Nepal boasts countless cultural, historical and natural landmarks, endorsed by UNESCO as acclaimed World Heritage Sites. The diverse multitude of gems, fluctuates from the magnificent Himalayan peaks to tranquil rivers, tumbling waterfalls, lush forests, and serene lakes. Its natural fascination is accompanied by an affluent cultural heritage, including admired temples, historic durbar squares, ancient monuments, and amicable monasteries. Many of these sites, reflecting Nepal's unique creativity and architectural sparkle, have seized remembrance as UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nepal, presenting glances into the country's lush havens, distinctive cultures, and extraordinary sculptural traditions.

In Nepal, 10 world heritage sites are listed as UNESCO, it is categorized under three different sectors i.e. cultural, natural and historical among them 8 are considered as cultural as well as historical sites with centuries-old cultures and histories and the rest 2 are natural heritage sites offering majestic backdrop. Mostly, the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nepal is situated in Kathmandu Valley which lets you explore in a single day and provides amazing experiences of unique heritage sites.

Nepal welcomes thousands of travellers each day to explore these stunning landmarks and admire Nepal's rich tapestry and incredible bequeathal. Even if you're fascinated by nature's grandeur or enthralled by the tapestry of history and culture, the UNESCO Heritage Sites of Nepal guarantee something truly exceptional for every visitor.

For more depth information let’s take a closer look at the top 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal.

Table of Contents

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is set amidst the heart of the capital city of Nepal surrounded by incredible revered temples, old centuries durbar squares, the Hanuman Dhoka Museum and more attractive sites. An ancient royal courtyard constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries during the Malla Dynasty and Shah kings. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the closest world heritage sites in Nepal as you set foot on Nepal’s landmark.

Commonly known as Hanuman Dhoka and Basantapur Durbar Square lets you explore the astounding cultural and religious sites of the Newari people - Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple, Seto Bhairab, Kal Bhairab and the Hanuman Temple. If fortune smiles upon you, you may have the great opportunity to witness Kumari, revered as a living goddess in Nepal. Discovering it empirically will be a true blessing, and the tale you'll have to tell your loved ones will be unlike any other experience.

Capture incredible Newari architecture, wood carvings, silver carvings, and metal carvings and awe-inspired by the beautiful creativity. Experience the local markets around Durbar Square and interact with the locals who share their lifestyles in typical Newari ways.

Kathmandu Durbar Square Entry Cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 250

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 1000

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also one of the listed world heritage sites of Nepal UNESCO located just outside of Kathmandu Valley in the Small town, of Bhaktapur - a home to several temples and durbar squares from old age centuries. It is considered a famous place for its interesting history of the king’s period and preserved cultures by typical Newari people.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square will amaze the marvellous architecture sculptured in other Durbar squares like Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, Pottery Square etc. Make sure to seize every detail of the unique sculpture, providing an unbelievable significance. Later, unveils the most famous sites in Bhaktapur Durbar Square; Lions Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple and fifty-five windowed Malla Palace. Bhaktapur isn’t merely designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site it is because of its captivating landmarks and distinct architectural features and carvings found at each attraction.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Entry Cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 500

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 1500

Patan Durbar Square

Another historical as well as cultural landmark of Nepal also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nepal is Patan Durbar Square. Located in the ancient city of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square offers various temples reflecting its own culture, norms, and traditions. The impenetrable knot of temples perched out as an astonishing array of Newari architecture in Nepal. Around Courtyards, it is filled with numerous Hindu and Buddhist monuments so explore each one and learn more about the histories of ancient times.

Make sure to visit these notable religious sites inside Patan Durbar Square: Krishna Temple, Golden Temple, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Jagat Narayan Temple, Hari Shanker Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Bhimsen Temple and Rato Machhendra Temple and more.

Patan Durbar Square Entry Cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 250

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 1000

Pashupatinath Temple

Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath Temple is revered as the religious shrine among Hindu People in the World. Each year thousands of pilgrims visit around the globe to worship Lord Shiva. Destined as the most important holiest site in Nepal and is also listed among UNESCO world heritage sites.

Non-Hibus are not allowed to enter inside the Pashupatinath Temple. The temple compound embraces the central temple and meld, enclosed by a display of smaller temples, ashrams, and sculptures, as it is grasped by the sacred Bagmati River to the east. In addition, making sure to see the various rituals, ceremonies as well as funerals will be a unique and surprising experience.

Pashupatinath Temple Cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 1000

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 1000 (free for Indian citizens)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Boudhanath Stupa

Located in the east of Kathmandu, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most grandiose landmarks, as soon as you touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport, catch a sight of the largest stupa in the Kathmandu Valley, catering as the heart of Himalayan Buddhism. The Boudhanath Stupa was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Set amidst the chaotic streets and vibrant markets, Bouddhanath Stupa offers a unique and captivating experience of ancient traditions and spirituality. When it comes to embodying grace and purity of form, no other stupa in Nepal emulates Boudhanath. Its unspoiled whitewashed dome blends impeccably with its gilded tower embellished with the universal eyes of the Buddha, showcasing exceptional proportion and grace. Later, explore the various statues and artwork inside are simply stunning.

