10 World Heritage Sites in Nepal are Ranked as Popular Tourist Attraction Places
Popular places to visit in Nepal are 10 World Heritage Sites. Nepal is a small mountain landlocked kingdom in the world. Even it has the area of 147,181 sq. km., Nepal holds 10 places as UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization) as ‘World Heritage Sites’.
Nepal is a small country which is land locked by two big countries that are India and China. It does not have any access to the sea or whatsoever. Being a small country and. You have come up with few places you can go and have the best times of your lives.
Nepal is a beautiful country itself, it has a beautiful history and the natural scene are to die for. Many of us have not been to the nooks and corners of Nepal and they are traveling to a foreign country by paying tons of money to see the natural view. That’s sad. So we have been searching the convenient place so that anybody can visit these places without having second thoughts.
As you want to know about Nepal’s national heritages, their importance, and preservation, We are trying to explain them in this post. We hope you will find it useful and interesting. Let’s go in detail.
Heritage means all those valuable natural and cultural objects, features, resources, creations, arts, cultures, traditions and symbols of identity and pride that have Dee-inherited, protected, preserved, promoted, and handed down to the next generation by the previous generations.
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Broadly they are of two types: Natural heritage and cultural heritage. Natural heritages are entirely natural and not human made. They include biodiversity, national parks, conservation areas, wildlife reserves, remarkable topographical features etc.
On the other hand, cultural heritages are human creations that are concrete or abstract They include arts, architectures, sculptures, paintings, monuments, palaces, religious sites, books, designs, cultures, religions, traditions, customs, and so on.
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There are 830 properties of the world in World Heritage list as cultural and natural heritage having outstanding universal value. And among them, there are 644 cultural heritage sites, 162 natural heritage sites, and 24 mixed properties. Out of these 10 sites are from Nepal. These all 10 heritages sites are known as popular places to visit in Nepal.
The tour is carefully designed for all those travelers who have a great interest in art, culture, lifestyle and historical interest. There are so many sites declared in UNESCO heritage sites. These sites of Nepal would be the best opportunity for the researcher, or any people coming here. It will be easy to collect the historical and social cultural information.
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There are as many as 10 UNESCO heritage sites in this country. 8 of them represent cultural as well as natural heritage sites. Kathmandu is full of ancient temples, stupas, monuments and historical sites. You can enjoy here by watching the wonderful architectures and art pieces. This place amazes everybody with the architectures and local people.
UNESCO has listed the most important natural and cultural heritages of the world on the basis of their significance. While making a list of world heritage, the heritages are selected and examined on the criteria of their historical, natural and cultural significance, their artistic value, their rare quality and their unique characteristic which identify the nation.
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Nepal is sandwiched between two great countries of the world. In ancient time, this was no mans’ land and it was covered by hills, snow, lakes, rivers and sloppy lands with dense forest. These Himalayan and Mountain -ranges were formed by the effect of continental drift.
The northern river in between Nepal and Tibet was collapsed and its bottom was raised in paramount position for present Himalaya. The geological activities faced this high mountain to be translated into Himalayans or snowy belt from east to west.
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Some rivers of Nepal have long travel from Tibet to India. These are very popular and holy rivers. The people were called Gurkhas before 1952 recognized as great warriors and honest in the world.
Heritage means valuable things handed down to the next generations by the previous generations. National heritage consists of natural and cultural heritage. UNESCO has included two of our Natural Heritages and eight of our Cultural Heritages in the world heritage list.
Heritages are our identity, pride, sources of income, inspiration, creativity, history, and civilization. The sites enlisted in the World Heritage Site are the pride and property of the whole world.
Nepal is rich in both types of heritages. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has selected some of these as the World Heritage. They are two of our Natural Heritages and eight of the Cultural Heritages: Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan National Park, and Pashupatinath Area, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changunarayan Temple, Bouddhanath Mahachaitya (Stupa), Swayambhunath Stupa and Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha.
Other than these, there are many other such heritages in our country. To name a few of them:
Bardiya National Park, Parsa Wild Life Reserve, Koshi Tappu Wild Life Reserve, Langtang National Park, Shiv Puri National Park, Rara National Park, Shey-Fhoksundo National Park, Suklaphanta National Park, Halesi of Khotang, Swargadwari of Pyuthan, Gosainkund of Rasuwa, Pativara of Taplejung, Chhintag Bhagawati of Dhankuta, Muktinath of Mustang, Ram Janaki Temple of Janakpurand soon.
