Durbar Square in Kathmandu, where successive kings have sat and governed over Nepal for a very long time, and new kings have been crowned to the continuous pounding of drums and trumpets. The majestic Kathmandu Durbar Square is just one of the country’s three squares.

The location continues to be Kathmandu’s traditional architecture’s most impressive heritage. Although the devastating earthquake of 2015 left its mark on the structure and caused about a dozen areas of the grounds to collapse, it has retained much of its previous beauty.

The Durbar Square area comprises three loosely connected squares: Basantapur Square, the site of a former elephant stable, the main Durbar Square on the west, and a smaller area housing the entrance to Hanuman Dhoka.

The complex’s western portion is where the main Durbar square is located, with the open Basantapur Square area located in the complex’s southern half. The former building once served as a stable where royal elephants were kept for a long time. Today, it is a location with gift shops.

The second half of the square is located in the northeastern corner of the complex. The majestic Hanuman Dhoka Complex’s entrance is situated here, and a lovely collection of temples are hidden behind it.

The area is a bustling walkway that links numerous streets for the general populace. The Durbar is crowded with people during holidays like Dashain, Indra Jatra, Machhindranath Jatra, and Gaijatra, even though it is no longer used for coronations. In 1979, UNESCO designated the whole Durbar Square complex as a World Heritage Site.

Past Glory of Kathmandu Durbar Square

The Malla Kings, the first kings to rule over Kathmandu following its independence, once used the Kathmandu Durbar Square as their capital. Later, Prithvi Narayan Shah, who had invaded the Kathmandu Valley in 1769, chose it as a royal residence. This was followed by additional Shah Kings who succeeded one another and ruled the nation till 1896.

The building of this affluent area has been credited to the renowned Sankharadev, despite the absence of any recorded archival records that describe its historical past. The three-roofed Taleju Temple in the northern part of the compound is thought to have been built by Ratna Malla, the first monarch of the autonomous city.

He is also credited with building the temples on the property dedicated to Kotilingeshwara, Jagannath, Mahendreswara, and Mahadev. The five acres of flat area that makeup Kathmandu Durbar Square still display a wonderful, ancient feel. The square complex, with its ponds encircled by palaces, quadrangle courtyards, and temples displaying old paintings, is unquestionably the jewel in Nepal’s glittering crown.

Kathmandu Durbar Square’s Top Attractions

Due to several factors, Kathmandu Durbar square is a popular tourist destination. The stunning buildings of worship and expansive courtyards add to the area’s already stunning aesthetics. The area has great historical significance and has been the site of numerous coronation rituals. The following list includes a handful of the many attractions within the square complex.

1. Taleju Temple

At a great height of 36.6 meters, the sacred sanctuary constructed by King Ratna Malla is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Taleju Bhawani. The center of the temple is adorned with a magnificent deity statue with four heads and 10 arms, and the area is charming due to the elaborate metalwork. A sanctum for the Kumari, known as the Living Goddess in Nepal, can be found inside the temple.

2. Jagannath Temple

The octagonal Krishna Temple was built during Pratap Malla’s reign and is completely dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to legend, this worship site was constructed as a memorial to two of his former kings. The walls of this temple are decorated with lovely images of Lord Krishna and two goddesses who are thought to be his wives.

3. Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple

Lord Vishnu is honored in the complex’s five-roofed temple. The holy sanctum of the temple, which is decorated with antique paintings and portraits of the deity, exudes a magical aura that draws in many worshippers.

4. Kalbhairav Temple

Ancient legend describes Kalbhairav as a terrifying manifestation of Lord Shiva. The god, present in the Durbar Square complex in a great and majestic shape, welcomes several people each year.

5. Hanuman Dhoka

The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which includes a museum, is maybe the Kathmandu Durbar Square’s main draw. The structure, which served as a royal residence until 1886, now draws countless residents and visitors.

This tourist destination provides insight into the culture and architectural style that predominated in ancient Nepal. The museum is a fantastic place to find artifacts from the Malla dynasty. In addition, this location is the setting for the tale of Prithvi Narayan Shah’s rule and the unification of Nepal.

