Explore The World Heritage Sites In Kathmandu Valley
Nepal is blessed with natural and cultural heritage. Kathmandu Valley is the first to be included in Nepal's World Heritage Sites List. Nepal's natural world heritage site is made up of the world's highest mountains, with a rugged landscape of deep lakes, glaciers, and rock formations that are home to incredible species - snow leopards and pandas, 208 species of birds. At the same time, in the foothills of the Himalayas is another world heritage site that represents the Terai region, where one of the last populations of Asian horned rhinos and the latter the sanctuary of the Bengal tiger. Here is the list of world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley that you must explore.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three ancient durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley, built by the Malla kings in the 15th and 16th centuries. Durbar Square in Kathmandu is the home of the Malla and Shah kings. Special attractions include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, where important ceremonies of the royal government were held, such as the coronation ceremony, Kumari Chowk, the abode of the living goddess Kumari, and the Taleju Temple, among others. It is located in Kathmandu district, Basantapur district. It can be reached in about 5 minutes from Thamel by taxi. One can take a 20-minute walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square from Thamel.
Swayambhunath Stupa - The Monkey Temple
Swayambhunath is one of the oldest holiest Buddhist stupas in Nepal. The unique design includes the main stupa with a dome at the bottom and a cubic structure at the top with a picture of the Buddha looking at all four directions. The various parts of the site include the main stupa complex, the Vajra Thunderbolt, the Buddha statue on the west side of Swayambhunath, the Sleeping Buddha and the Dewa Dharma monastery with its bronze Buddha emblem and traditional Tibetan paintings, and Harati. Swayambhunath is said to have been born from a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of a lake in the Kathmandu Valley. The site was founded in the early fifth century. Also called the Monkey Temple, the Swayambhunath Stupa sits on top of a hill and overlooks the Kathmandu Valley, offering a bird's eye view of many parts of the Kathmandu Valley. The huge steel dome with the all-seeing eye of the Buddha can be seen for miles. Climb the 365-stone steps to the stupa and admire the magnificent view it has to offer.
Boudhanath Stupa
This is one of the largest stupas in the Kathmandu Valley. Special features include the main stupa with a white dome and a golden tower painted with all the Buddha's eyes. Around the main stupa, more than 50 Tibetan hotels have been built. The stupa is based on the ancient trade route from Tibet, which enters the Kathmandu Valley and was founded by the Nepalese King Lichhavi. Boudhanath Stupa is a real gem in Kathmandu, attracting hundreds of pilgrims every day. Boudhanath Stupa located on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu, is a major tourist attraction in Kathmandu. Walking around the white stupa in a clockwise direction turns the prayer wheel and soaks up the peaceful atmosphere of the stupa.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is the temple of Lord Shiva and is the largest temple in Nepal. The highlight of Pashupatinath is the sacred Linga of Lord Shiva (Idol of Shiva) enshrined in the pagoda structure. There are more than 100 temples and monuments in the Pashupatinath temple which are divided into the inner and outer precincts. The main temple that exists today was built in the 5th century. The best time to visit Pashupatinath would be in the evening when the Aarati is conducted, thus providing an interesting and spiritual journey. Located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, this temple has a golden pagoda. A huge bronze statue of Nandi the 'Bull', the sacred vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva, guards the entrance. The Arya Ghat Hindu hot spring is located below the temple. Hindus believe that the burning of the dead at Arya Ghat helps the dead to attain salvation.
Changu Narayan Temple
It is the oldest Hindu temple still functioning in the valley. Special features include a pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in Bhaktapur district, east of Kathmandu and north of Bhaktapur City. It was built in the 4th century during the Lichhavi dynasty and rebuilt in 1702 after a great fire. Visit the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan, considered to be the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley. Nestled in the middle of a lush green forest, the Changu Narayan Temple is built in the form of a two-storied pagoda. On the way to the temple, you can visit the Changu Museum, which is supposed to be the first private art museum in Nepal. The temple grounds have unique sculptures, stone, and metal objects from the Licchavi and Malla periods.
Bhaktapur Durbar Squares
This square is located 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu and consists of four different residential areas: Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and Lion Gate are some of the attractions here. Brick walkways, carved woodwork, pagodas, and monuments fascinate first-time visitors. Take a tour of Pottery Square for a unique experience.
Patan Durbar Squares
Patan Durbar Square is also a World Heritage Site in the Kathmandu Valley. Famous for its beautiful display of Newari buildings. It has many temples, palaces, and gardens. Most of the construction started during the Malla period. Patan Palace, which now houses a museum, was the residence of the Malla kings. There are 55 temples around Patan Durbar Square. Patan Durbar Square is the royal palace of the ancient kingdom of Lalitpur when the Malla dynasty ruled. Special attractions include ancient palaces and elaborate temples like the Krishna Mandir built in the local Shikhara style.
In Conclusion
Kathmandu Valley is the capital city of Nepal with seven monuments listed as World Heritage Sites. Each of these sites reflects the rich art, culture, tradition, and religion of Nepal. Even though the valley is developing rapidly, the true history of the camps still exists. No photo or video will be enough to explore the ancient culture and craftsmanship of Nepal.
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