Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour in Kathmandu: What to Expect and How to Book

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is one of the most popular travel destinations in South Asia. It is also home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including three medieval cities, four ancient archaeological sites and holy sites. A trip to Kathmandu is incomplete without visiting these iconic sites, as they offer an unparalleled glimpse into Nepal’s ancient history and culture. Whether you’re a solo traveler, family vacationing with kids or looking for an all-encompassing guided tour – Kathmandu is a stunning city with an awe-inspiring cultural heritage that should not be missed.

Why Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu?

The UNESCO listed cities and holy sites in Kathmandu have a unique, distinctive cultural identity and offer a unique experience to visitors. These ancient monuments are so well preserved, that visitors can view architecture representing the cities as they were centuries ago. The bewitching landscapes of Kathmandu are home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that not only preserve the rich, old traditions of Nepal – but also offer a fascinating insight into the development of the landscape, from the ancient Hindu architectural remains to the contemporary celebrations of Buddhist practices.

Below is a list and overview of the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be found in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley, listed by UNESCO in 1979:

The 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu:

• Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex
• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Patan Durbar Square
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• Changunarayan Temple
• Swayambhunath Stupa
• Boudhanath Stupa

1. Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex is one of Kathmandu’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most important monuments from Nepal’s royal past. It was built in the 17th century by King Pratap Malla as a sign of his devotion to Lord Hanuman and is also home to important Hindu and Buddhist shrines. It is also the largest complex in Kathmandu, with marble carvings, intricate woodwork and lavish courtyards on its broad grounds. The palace itself is home to various smaller temples and monuments, such as the stone tortoise from the 16th century, which denotes peace and prosperity.

The entrance gate to the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex is marked by impressive golden gates and a traditional Tibetan prayer wheel. Inside the palace grounds you can also find the Taleju Temple – one of the highest temples in Kathmandu – as well as small stalls selling souvenirs. It is an ideal place to take photos and experience one of the most famous complexes in Nepal.

2. Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is another important historical complex in Kathmandu, which served as the residence of Nepal’s Malla kings until 1886 until moving to a different location. This plaza is home to many important temples, idols and buildings such as Kumari Ghar (the House of Living Goddess) – where resides “Kumari’ – a girl from Newar community believed to be an incarnation of divine being. Other attractions include the Taleju Temple, Vatsala Devi Temple, Jagannath Temple and an impressive range of traditional buildings from various centuries – including a building designed by King Pratap Malla during his reign in 17th century. The site also offers great views of Kali Temple, a Hindu goddess of strength and energy.

3. Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is arguably the oldest of all three durbar squares in Kathmandu valley – with evidence indicating its origin dating back to 3rd century BC. It was initially known as Yalamber before Nepal’s Malla kings made it their new citadel during their rule in 16th century. Its watery courtyards surrounded by temples makes it an ideal spot for photographers searching for picture-perfect subjects. Some of the main attractions inside Patan Durbar Square include the Golden Gate or Sun Dhoka, built by King Rana Bahadur Shah; Keshav Narayan Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu; Jagat Narayan Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; Hiranya Varna Mahavir Temple; Krishna Temple; Bhimsen Temple; and Vishwanath Temple. Patan Durbar Square offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into Nepal’s fascinating cultural heritage that should definitely not be missed if you are visiting Kathmandu.

4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the three royal plazas located in the Kathmandu Valley and is a popular destination among tourists seeking to experience culture and tradition in Nepal. The northern side of this durbar square features a Golden Gate built by King Yaksha Malla during his rule in 15th century BC. It also includes tall stone statues of Shiva and Parvati with their sons Kartikeya and Ganesha; two traditional female water fountains known as Golden Faucets; a statue of King Bhupatindra Malla riding an elephant; and spectacular stone sculpture from various centuries. This area also features three ancient architectural monuments – Pujari Math (wooden temple), Lalitu-Laxmi Temple (Pillar Temple) dedicated to gods Harisiddhi Laxmi Narayan, Maju Deval – an impressively tall temple with intricate stone carvings with precise geometrical designs on its base.

5. Changunarayan Temple

Changu Narayan Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kathmandu Valley, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in mid-5th century AD under Lichchhavi ruler Mandev I as a pagoda-style temple, it features stone sculptures and reliefs related to gods such as Garuda Narayan, Bishnu Narayan, Indra Murti, Shiva, Ganga Maya and Tshangs Pa Lha Rsol Ma – sculptures depicting two saints bookending Bodhisattva Manjushri. The temple also houses four bronze statues of Garuda Narayan – two seated on a rock below a trident and two standing on each side of a stone pillar – as well as intricately carved stone slabs depicting various gods and goddesses, two peacocks – holding sheaves of wheat – with Krishna standing at their feet holding an umbrella, two smaller statues representing Uma Maheshwar and Narashima along with interesting collection of everyday items used during the religious practices including hand bells, incense burners, ewers and vessels used for carrying sacrificial liquids among many other items.