6. Kumari Bahal

The Kumari Bahal is a stunning old palace where she resides while she is the chosen Devi. It is a three-story traditional building composed of red bricks and wood with ornately carved balconies, windows, and doors resembling Buddhist Viharas.

In the middle of the 18th century, Jaya Prakash Malla constructed this building. It also holds a stupa decorated with Saraswati symbols and a sizable chariot used to transport the Kumari around the city during the yearly Indra Jatra celebration. Kumari’s presence is thought to protect the community and the area.

The massive earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015 barely damaged the Bahal while severely impacting the surrounding area. This is allegedly some indication that the villagers connect to the grace or strength of the Kumari.

7. Sattal Singha

Singha Sattal, also known as Silyan Sattal, is a traditional inn. A shrine to Natyeshwar, the God of Dance, is located inside the Sattal. The first construction took place in the 12th century.

8. Temple of Kabindrapul

The God of Music resides in this wooden temple from the 17th century. Another name for Kabindrapul Temple is Dhansa Dega.

9. Ashok Binayak (also called Maru Ganesh)

A modest Ganesh shrine called Ashok Binayak can be seen in the Kathmandu Durbar Square’s Eastern section. The shrine has bars surrounding it and is one story. There are gold-plated walls within.

10. Gaddi Baithak

A structure called Gaddi Baithak is situated just across from Kumari Ghar. Following the 2015 earthquake, the monument has finally been reconstructed. It is a white neoclassical structure that Prime Minister Chandra Samsher Rana first constructed in 1908 AD.

11. Kotilingeshwara Mahadev Temple

One of the most significant structures created by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century is the Kotilingeshwara Mahadev Temple. Three metallic circle roofing and a round design characterize the temple.

12. Shiva Parvati Temple

The magnificent Shiva Parvati Temple, which houses Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati, is situated in Durbar Square’s religious district. It is frequently visited by pilgrims and tourists and is just as significant as the Kumari Bahal or the Kasthamandap. Every square inch of the temple wall, which Bahadur Shah built in the 18th century, is covered in incredibly detailed carvings.

13. Bhagwati Temple

The Durbar Square’s Bhagwati Temple was originally a Narayan temple. In the eighteenth century, Jagajaya Malla constructed it. It is believed that Prithvi Narayan Shah stole the Narayan idol and replaced it with a statue of Bhagwati.

14. Great Bell

King Rana Bahadur Shah erected the Great Bell in 1797. The Degutaleju temple’s neighboring beautiful bell runs during the temple’s puja.

15. Degutaleju Temple

A component of the Hanuman Dhoka is the Degutaleju Temple. It has three roofs and a shrine to Taleju, the personal goddess of King Malla.

16. The column of King Pratap Malla

A stone pillar known as King Pratap Malla’s column, also known as Pratap Dhwaj, featured a statue of the King facing the Degutaleju shrine. The 2015 earthquake destroyed the statue, but the pillar is still there.

17. Indrapur Temple

This temple is devoted to Indra, as the name would imply. However, a Lingam within suggests the shrine is devoted to Lord Shiva. Additionally, a Garuda may be seen on the southern side, indicating that the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu.

18. Tana Deval Temple

The Taleju temple is situated right in front of the Tana Deval Temple. The temple includes three carved doors, and Mother Goddess-themed painted struts. The wall encloses the temple.
Getting To Kathmandu Durbar Square
The magnificent heritage site is conveniently located in the Kathmandu Valley and is reachable by both private and public transportation. If you follow the Amrit Marg, it is only three kilometers from Kathmandu’s center. Taxis or local buses are available. From Kathmandu, walking to Durbar Square takes more than 30 minutes.