10 site or places of Nepal have got the recognition of the World Heritage Site in Nepal. The cultural heritage Kathmandu Durbar Squares, Patan Durbar Squares, Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, the Swayambhu Nath, Bauddhanath Nath, Pashupati Nath and Changu Narayan are consisting within the Kathmandu Valley.
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Natural World Heritage Sites in Nepal:
Two national parks of Nepal included in the World Heritage Sites List as Natural Site.
- The Sagarmatha National park
- The Chitwan National Park
Cultural World Heritage Sites in Nepal:
The Nepalese culture is based mostly on the religious beliefs. The religious and cultural heritage has its own significance. There are unlimited numbers of cultural heritages in Nepal that are based on religion. Such heritages are important not only from the Nepalese point of view; it is important because it is a part of world community.
These heritages are included in the list of world cultural heritage and are being conserved too. These cultural world heritage sites of Nepal are also popular places to visit in Nepal. The name list of the natural world heritage of Nepal are as follows:
- The Kathmandu Durbar Square
- The Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- The Changu Narayan Temple
- The Lalitpur Durbar Square
- The Pashupatinath Temple
- The Boudhanath Stupa
- The Lord Swayambhu Nath
- The Lumbini Site
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No. 1: Kathmandu Durbar Square: World Heritage Site in Nepal
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. It is located in the central part of Kathmandu that dates back to the 12th and 18″ centuries. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a beautiful heritage site full of cultural and ancient crafts, drawing and handicrafts, etc.
There is a Marushattal made of only one single tree. This is known as the Kasthamandap. Kathmandu has got its name after that Kahthmandap. The pleasant parts of Hanuman Dhoka, the temple of Taleju Bhawani, Panchmukhi Hanuman temple, the temple of Kumari (Living Goddess), the Shiva-Parvati Temple, Sri Ganeshsthan, Gaddi Baithak (Place for coronation) etc., have decorated the Kathmandu Durbar square. Read more about Kathmandu Durbar Square.
The Malla Kings ruled over Kathmandu from palace Since king Pratap Malla’ established an icon of Hanuman (the monkey-god) in front of the palace, it was popularly known as Hanumandhoka. King Prithvi Narayan Shah made the palace and capital of unified Nepal after he conquered Kantipur (Kathmandu).
One can see the masterpiece of Nepali art and architectures in the square. The interesting monuments and sites include Basantapur palace, Taleju temple, museum, Kumari House, Nagara (kettle-drum), and a big bell. Shiva Parvati temple, Kal Bhairav temple, Gaddhi Eaithak, statue of Pratap Malla and the nine-storied palace are other attractions here.
The Kasthamandap (Marusattal), located on the western side of the palace, is believed to be made from the wood of a single tree. Nowadays, the square is also known as Kathmandu Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square. It has been developed as the tourist hub. The site was recognized by UNESCO and was registered on its list in 1972 AD.
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No. 2: Bhaktapur Durbar square: World Heritage Site in Nepal
Located in the Bhaktapur district, it was also the form where the Malla kings ruled over their kingdoms. Bhaktapur Durbar square is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an example of cultural and ancient crafts, drawings and handicrafts. It is full of the temples made in the Pagoda and Shikhara designs.
The fifty -five windows Durbar and Sundhokha (Golden gate) built during the regime of Malla king and the statue of Bhupteendra Malla and the five stories temple (Panch Talle Mandir) built by the king Bhupteendra Malla is found in this city.
It has the elegant heritages like Nyatapol temple (tallest temple in Nepal), a statue of King Bhupatindra, Fifty-Five Windowed Palace, Golden Gate, National Art Museum, Dattatreya Temple, the Barking Bell, Batsala temple, etc. The Fifty-Five Windowed Palace is considered wood carving. The site was included in the World Heritage List in 1979 A.D.
Besides these, the Dattatreya Temple, Sunchara Pokhari, and amazing ponds etc. are the artistic works which have not only made the city incomparable but also worth seeing.
The Golden Gate is the main entrance to the courtyard of the place with 55 windows. It was built by King Pratap Malla and is one of the most beautifully and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. Most of the cultural sites of Nepal have been damaged by the devastating earthquake 2072 B.S. The government is yet to build them. Read more
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No. 3: Lalitpur Durbar Square: World Heritage Site in Nepal
Patan Durbar Square also known as Lalitpur Durbar Square is located in Lalitpur district in the valley. Lalitpur Durbar Square is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. Lalitpur Durbar Square is remarkable for cultural and ancient crafts, drawings and handicrafts in Nepal.
The stupas, Rato Machchhindra Nath, and other various temples build from the period of Ashoka to the period of Malla dynasty are still adding the aesthetical beauty to this city. The twenty-one spires (Gajurs) of Krishna Mandir are completely made of stone.