6. Swayambhunath Stupa

This ancient stupa is located on top of Swayambunath hill (or “Monkey Temple”), which lies partly on the west side of Kathamandu Valley near Boudhanath Stupa. One can reach this temple on foot or by cable car or taxi. Thus temple is comprised primarily two stupas built on the top one-the Great Stupa and small stupa it is said that Stupas were built 2500 years ago but further researches show that it was built1700years ago .The sacred shrine has become popular among tourist and locals alike because visitors are allowed to spin prayer wheels as per Buddhist traditions; there are huge prayer wheels offere by local businessmen at discount prices .The Great Stupa consists a white dome topped by gold spire above which flies a square yellow flag whose pattern symbolizes Buddha’s eyes with three Buddhist Dhyani Buddha statues at the base surrounded by monkeys guarding them. Tourist are urged that you not indulge in feeding the monkeys as this have caused them to damage the structures with their teeth over time .There is also a museum at Swayambhunath which displays various topics such Buddha story etc and relics found underneath this stupa through regular archaeological excursion .Apart from these primary stupas there are many other Tibetan Temples such red Avalokiteswora or Manjushree shrine along with Vajraylite temple inside complex whereas near stupa you can find plenty Khachole Mask shops selling all kinds Khacoles including momentoes replicas at reasonable price .

7. Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa, one of world’s largest Buddhist stupas lies 8 Km east from city centre .This monument date back 600years and has series history associated with it which mainly linked with Tibetan Buddhism religion .the monument has fine architecture with dome shaped centre relic which surmounted by golded torch above it plus superior level terrace surrounded by crescent moon symbolising wheel of Dharma (dharma chakra) .This Stupa has primarily 3 entrances each has set host 18 idols along with 4 distinctive deity sculptures namely Green Tara , White Tara , Vajra Bhairav , Avalokiteshvara respectively its circumference makes it largest stupas in world with its diameter lying between 116m-150m with 36 metre tall spire above it.
Boudhanath Stupa complex includes several smaller Tibetan temples including Ratna Parkash amongst many others houses fine statues sculpture hosts different festival throughout including Lama Dipavali in Magh (Feb) , Buddha Purnima in Baishak (May) etc where thousands buddhist devotee come pay homage by circumambulating this sacred place .There are secondary Monasteries around this stupa like Karmalight Art Gallery where you will find some finest Buddhist Iconography & sculptures .Boudhanath is certainly must visited site for using spiritual energy around itself making it perfect place for doing some meditation along with perfect view & night view this stupa offers especially during Full Moon days .Tourist around world love visiting this place specially peace seekers to attain tranquility & meditate this place unique religious heritage has made it most popular tourist destination & second famous UNESCO listed heritage site after Swayambhu Stupa .

How to Book a UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour In Kathmandu?

Booking a tour around these majestic UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu is certainly worth your effort. The best way to do so is online using reliable websites such as GetYourGuide who offer guided tours through all 7 sites via their Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour. Such tours usually last for 5-6 hours and guarantee that you get to see all seven sites in one day while supervised by experienced guides familiar with Nepal’s rich history who give you necessary information about each site as you visit them around the valley – thus saving you time having to plan your own tour or follow up research about what to expect at each site.

What I personally like the most about these tours is that they start off early in the morning – before 8am – while traffic noise levitates giving you an opportunity to capture beautiful sunrises over Kathmandu Valley followed by visits to 4 grand architectural monuments – Changunarayan Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square seeing all for which there’s morning access – thus avoiding later day rush plus if done proper you get be back your hotel around 2PM offering day excursion without overly exhausting yourself allowing capture magnificent views one gets opportunity enjoy on way .You also get opportunity savor delicious lunch without any hassle at Bhaktapur helping make your visit little more memorable .It is certainly great trip option for all castes & ages .

Conclusion

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu offer visitors an insight into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage– particularly regarding Hinduism and Buddhism as represented through fascinating architecture and daily rituals– making them an unforgettable destination for any traveler visiting this beautiful country on their own or even as part of family travel group which leaves deeper imprints on mind than possibly any other motion picture depicting life in Nepal through its tales inspired by ancient craftsmanship having kept intact since centuries past .If you’re considering booking a UNESCO World Heritage Tour for Kathmandu for yourself or your loved ones – look no further than GetYourGuide’s Kathmandu UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour. You won’t regret it!