Earthquake 2015

After a severe earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, a sizable portion of the southern Durbar Square was destroyed, and the surviving buildings developed physical fractures and crevices. A devastating earthquake had already struck Kathmandu Durbar Square in 1934. However, the complex was immediately renovated, and in no time was it restored to its magnificent state. The renovation efforts since the earthquake of 2015 have not yet met expectations.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historical landmark and a source of national pride. The competent authorities must act swiftly to ensure that it remains a place of awe and pride for future generations. The Kathmandu Durbar Square has been and continues to be the center of Nepal’s rich history in terms of cultural heritage and religion, sovereignty, pride, and economy. Even though natural disasters have changed the complex’s buildings’ design, they continue to draw visitors because of their rich atmosphere.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square: What to Know Before You Go?

1. To see the Kathmandu Durbar Square more authentically, go there early in the day when there are fewer tourists.
2. The Living Goddess Kumari briefly manifests herself at the Kumari Ghar’s main window between 9 and 11 a.m. and around 4 p.m. It is completely against the law to take photos, but if you’re fortunate, you might be able to receive a blessing.
3. If you want to fully appreciate your visit, sign up for a guided tour or hire a guide in advance! A guide should be hired when visiting areas like Kathmandu Durbar Square. Once there, avoid using a guide because it might be challenging to distinguish between authentic and bogus sources.
4. Only one day’s worth of tickets is available. The tourist center close to Kumari Ghar, however, will let you exchange your ticket for a Visitor Pass that will be good for the remainder of your visa (it is free, and you need your entrance ticket, your passport and an ID photo).

FAQ

Q. Why is Kathmandu’s Durbar Square so well-known?
There are three squares in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal, with Kathmandu Durbar Square being one of them. Durbar Square is an important location for Buddhist and Hindu rituals, holy rites, royal celebrations, and royal coronations (the word “durbar” means “palace” or “a court held by a prince”).

Q. What is Kathmandu Durbar Square’s alternate name?
Hanuman Dhoka
Basantapur Durbar and Hanuman Dhoka are additional names for Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic durbar square in the heart of Kathmandu.

Q. Do you have to pay to get into Durbar Square?
Kathmandu’s Durbar Square entrance cost is NPR 150 (INR 94) for citizens of SAARC nations other than Nepalese, for whom it is free, and NPR 1000 for citizens of China and other international nations.

Nepal has an abundance of unique sightseeing places and destinations, most of which you must already be familiar with. In the following list, we will discuss some exciting locations that you should definitely check out. In case you are wondering where to head next, we recommend that you consider visiting some of these interesting places that are listed below.

1. Devi’s Falls:

This rummaging waterfall which flows into a cave is situated in the Kaski District (Pokhara). It is quite a popular tourist attraction and is also known as the ‘Patale Chango’, which translates to ‘Underworld’s Waterfall’. The water body falls into a tunnel and then re-emerges in an underground cave nearby called the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. The waterfall’s source is the Phewa Lake, and it is best to visit the place during the monsoon season. During the rainy season, the water flows frantically through its restricted, narrow course which is confined by boulders.

2. Chamere Gufa:

This name directly translates to ‘the bat cave’, and it is Nepali Bruce Wayne’s hideout.
In Pokhara, Nepal’s Kaski District, there is a solutional cave named the Bat Cave. On the walls and roof of the cave, horseshoe bats are reported to live.

It is a show cave and one of Pokhara’s most famous tourist spots. A limestone cave that features many carvings of Hindu deities, this structure was discovered in 1983. A single entrance and exit lead to the cave. The exit is more narrow than the entry and requires climbing.

According to indigenous religion, only individuals who have not sinned should travel through the exit hole. The woodland surrounds the cave. It is not far from the neighbouring Mahendra Cave. The cave is U-shaped, with sculptures of Hindu deities inside. During the winter, up to 18 different kinds of bats may be found in the cave.

3. Mahendra Cave (Andhero Bhavan):

Discovered in the 1950s, this cave is named after King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. It is believed that the king read about the place in the Newari language newspaper and immediately visited it afterwards. The cave is situated in the western region of Pokhara.

