ‘city of devotees’, Bhaktapur is known for its stunning culture, elegant art, colorful festivals, traditional dances, and the typical Newar lifestyle. 

A visit to Durbar square will catch your interest in so many areas, including the 55 window palace, Nyatapola temple, Golden gate, Lion’s Gate, mini Pashupatinath temple, Batsala and the Bhairavanath temple. This ancient masterpiece can truly be called an “Open Museum” with many examples of wooden sculptures, colossal pagodas, and temples dedicated to many different gods and goddesses.

• Patan Durbar Square:

Patan Durbar Square which is also known for its artistic heritage is the oldest among the three durbar squares in the Kathmandu valley. As one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world, Patan Durbar Square is home to many Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with beautiful carvings, bronze gateways, and guardian deities. 

Among the notable temples, courtyards, and buildings you will get to observe in Patan Durbar Square during your cultural tour are Taleju Bhawani Temple, Sundari Chowk, Keshav Narayan Chowk, Krishna Mandir, Mul Chok, and Bhimsen Temple.

• Pashupatinath Temple:

This holy Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva, is one of the biggest and most sacred of the Shiva temples in the world. There are thousands of pilgrims from around the world who come to pay respect to Lord Shiva and seek blessings from him at the Pashupatinath temple. The rituals performed in Pashupatinath will fascinate you. A practice of burning dead bodies and mourning in full view of temple-visitors is a unique practice that you cannot witness elsewhere.

Along with the main shrine of Pashupatinath temple, there are dozens of smaller temples you can see, like Vatasala temple, Guhyeshwari temple, Ram temple, etc. Several paintings depicting sexuality can be found on the temple roof, and near the temple is a ceremonial cremation ground, an indication that death is not something to be feared and sexuality is not something to be detested.

• Swyambhunath Stupa

Swyambhunath Stupa is the most ancient, most iconic and most visited holy shrine in the Kathmandu valley. Various temples and shrines comprise this complex, which is sacred to Buddhists and Hindus equally. The site of Swyambhunath offers a panoramic view of the valley and is a site you must visit during your cultural tour in Nepal.

This Buddhist site in the center of a Hindu temple is one of the rare places in the world where we can witness complete harmony between two religions. The Swyambhu complex contains temples and shrines that are historically and culturally significant, including Harati Devi temple, Shantipur (Palace of Peace), Pratapur and Anantapur, as well as the World Peace Pond and Buddha Amideva Park. 

• Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa represents Buddhist culture and tradition which is said to have been created just after the death of the Buddha. Built around the 14th century, the stupa is a historical pilgrimage site for Buddhists across the world. Stupa possesses a peaceful and serene aura that can inspire you and bring good vibes. Since ancient times, Boudhanath has been an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists and Nepalese. 

You can see Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns chanting the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ as you walk around the Stupa. With a strong presence of Tibetans and Sherpas in the surroundings, you can gain a sense of Himalayan and Tibetan culture. The Bouthanath area is also a place to shop for local and branded products, where you can purchase handmade clothing, traditional Thangkas, and cashmere items.

• Changunarayan Temple

The traditional Nepali style temple dictated to Lord Vishnu is the oldest Hindu temple in the country. The carvings in the main temple and the statues that surround it make you feel like you’re walking in a museum. Within the Changunarayan premises are the Chinna Masta Temple, Kileshwor Mahadev Temple, Vaikuntha Vishnu, Garuda Narayan, Vishnu Vikrant, Narshima and Changunarayan Temple in the middle. A walk around the surrounding area reveals typical Newari and Gurung tradition and culture.

Explore the charms of the world in the small city of Kathmandu. Your cultural tour to Nepal will be enriched by the beauty of three Durbar Squares, ancient Stupas, temples and invaluable insights of a rich cultural and religious heritage.