Besides it, the windows of elephant bones (hides), the statue of Yog Narendra Malla, Taleju temple, stone tape, and ponds, etc. are the artistic works of Lalitpur Durbar Square. It was the residence of Malla kings during the Medieval (Malla) period. There are the three main country yards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk.
The square is full of temples, shrines, Chowks, taps, ponds and antique crafts, carvings, and paintings. The Krishna temple built in the Shikhar style with 21 pinnacles is the gorgeous temple made up of stone. It is a temple of Lord Krishna, a Hindu god. The Royal Bath, another stone architecture, is the master piece of Malla art.
The other temples like Kumbheswor Mahadev, Rato Machbindranath, Bhimsen, Maha Bouddha, a statue of Yog Narendra, the windows of elephant bones and hides, etc. are of the great interest to the visitors. It was enlisted in the World Heritage Sites in 1979 A, D. Read more
Popular places to visit in Nepal are 10 World Heritage Sites. Nepal is a small mountain landlocked kingdom is the world. Popular Places to Visit in Nepal. Get here 10 World Heritage Sites.
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No. 4: The Pashupatinath temple: World Heritage Site in Nepal
The Pashupatinath temple is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. The Pashupatinath temple is regarded as a very special and popular temple among the religious sites of Nepal. This temple is situated at a distance of 4 km away in the north east of Kathmandu.
Situated on the bank of the holy River Bagmati in Kathmandu district, Pashupatinath temple is the very sacred pilgrimage for the Hindus all around the globe. The Lichchhavi kings have laid Shivaling of this temple.
Thereafter, the Malla kings made it more beautiful and attractive by converting it into two stories. People of different castes and religions comet o this temple to worship with great respect. Likewise, devotees from abroad come to worship Lord, Shiva.
It covers the areas like Jaya Bageshwori, Gaushala, Pinglasthan, Deupatan, Gaurighat, Kutumbahal. etc. The Shleshmantak forest, Aaryaghat (crematorium) and Guheshwori temple add additional glory to the site.
The forest, Kailash, and Ghat around Pashupatinath temple have made the surrounding environment attractive, beautiful and worth seeing it. This temple is very important from the religious point of view. It is one of the holiest spots for Hindus. The main temple is situated on the bank of the Bagmati River which is a tributary of the holy Gangajee river of India.
The Pashupatinath temple is built in the pagoda style that has golden pinnacle and silver doors. There are around 492 temples, Sattals, Devalayas, Chaityas, shrines and around 1,000 Shivalingas in the site.
The Pashupati Development Trust has been actively working to promote and preserve the site. The site got its name registered in the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 1972 A. D. Read more about Pashupatinath Temple.
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No. 5: The Changu Narayan temple: World Heritage Site in Nepal
The Changu Narayan temple is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. This temple is supposed to be the oldest temples of Nepal. This is the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley located at 4 kilometers North of Bhaktapur. The Lichchhavi kings observed Sri Champak or Changu Narayan with great devotion and respect.
Similarly, the Malla kings also protected this temple with great devotion. It is situated in the north from Bhaktapur Durbar. The Hindus, Buddha, and Shakyas come to observe and worship in the temple of Sri Changu Narayan. The Changu Narayan festival is observed in the mouth of Magh every year.
The statue of Sri Changunarayan is given a bath in the Shali River of Shankhu. It is the tradition of bringing this statue of Hanuman Dhoka after worship. This temple is of Lord Vishnu and it is an old temple built by King Vishnu Hari Datta Verma in 325 AD. This temple is rich in its structural design and architecture.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Narayan, the temple is believed to be constructed by Handutta Verma m the 4thl century A.D. However, some other historians opine that it was built by King Mandev in the 5th century. Located on a hilltop, it is adorned by the best specimen of stone inscriptions, carvings, wood and metallic art.
Lord Vishnu’s idol with ten heads and ten arms is a fine example of stone carving representing Nepalese sculpture. The temple is a true epitome of artistic, religious, cultural and historic significance. Today, it is equally visited and worshipped by the Hindus and the Buddhists with due devotion. Read more
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No. 6: Bouddhanath Stupa: World Heritage Site in Nepal
The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. Boudhanath Stupa, the biggest Stupa in Nepal, lies about 7 km east of the capital city. It is one of the sacred shrines for the Buddhists. The Boudhanath Stupa of Sri Lord Buddha has been given great importance to the temple of Gods and Chaityas of Nepal. It is situated in the north-east about 7 km away from Kathmandu.