If you decide to venture into the cave, you will find a statue of Lord Shiva inside its dark passages.

4. Shuklaphanta National Park:

In the Terai region of far-western Nepal is a national park, which is a former hunting ground for royalty. This Park is adjacent to the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Pilibhit Wildlife Reserve in the Indian subcontinent.

Shuklaphanta National Park is a national park in Nepal’s Terai region, containing 305 km2 of open grasslands, woodlands, riverbeds, and tropical wetlands at elevations ranging from 174 to 1,386 meters. It is flanked on the west and south by the Mahakali River.

5. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park:

Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal’s eighth national park, was created in 2002. It is called Shivapuri Peak, found in the nation’s military mid-hills on the northern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley.

Q: What is the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park well-known for?
Mammalian species recorded in the park include the Himalayan Black bear, leopard, jungle cat, and rhesus monkey. The park also has 177 bird species, including at least 9 vulnerable species, 102 butterfly species, many rare and endangered species, and 129 mushroom species.

6. Garden of Dreams:

The Garden of Dreams, also known as the Garden of Six Seasons, is a 1920 neo-classical garden in Kaiser Mahal Kathmandu, Nepal. Kishore Narshingh designed the gardens, which span 6,895 square metres (74,220 square feet) and include three pavilions, an amphitheatre, ponds, pergolas, and urns. It had been neglected since the mid-1960s, following the death of its sponsor, Kaiser Sumsher Rana. But it was recently restored with the assistance of the Austrian government.

The ancient neo-classical garden at Keshar Mahal was to be removed in 1998 to make way for the building of a commercial area. However, on the suggestion of Karna Shakya, Minister of Education Arjun Narsingha KC immediately halted demolition operations and made the site available to the public under the new name “The Garden of Dreams.”
Non-Nepalis must pay 400 Nepali rupees to access the Garden of Dreams. Nepali people pay 150 rupees.

7. International Mountain Museum:

The museum opened its doors on February 5, 2004. The museum’s principal display rooms are the Hall of Great Himalayas, the Hall of Fame, and the Hall of World Mountains. Visits to the museum fell drastically between 2015 and 2016, and revenue fell by half due to the country’s 2015 earthquakes. Since its inception, the museum has had 2.1 million visitors in 2019.

The museum closed in March 2020 because of the covid-19 epidemic and reopened in November 2020. About 100,000 domestic and foreign tourists visit the International Mountain Museum (IMM) every year. IMM records, documents, and illustrates historical and contemporary mountain and mountaineering advancements from throughout the world.

8. Hiranya Varna Mahavihar:

King Bhaskar Varman constructed this golden pagoda of Shakyamuni Buddha in the twelfth century. The golden picture and a big prayer wheel may be seen on the highest story of the pagoda.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar was created where a rat pursues a cat, according to folklore. In 1994, rats were still being fed at the location, but this may have altered over time. One visitor reported seeing a lot of rats at the temple in 2000 but no rats in 2021.

During the 2015 earthquake, the courtyard structures received structural damage. Rehabilitation began in July 2021.

Q: What is Hiranyavarna Mahavihar’s style?
Nepalese bahal architecture.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is styled after a Nepalese bahal. The courtyard is a nearly square, rectangular area. There is a little entry in the western corner, but the main entrance is on Kwalakhu Road on the southeastern side.

9. Tengboche Monastery:

Tengboche Monastery, also known as Dawa Choling Gompa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa group located in Tengboche village in Khumjung in the Khumbu area of eastern Nepal. The monastery is the biggest gompa in Nepal’s Khumbu area, standing at 3,867 meters.

Q: Tengboche monastery, how ancient is it?
The monastery is the biggest gompa in Nepal’s Khumbu area, standing at 3,867 meters (12,687 feet). Lama Gulu constructed it in 1916 with close ties to its mother monastery, the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet. It was damaged by an earthquake in 1934 and afterwards restored.

