World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Apparently incredible for its size, Nepal contains four World Heritage sites—two cultural and two natural heritage sites. Of them, the Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, are the cultural heritage sites. They are highly admired for their centuries-old traditions of art, culture and craftsmanship, as well as for numerous monuments of archeological and historical importance. As for the natural heritage sites, both Sagarmatha National Park and Royal Chitwan National Park are home to many endangered beast and bird varieties. While Sagarmatha National Park boasts of accommodating Mt. Everest (8,850 m)—the highest point on earth, Royal Chitwan National Park gives shelter to such rare species as the Royal Bengal tiger, the Great One-horned rhino and gharial crocodiles. The Kathmandu Valley has been divided into seven monumental zones, all compacted within a radius of 20 km. Actually nowhere else can one find such a collection of heritage sites as in the bowl-shaped Valley. Given below is the list of Nepal’s exclusive heritage sites:

KATHMANDU

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. The most noteworthy among them are the Hanuma- ndhoka palace complex, Kumari Dyochhen and the Taleju temple. Even to date, all major state and social ceremonies, including the solemniza- tion of coronations, are carried out in one or the other courtyards within this complex. The royal enclave presently houses three museums. The monuments in and around the area are so mesmerizing that each appears more wondrous than the one next to it.

SWAYAMBHU STUPA: One of the world’s oldest Buddhist shrines, the stupa graces a hilltop, 77 meters above the Valley bottom. Situated six km to the west of the city-center, this huge dome-like structure is surmounted by 13 gilded rings representing 13 Heavens and an elaborate canopy.

 

Pashupati temple: One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies five km northeast of Kathmandu. The two-storied pagoda houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs and silver-coated doors.

 

 

BOUDDHA STUPA: which is also known by Khasti, is one of the world’s largest stupas. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal Mandala design. Hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha set into the niches around this huge structure makes it even more mesmerizing. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it. Bouddha lies some six km to the east of the city center.