The Jyotiswarup Chaitya according to the Buddhist Grantha. The devotees of different religions come to visit and worship this Chaitya. This Colossal Buddhist Stupa is one of the biggest Lamaist temples in the world. It is built in the Pagoda style. At present, there are five Gompas (Tibetan monasteries) where Tibetan Buddhist monks pray to the Buddhist deities.
It is 45 m in height and about 100 m in diameter. The Chaitya has ever watching eyes of the Buddha just above the white dome. It contains more than 45 monasteries in the premises.
It is believed that the stupa was built around the 5th century by King Mandev in the Lichhavi period. The Stupa is also called Khasti Chaitya. It was registered into the list of World Heritage A. D. Read more about Bouddhanath Stupa.
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No.7: Swayambhunath Stupa: World Heritage Site in Nepal
The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. According to Puran (mythological beliefs), God Swoyambhunath was originated from the flower Lotus. The Chaitya of God Swayambhunath is also a very popular religious site.
This Chaitya has situated about 4 km away in the west of Kathmandu. God Swayambhunath is also regarded as Jyoti Swaroop (light). The God Swayambhunath is also considered as the creator and destroyer, too. People from different religions such as Hindus, Buddhist, Shakyas, etc. come to worship God Swayambhunath.
There are many temples in the Swayambhunath site, but the main Chaitya is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas.
The surrounding of Swayambhunath Stupa consists of a number of temples, Chaityas, painted images, statues, praying wheels, etc. There are two dome-shaped tall temples called Anantapur and Pratappur and five other Buddhas surrounding the main Stupa.
Also known as ‘Monkey Temple’, Swayambhunath is regarded as the symbol of religious tolerance in Nepal. Manjushree is worshipped as the goddess of wisdom has the Buddhists and Saraswati is worshipped as the goddess of knowledge by the Hindus in the same temple.
It is said to be about 2000 years old. It is believed to be made before the 5th century, even before the foundation of the Buddhism. The Swoyambhunath site is situated on a hillock about 77 meters high from the ground level.
Just similar to Changu Narayan, Swayambhunath Stupa is located on the top of, a hill in the western part of Kathmandu. ‘Swayambhu’ denotes to self-creation entity that is taken as creator and destroyer, both.
Moreover, the site has been interpreted linking it with the formation of the Kathmandu valley as well. Recently, the largest statue of Lord Buddha in Nepal has been constructed in the premise which attracts a large number of tourists every day. It was included in the World Heritage Sites list in 1979. Read more about Swayambhunath Stupa.
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No.8: Lumbini Site: World Heritage Site in Nepal
The Lumbini Site is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. Lumbini is situated in the south-west of Terai belt. This place is the center of religious pilgrimage for millions of Buddhists. This place is known in the world as the birth place of Lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam.
Located in Rupandehi district of Lumbini zone in south-west Nepal, it carries out several souvenirs to the Buddhism and the Buddhists. The Buddhist come to visit and worship to this place. Devotees come to worship from abroad. Various kinds of natural heritage are found here.
Lumbini is the most sacred place for Buddhist as well as glorious for the country because Sakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautam Buddha was born here in 623 AD. This place lies 1 km west of Siddarthnagar (Bhairahawa) in the Rupandehi district of the Lumbini zone. It is said that in those days, Lumbini was a beautiful garden full of green shady Sal trees.
The Ashoka Stambha, a stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 245 B.C. is the sole attraction to the historians and pilgrims.
Other attractions of the site include Puskarini pond, Shanti Deep (Peace Flame), Mayadevi temple and garden. Besides,.we can see a number of beautiful Stupas (mounds) and the Buddha Bihar (monasteries) constructed by various countries in their own designs such as China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Vietnam, Mongolia, Thailand, France, Germany, etc.
We can also see a library and a research center there. For the development of the site, Lumbini Development Committee has been formed by 13 countries including Nepal in 1970 A. D. It has been launching Lumbini Master Plan for its overall development. Both Nepal government and the United Nations organization have taken a keen interest in its development. Read more about Lumbini Site.
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No. 9: Chitwan National Park: World Heritage Site in Nepal
The Chitwan National Park is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. Chitwan National Park is situated in Chitwan, Makawanpur, and Parsa districts. Chitwan National Park is the oldest and first park in Nepal. It was established in 2030 B.S. (1973 AD) following approval by the late King Mahendra in December 1970. This park lies in the plain area of the mid-south region of Inner Terai. It is in the heart of the jungle of Terai.
Its total area is 932 square kilometers. The park has spread out in the area of 932 sq km covering forests, marshes, and rivers. It is one of the most important sub-tropical lowland parks in Nepal.