10. Kailashnath Mahadev Statue:

In terms of height, the Kailashnath Mahadev Statue is the highest Shiva sculpture in the world. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue in Bali, Indonesia, is the highest Hindu deity statue. It is located in Sanga, Kavrepalanchok District, Nepal, approximately 20 kilometres from Kathmandu.

On a daily, about 5,000 people visit the monument; on holidays, national holidays, and Hindu festivals, the number grows dramatically. Because of the number of visitors, the monument has aided religious tourism in Nepal, both locally and globally, increased local economic activity, and influenced the development of adjacent communities.

Q. How tall is the statue, and what material is it made of?
The monument stands 143 feet (43.5 meters) tall and comprises copper, zinc, concrete, and steel.

Q. What is fair for individuals, particularly students?
There is no fee to access the temple area.

11. Dakshinkali Temple:

The Dakshinkali Temple gets its name from a combination of the terms ‘Dakshin,’ which means south,’ and the name ‘Kali,’ which represents the deity worshipped here. The Goddess’s idol is pictured standing on top of a corpse, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

The four-armed idol, adorned with a sword in one hand, a skull cap in another, and a severed head in the third, portrays an image of an influential, empowered divine figure who has arrived to vanquish evil and emerge triumphant.

The Dakshinkali Temple is barely a kilometer from the town of Pharping and is about 22 kilometers from Kathmandu. The temple is one of Nepal’s most prominent and is devoted to the ferocious and dreaded Goddess Kali. This temple’s reputation stems from its rites and traditions.
Animals, particularly uncastrated male goats and cockerels, are sacrificed at this sacred site twice a week as a gift to Lord Shiva’s furious wife. Rani Rashmoni, a devotee of Kali, erected the shrine in 1855.

Q: Who constructed the Dakshinkali Temple?
The Dakshinkali temple is situated around 17 kilometers south of Kathmandu. This is Goddess Kali’s temple. King Pratap Malla built this temple.

12. Manakamana Temple:

Manakamana Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to the goddess Bhagwati, an avatar of Parvati. It is located in the hamlet of Manakamana in the Gorkha District of Nepal’s Gandaki Province.
Previously, the only method to access the Manakamana temple was to go on a three-hour-long challenging hike. A cable car now connects Kurintar, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of Mugling, to Manakamana. The cable car travels 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) in approximately 10 minutes.

Q: What is the significance of the Manakamana Temple?
It is a holy site for the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati, a manifestation of Parvati. Manakamana is derived from two words: “mana,” which means “heart,” and “kamana,” which means “desire.” It is thought that anyone who makes a wish from their heart here will have their desire granted.

13. Budhanilkantha Temple:

Budhanilkantha Temple (Nepali: ) is a Hindu open-air temple dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu in Budhanilkantha, Nepal. The Narayanthan Temple, also known as Budhanilkantha Temple, is distinguished by the massive reclining figure of Lord Mahavishnu.

Budhanilkantha Temple is located at the northern end of the Kathmandu Valley, beneath Shivapuri Hill. Golfutar Main Rd, Budhanilkantha 44600 is the address. The Budhanilkantha Temple is located around 12 kilometers from Tribhuvan International Airport.

Q: Why is Vishnu known as Budhanilkantha?
However, the temple is named Budhanilkantha. It does not derive from the Buddha; instead. Budhanilkantha has a Sanskrit origin that means ‘Old Blue Throat,’ a moniker bestowed to Lord Shiva by gods after the Lord ingested poison to save the world.

Conclusion

Nepal is famous for many sightseeing places. But you will be amazed at how much the list could go on. Nepal has many world heritage sites that UNESCO has listed. The places mentioned earlier are some of them. We hope that this article helped you in some way to get to know Nepal a bit more deeply. We Attractive Travel and Tours also provide service of Nepal tours to various sites. You can contact us if you have any queries.

World Heritage Sites are areas that belong to everyone on the planet, according to the UN governing organization UNESCO. There are a number of monuments in Nepal that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

These world heritage sites in Nepal are incredible accomplishments of human creativity. Some of these date back more than 2500 years.