Boudhanath Stupa Entry cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 100

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 400

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

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Swoyambunath Stupa

Swoyambunath Stupa is one of the renowned religious sites in Kathmandu, Nepal as also registered among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal. Mostly known as Monkey Temple, as many monkey resides there makes the stupa even more blissful.

Considered the crowning prestige of Kathmandu, Nepal showcases the perfectly elegant monuments that rise through a whitewashed dome to a glided steeple, where the iconic four faces of Buddha stare out across the valley in capital directions. Capture every side of the dome that presents the vistas of different shrines, and smaller stupas.

Both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit the Stupa to find peace and prayer. The Hindu temples such as Harati Temple and Saraswati Temple also reside in the Buddhist site. Experience the serene amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, where a melodic balance flourishes and make a prayer and get a deeper knowledge about every single attraction that you will encounter.

Swoyambunath Stupa Entry Cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 50

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 200

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Changunarayan Temple

Changunarayan temple is the oldest temple in Nepal and set a mark on the world’s heritage site with its breathtaking archaeological sites. The temple is specially dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated on a high hilltop known as Changu and encircled by a lush forest with a champak tree and a charming settlement known as Changu Village. Look at the masterpieces of Nepali architecture, carvings and sculptures.

Changunarayan temple boasts the carve of 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu such as; Vishwaroop, Vishnu Vikrant, Vishnu riding Garuda, Nar-Singha Vishnu, etc. Although, the temple perched out for its ancient carvings on the pillars and statues, set against the scenery of the Manohara River flowing beside the hills.

Changunarayan Temple Entry cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 100

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 300

Lumbini

Lumbini is the most renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha was born. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal. Lumbini sets itself as an amazing spiritual destination all over the world. Lumbini introduces an abundance of ancient stupas, Buddhist sculptures, monasteries marinades in history, and architectural wonders built by different nations to explore.

Discover various religious sites like Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, World Peace Pagoda, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihar, Tilaurakot, Museum and many more attractions which in-depth provide the history of Gautam Buddha. Lastly, delve yourself into the amazing art, unique culture, interesting history, religious spirituality and serenity.

Lumbini Entry Cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 100

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 300

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Chitwan National Park

Located in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal, Chitwan National Park is the first national Park of Nepal and was established in 1973. Nepal’s one of the natural heritage sites Chitwan National Park set itself as the World’s UNESCO Heritage site of Nepal. The Park offers exciting adventures rafting, canoeing, elephant bathing and of course, Jungle Safari.

Jungle safari is one of the popular activities that everyone wants to do once in life. Encounter various wildlife species such as the royal Bengal Tiger and the Asian one-horned rhinoceros, Clouded leopards, Sloth Bears, Striped Hyenas, Golden Jackals, Gaurs, Antelopes, Bengal Floricans, Oriental Darters, Kingfishers, Spotted Eagles, King Cobra, Rock Python, Gharials and Crocodile. Capture every wildlife during your safari and it will be an amazing experience while being close to it. And get more chances to enjoy during the trip to Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park Entry Cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 750+ 13% VAT

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 1500 +13% VAT

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is the second national park of Nepal but is listed as the first National Park in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Setting at the highest altitude in the world in the popular Everest Khumbu region, Sagarmatha National Park offers you a wide variety of flora and fauna with a majestic backdrop of the highest peak.

Sagarmatha National Park will undoubtedly amaze you with wildlife species as it is home to 152 species of bird, 28 species of mammals, 6 species of amphibians, 7 species of reptiles, and 26 species of butterflies. Capture endangered wildlife species like Red Panda, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Wild Yak, Gray Wolf, Himalayan Pheasant, and Crimson Horned Pheasant. Sagarmatha National is a main route to the base camp of the world’s highest Mount Everest (8848m), Everest Three Passes Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek and many others.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Cost

Cost for SAARC National = NPR 1500

Cost for Foreign National = NPR 3000

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal

Conclusions

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal are nestled as a testimony to the rich tapestry of the cultural and natural heritage of this incredibly manifold country. These sites, varying from ancient cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, present as windows into Nepal's history, otherworldliness, and biodiversity.

Moreover, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal not only preserve boundless cultural and historical connotations but also play an essential role in artistic sustainable tourism and prudent the country's unique heritage for future generations. They are an emblem of pride for the Nepalese people and serve as the light of appreciation for visitors from around the world, inviting them to explore and cherish the charm and richness of Nepal's cultural and natural treasures.

Admin

Admin

Mr Ram Sharan Adhikari is a Managing director of Eternal Himalaya Adventure, Trekking exerts in Nepal. Eternal Himalaya provides exceptional trekking experiences in Nepal’s majestic landscape as well as Tibet, Lhasa, Mount Kailash tours and Bhutan tours. Additionally, we invite travellers to experience the beauty of Nepal Himalayas, cultural immersion, and memorable adventures. Eternal Himalaya offers high-altitude trekking, city tours, hiking, mountaineering, helicopter tours, mountain vistas, and cultural encounters to fulfil travellers’ dreams of inspection and the creation of lifetime memories. send us your feedback!