World Heritage site of Nepal - Best Places to Visit
Some of the outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Nepal . In Nepal, heritage sites range from breathtaking natural formations to impressive cultural icons - making it a best place to visit. Some preserve the grandeur of antiquity, while others serve as luxurious, protected havens for a vibrant biodiversity for nature lovers. These striking and stunning landmarks highlight Nepal's incredibly rich natural and cultural aspects for heritage tourism. The World Heritage Sites of Nepal include a multitude of architecturally stunning tourist destinations that highlight the country's artistic brilliance for cultural immersion - as well as expansive national parks that support a thriving biodiversity for wildlife enthusiasts.
Ten historical sites in Nepal have been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Two of these are natural heritage sites, and the remaining eight have a centuries-long historical basis as cultural heritage sites.
Below are the 10 Heritage sites of Nepal as a best places to visit:
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square :
A best place to visit for historic architecture and living cultural heritage. The prominent hub of historic Kathmandu is the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The square is a vast outdoor gallery of historic buildings, pagodas, temples, and sacred sites . Once the haunt of Nepal's hidden imperial dynasty, the castle still holds the Kumari, the unique living goddess of Kathmandu. Thus, don't forget to visit the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, Taleju Temple, Seto Bhairab, Kumari Ghar, Maru Tole, and Seto Bhairab while you're in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Entry fee:
For SAARC nationals: NPR 150
For other tourists: NPR 1000
2. Bhaktapur Durbar Square :
Another beautiful landmark and a best place to visit in the Kathmandu Valley. Another beautiful landmark in the Kathmandu Valley and a well-known World Heritage Site is Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur is the smallest of the three urban settlements in the Kathmandu Valley. The city is well known for maintaining and presenting traditional Newari way of life. There is a mixed population of Buddhists and Hindus in the city. Must-see locations include Pottery Square, Dattatreya Square, Taumadhi Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which reveals the rich history and culture of medieval Bhaktapur.
Entry fee:
For SAARC nationals and Chinese Citizens: NPR 500
For other tourists: NPR 1500
3. Patan Durbar Square :
A best place to visit for visually striking Newari architecture. Patan Durbar Square was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979 AD. Similar to Kathmandu, Patan, an ancient and distinguished royal palace, boasts a magnificent Durbar square . This small collection of temples is arguably Nepal's most visually striking example of Newari architecture. The Malla period saw an explosion in the construction of temples in the square from the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Thus, don't forget to enjoy the temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and numerous other deities when you visit man-made works of art. Learn about the city's extensive history by visiting the museum as well.
Entry fee:
For SAARC nationals: NPR 250
For other tourists: NPR 1000
4. Changu Narayan Temple :
One of the oldest temples and a best place to visit for ancient archeological sites. The Changu Narayan Temple dates its origins to 323 BC, during the Lichchavi era, which was Haridatta Burma's rule. One of the oldest temples in Nepal and a historic archeological site is Changunarayan Temple. In 1969, it was added on the UNESCO World Heritage List and dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Entry fee:
For SAARC nationals: NPR 100
For other tourists: NPR 300
5. Swoyambhunath Stupa :
One of the most revered Buddhist sites and a best place to visit for spiritual seekers. One of the most revered Buddhist sites of worship in Nepal is the well-known whitewashed stupa of Swoyambhunath . Because there are so many monkeys living on the temple grounds, the stupa is also known as the Monkey Temple. The stupa is recognizable by the electric jumble of prayer flags that form its eyes. Pilgrims stroll through the shrines, reciting chants of supplication with their haggles. Swoyambhunath is a breathtaking place to see, with ancient carvings crammed into every available inch and an air filled with the aroma of incense.
Entry fee:
For SAARC nationals: NPR 50
For other tourists: NPR 200
6. Boudhanath Stupa :
Among the biggest dome-shaped stupas and a best place to visit for Buddhist pilgrims. In the year 600 AD, King Songtsen Gompa of Tibet constructed Boudhanath Stupa . This stupa is among the biggest dome-shaped stupas in the world. The dome has symbolic meaning and is proportionately correct. The all-seeing eyes of the Buddha adorning the gilded tower beneath the whitewashed dome serve as a three-dimensional reminder of the Buddha's path to enlightenment.
Entry Fee:
For SAARC nationals: NPR 100
For other tourists: NPR 400
7. Pashupatinath Temple :
A best place to visit for Hindu worshipers and sacred rituals. Pashupatinath is regarded by Hindu worshipers as a sacred temple . This gorgeous temple is located next to the Bagmati River. It is forbidden for non-Hindus to enter the temple. From the eastern side of the Bagmati River, they have a view of the temple. Every night, hundreds of pilgrims gather on the riverbanks underneath the temple to partake in a puja service. One of the earliest Hindu cremation sites in Nepal is located at the temple.
Entry Fee:
Free for Indian citizens
For other tourists: NPR 1000
8. Lumbini :
The birthplace of Lord Buddha and a best place to visit for Buddhist pilgrims. Greatest spiritual teacher, Lord Buddha, was born in Lumbini . The Maya Devi Temple, Sacrede Garden, Puskarini Pond, and the numerous monasteries constructed by various Buddhist nations are the town's main attractions. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, one can sense a sense of peace and harmony .
Entry Fee;
For SAARC nationals: NPR 100
For other tourists: NPR 200
9. Chitwan National Park :
One of the best places to visit for wildlife safaris and bird watching. Chitwan National Park is one of the oldest natural heritage sites in Nepal . A variety of wild species call the national park home, including the endangered Royal Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. Wild elephants, gharials, and sloth bears can all be found in the park. Additionally, one of the greatest places to go bird viewing is Chitwan National Park . The park is home to a variety of birds, including egrets, storks, kingfishers, grass warblers, and Bengal floricans.
Entry fee:
For SAARC nationals: NPR 1000
For other tourists: NPR 2000
10. Sagarmatha National Park :
The first Himalayan national park on the World Heritage List and a best place to visit for trekking and mountaineering. Sagarmatha National Park is the first national park in the Himalayas to be inducted into the World Heritage List . The park is a unique area with mountains, ice caps, glaciers, and deep valleys that are home to Sherpas. Among the tallest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, are found in the national park. It is a repository for endangered Himalayan flora, animals, and herbs. The world's most well-known trekking destination, Everest Base Camp, is located in Sagarmatha National Park .
Entry Fee:
For SAARC nations: NPR 1500
For other tourists: NPR 4000