You may visit several of these sites inside the Kathmandu Valley in a single day because of their close proximity. Only three of the sites classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites are outside of the capital city Kathmandu.

How Many World Heritage Sites Are There in Nepal?

Nepal features a total of 4 major World Heritage Sites:

The Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini Province (Cultural Heritage); Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park (falling under Natural Heritage/Conservation Areas), respectively.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has several criteria for selection on its World Heritage List. These requirements establish on many cultural and natural factors. Every site must possess an ‘outstanding universal value as a prerequisite for the list.

An understanding of the history and roots of every Nepalese sub-culture and tribe is crucial, along with the religions that connect to them. The sites described below demonstrate cultural and natural wonders that prove to be timelessly valuable heritage.

(I) The Kathmandu Valley-World Heritage Sites in Nepal-

The Kathmandu Valley Heritage Site received the earliest mention on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The area comprises various uniquely remarkable locations within itself, and the list below provides brief descriptions of each site:

» Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

This ancient royal Palace is in Bhaktapur (a.k.a. Khwopa). The Kshatriya Dynasty (Malla Dynasty), which ruled until the late 17th century, had established a royal residence here.

Post-subjugation of this compound by the Gorkhali forces, and due to earthquakes that came afterward, the Palace lost most of its original structures. Finally, it succumbed to the buildings that now remain.

The remaining structures are a fine example of Nepalese architecture – more precisely, the Sikhara style. The 55-window Palace, courtyards, sandstone temples, statues of kings, mythical creatures and animals, fountains, and pagodas are all exemplary works of architecture.

The most notable Temple within the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the Taumadhi Square, which hosts the tallest pagoda-style Temple, the Nyatapola Temple (also called the Panch Talee Mandir). Public entry inside this Temple is prohibited since it houses a tantric incarnation of a Mother Goddess.

» Patan Durbar Square:

This historical site is in Lalitpur, the southern part of the Kathmandu valley. This was another residence of the royal kings of the Malla Dynasty. The structures are composed predominantly of red bricks in the style of Newari Architecture (Indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley).

This area has 136 courtyards and 55 temples, and some feature intricate erotic carvings on their roofs. The temples closely resemble other Shiva temples in the Indian subcontinent.

» Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Located in the anterior of the former royal Palace is yet another extravagant showcase of traditional historical Newari architecture: The Kathmandu Durbar Square. Its origin dates back to the 3rd century of the Licchavi dynasty and acts as a central royal palace for many prominent rulers. (like the pre-eminent Prithvi Narayan Shah)

The site hosts the famous Hanuman Dhoka Complex across five acres of land occupying the central region of the Kathmandu Valley.

» Boudhanath:

Boudhanath, the biggest stupa in Nepal, was built upon the remains of the Kassapa Buddha. Kassapa Buddha was the predecessor of a renowned figure in Buddhism, Siddharta Gautama. Kassapa was a giant being (about 10 meters in height, according to legends) and lived to a prosperous age of 2000.

After the 2015 earthquake, the stupa’s spire was subject to severe damage, and the entire structure above the dome had to undergo renovation. Donations from various Buddhist groups and volunteers facilitated the repairs of this ancient structure. Rumors are that the funds have amounted to a gross total of over 2 million US dollars.

The Prime Minister of Nepal during that time, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, facilitated the inauguration of this monument.

» Swayambhunath Temple:

In the western part of the Kathmandu Valley lies a sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage Site known as Swayambhu (colloquial) or simply the Monkey Temple. The rich diversity of trees on this hill gives it the name Phags.Pa Shing.Kun (Tibetan transliteration), meaning ‘Sublime Trees.’ The site houses several temples, stupas, and shrines that date back to the Licchavi Era.

The main stupa has Buddha’s eyes painted on its central axis and a number ‘1’ (Devanagari) in between, resembling a nose. A tall stretch of stairs that run up to the face of the Temple characterizes this monument. A motorable road rises around the back hill and ends a few staircases below the back of the stupa. A small pond with a wishing fountain and several souvenir shops can be found where this motorable road ends.