It has been preserving rare and endangered animals like one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile, Salak, and birds like hornbill, peacock including more than 350 species.
It is the habitat for more than 43 species of mammals, 450 birds and 45 species of reptiles and amphibians. It was recognized as a World Heri site in Nepal. It has been included in the list of World Heritage Site in 2041 B.S. (1984 AD.). read more about Chitwan National Park.
Popular Places to visit in Nepal > No. 10: Sagarmatha National Park: World Heritage Site in Nepal
The Sagarmatha National Park is one of the popular places to visit in Nepal. The Sagarmatha national park is the world’s highest national park located above 3000 meters (9700 ft.). This park was established in 2032 B.S. (1975 AD).
The highest peak of the world Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) and other important peaks lie in this region. This park was included in the list of World Heritage Site in the year 2039 B.S (19th July 1976) as ‘contains superlative natural beauty and is of great aesthetic importance’. This park was created on 19th July 1976 and was inscribed as a Natural World Heritage Site in 1979. Read more about Sagarmatha National Park.
You know, heritages are very important to all of the Nepali. They mean a lot of things to us. They are symbols of our social and national unity, pride, and identity. They are sources of income, inspiration, creative activities, recreation, entertainment, history, literature, technology and other valuable aspects of our civilization.
They give guidelines and directions in our daily lives. They promote both domestic and international tourism. The sites which are enlisted in the World Heritage Site aren’t only the pride and property of Nepal. They also belong to the whole world. The new generations from all over can enjoy and learn a lot of things from them.
They reflect our arts, cultures, traditions, lifestyles, unique natural features, wildlife, flora, and fauna. So it is the duty of the government, local bodies, organizations and common citizens to protect, preserve and promote them.
Located in Solukhumbu district of Sagarmatha zone, Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of 1148 sq km, It is the part situated at the highest altitude of 3,000 meters. It includes various highest peaks of the world such as Mt Everest, Lhotse, Choyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Amadablam, etc. It also preserves various flora and fauna.
The rhododendron, pine, spruce, fir, etc. are the chief vegetation found here. It is the habitat of animals like snow leopard, red panda, polar cheetah, wild yak, mongoose, musk deer and birds like Lophophorus (Danfe). It was included in the World Heritage list by UNESCO in 1979 A. D.
Nepalese have realized the importance of preserving the forests. It helps in preserving the natural habitat of the animals. The forests, national parks, rivers, lakes, mountains, Himalayas, are the natural heritage of our country. These need to be protected. The community together performs various tasks to preserve the nearby forest.
There are many huge farmlands in Nepal’s village. Most of the villagers work in the fields. Irrigation is the major problem faced by the villagers. To solve this problem the villagers built canals in the nearby river. It will facilitate in the irrigation process of the fields.
There are also stupas, temples, parks, ponds, etc in her village. The villagers have taken the responsibility of maintaining these national heritages. They conduct various programs to clean the areas and renovate the buildings when required. Sneha and her friends do not throw litter everywhere. They sometimes help in cleaning the park and village.
Tourism is one of the important sources of income of our country. To attract tourist it is very necessary to keep our natural heritage attractive. Mountains, Himalayas, lakes, rivers, diverse topography, etc are our natural heritage. Many trekkers from all around the world come to visit these places. We should keep these areas pollution free. It needs to be cleaned from time to time.
The government should also pay attention to these areas. They are various national parks established in our country like Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang National Park, Bardiya National Park, etc. These parks help in preserving animals and its natural habitat.
When we go to museums we see many historical things like old books, coins, weapons, paintings, statues, clothes, etc. These things reflect our glorious history. So they need to be preserved. Museums are established to preserve the national heritage of historical significance.
Tourists also visit our country to see the famous temples like Pashupatinath, changunarayan, Krishna Mandir, Fifty- five Window Palace, Patan Durbar Square. These monuments represent our rich art, architecture, culture, and tradition. A These national and natural heritage helps It depict a country’s identity. Hence, these have to be preserved.
The following measures should be taken to preserve our heritages. These are things to do in Nepal by the Government of Nepal in tourism development.
- The government should make clear policies, plans, and programs to preserve them.
- The government should take strong action against the evil of destroying heritage site.
- Old structures should be repaired and maintained on regular basis.
- The effective security system should be established.
- Settlements and human activities around these sites should be properly
Thus, national heritages are our historical and cultural properties. They support not only the single parameter rather help to grow income, balance, the eco-system, develop multiculturalism and international relation, and decrease climate change globally. Only by instilling a deep sense of responsibility in young people towards the World Heritage the national heritages can be protected and valued.
Popular Places to visit in Nepal- 10 World Heritage Sites
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