From this hilltop, you can witness a cinematic view of the Valley and the urban agglomeration that foils the city.

» Changunarayan Temple:

It is on a hill north of Bhaktapur, populated by a dense forest of Champak trees. Consecrated to Lord Vishnu (The Preserver of cosmic order), this pagoda is the oldest Temple in the history of Nepal. You can observe many elaborate carvings of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Laxmi, and Garuda on this structure.

King Haridatta Barma built the Temple in the 4th century of the Licchavi era. The trees bloom intensely fragrant flowers from June through September. Jean Patou’s ‘Joy,’ the second best-selling perfume in the world, derives its ingredients from the essential oils of Champaca flowers.
The tree associates itself with Buddhist enlightenment in the Theravedana (doctrine of the elders). The Theravedana considers itself to be the oldest of the Buddhist Scriptures.

» Pashupatinath Temple:

This Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, ‘The Destroyer,’ is among the 275 most significant Shiva temples on the continent. (The Thevara Sthalam). Pashupati is the god of animals—an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is also the National Deity of Nepal.

The two-level-roofed pagoda style of architecture consists of copper and gold coverings, and the doors are silver sheets.

Mahashivratri and Teej are the two most prominent festivals celebrated in the Temple. In 2014, anticipating over seven lakhs of devotees for the festival of Shivratri, two popular banks set up ATM vending machines and counters inside the Temple. This demonstrates the sheer volume of devotees this World Heritage Site draws during its major religious festivals.

(II) Lumbini Province-World Heritage Sites in Nepal-

This site is accredited as the birthplace of the Lord Buddha himself. The holy site of Lumbini is devoid of any commercial institutions.

The Theravada monasteries lie on the east section of the site. Alternately, the Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries lie to the west. A long water canal separates these two sections, providing motorboat tours along this canal. Nipponzan Myohoji built the peace pagoda here in 2001.

In 1896, a monolithic pillar was discovered that is said to have marked the visit of Ashoka the Great. This occurrence substantiates that Buddha was born under the Bodhi Tree here. A temple honoring Buddha’s mother—the Maya Devi Temple (adjoining the sacred pool – Puskarni), also stands within the premises of the Lumbini Heritage Site.

Hindus believe Lord Buddha was an incarnation of Vishnu, so this is also a Hindu Pilgrimage Site for many people. In April and May, countless Hindus flock to this site to worship Rupa Devi/Maya Devi, the Mother Goddess of Lumbini.

(III) Chitwan National Park-World Heritage Sites in Nepal-

Established in 1973, this was the first national park in Nepal. It falls under category two of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. (IUCN)

The park area is maintained parallel to tourism goals, encouraging visitors without disrupting the animal habitat. Under the strict supervision of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, it aims to conserve all flora and fauna. In addition, this department also collects regular censuses on Endangered Species.

However, It is within the subtropical central terai of Nepal, with parts of it along the river valleys of the Sivalik Hills. The swamps, grasslands, and forests here were a hunting ground for the aristocracies during winters. Big game hunting was a common sport for centuries, and targets were chiefly sloth bears, elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, and leopards.

(IV) Sagarmatha National Park-World Heritage Sites in Nepal-

Sagarmatha means ‘the Peak of Heaven’ in Nepali, although many are inclined to translate the words directly—meaning Sagar = Sky and Matha = Head. This area in the Himalayas of eastern Nepal (Solukhumbu District) also falls under category II of the IUCN, designating it as a national park. The elevation of this area ranges from 2,845 meters to 8,848 meters.

It shares an international border with Tibet to its North, and southwards gives birth to the highest river (elevation-wise)–the Dudh Koshi. This river is the highest navigable white water, drawing the attention of several adrenaline junkies.

Sharing a considerable portion of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, this area is tormented by the constant threat of climate change. The ramifications are grievously unjust—especially for the self-sustaining community of the Sherpa people.

Moreover, there are already two distinct species near endangerment—-the red panda and the snow leopard. Climate change is a collective blunder caused by human ignorance, industrialization, and apathy.

Which is the First World Heritage Site in Nepal?

The Sagarmatha National Park and the Kathmandu Valley were the first places in Nepal to be included on the World Heritage Site list; both were added in 1979.

Conclusion

However, all conclusive efforts to preserve the World Heritage Sites in Nepal were initiated a little behind schedule. In other words, what remains now holds more extreme significance than ever before. We hope we will make more enthusiastic efforts to preserve our cultural heritage. About a dozen areas in Nepal are still on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Some examples are the Bharti Temple Complex of Dailekh, Sinja Valley, Ram Janaki Temple, and Nuwakot Palace Complex.

Nepal is a country rich in cultures, these cultures are linked with the history, economic life, geographical setting and lifestyle of the people. And so to represent these cultures, there are various festivals in Nepal. The major festivals in Nepal are Dashain and Tihar. Dashain is the Hindu festival in Nepal, celebrated for about two weeks with prayers and offerings to goddess Durga. Tihar is a festival of lights celebrated for 5 days with worship to goddess Laxmi. Kukur Tihar is the day in Nepal in which Nepalese people celebrate Kukur Puja also known as the dog festival in Nepal. In Nepal, there is a five day Hindu festival called Tihar. On the second day of the festival, Kukur Tihar occurs. Nepal is one of only a few countries in the world that has a festival solely dedicated to worshipping dogs. The other days of Tihar consist of worshipping cows and crow also. Tihar is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals and also known as the festival of lights.

This dog festival is celebrated by blessing them with a red mark on their forehead also known as Tika. Dogs are given flower garlands and offered food on this day. Hindu people believe that the dog is a messenger of Yamraj(the god of death), so they keep the dogs in good condition for peace and prosperity. Not only the pet dogs are involved in the celebration. Stray dogs are also worshiped and honored on the day. Every dog in the nation is treated with quality foods like meat, eggs, milk. In this festival, the dogs are given special treatment and are respected for their loyalty and friendliness.

So, Nepalese dogs both without a home or with home are thanked for their friendship and loyalty. Dog festival in Nepal is a special day for the dogs, as these animals are the most intelligent and loyal animals in the world. And as gratitude and respect, the Nepalese people worship them in this special festival. This day is also known as the “Day of the Dog” focusing on their relationship with dogs. It is a festival that acknowledges these wonderful animals for their faithfulness and support. This dog festival in Nepal shows us the bond between the people and dogs describing how dogs have been always the companion for humans since ancient times. This day is dedicated to dogs and shows respect towards them.

Nepal and the magnificent Himalayas of our country is considered one of the best destinations to travel on Earth. Living in the country of Everest makes us the proud dweller of not just mighty Everest but every glory adhered to it. Traveller’s around the world dream to conquer the beauty bestowed upon the diversified socio-economic and geographical life of people of the Himalayas. Our geographical land-forms and Himalayas bless us with uncountable tourism opportunities of Climbing, Trekking and Hiking, which also helps us to be recognized as “Trekker’s paradise” to the world. Waking up in the lap of Himalayas every morning I feel rejuvenated to welcome a world of enthusiast travellers to this diversity. Nepal is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, our cultural heritage, religious diversity, and authentic culture is what adds up to the beauty of Nepal. It surely is an amazing experience travellers get while travelling in my country.

Welcome visitors to celebrate the year 2020 which is chosen as national tourism year of Nepal after the year 2011 which was the primary authority tourism year of new Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The government and tourism department of Nepal authoritatively reported that Nepal will take year 2020 as “Visit Nepal 2020”, a year committed to tourism industry of Nepal with vision of making a reasonable brand picture of Nepal as travel and vacationer destination, backing up the tourism foundations of Nepal, enhance the growth of tourism industry, and enhance locale tourism as supportable industry. The legislature has wanted to accommodate more than one million visitors amid the year of “Visit Nepal 2020”.