Nepal – A unique concentration of beauty
- nepaldiscovering
- Apr 19, 2019
- 3 min read
Nepal is one of the country’s to have the densest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the World. There are ten of them and you can visit this unique concentration of beauty on your visit to Nepal. You don’t have to extend your stay or worry about travelling all day to visit all of the sites because most of the heritage sites are in close proximity and can be covered in a single day. Isn’t that exciting?
5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal
1. Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa also known as The Monkey Temple has been the beacon of Buddhist belief for over hundred years. It sits on a hill overlooking the city of Nepal. The Stupa consists of a dome with a cubical structure on it that has the eyes of Lord Buddha painted on all four sides. The spire has thirteen rings symbolizing the thirteen stages to Nirvana, a state of enlightenment in Buddhism. There are beautiful artifacts inside the Stupa like the Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the best places to observe religious harmony in Nepal. You have to climb 365 steps to reach the holy site of Swayambhunath Stupa. So make sure to keep rest well the day before.
2. Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is considered to be one of the holiest places for the Hindus. It is located 6km east from Kathmandu. It was built in honor of Lord Pashupatinath. Devotees from all over the world come to visit the temple. The structure is a constructed in Nepalese pagoda style of architecture. The two level roofs of the temple are covered with gold and the four main doors are all covered with silver. The site is a collection of temples, ashrams, beautiful sculptures and inscriptions raised over centuries. It lies right besides the banks of the holy Bagmati River. UNESCO declared the temple a World Heritage site in 1979.
3. Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a World Heritage site since 1997. It represents an outstanding universal value in terms of religious importance, culture, spirituality and archaeology. It is one of the most significant sites in Buddhism and a stunning spot for the tourists. The site includes attractions like temples, monuments, monasteries and a museum. There is a Holy pond where Lord Buddha’s mother is believed to have taken the ritual dip prior to his birth and where Lord Buddha had his first bath. Believe it or not, Lumbini will astound you with its beauty and tranquility.
4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, also known as Bhadagaon, is a unique city in Nepal located 13 km east of Kathmandu. It consists of four distinct squares, Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square. Bhaktapur is regarded as the abode of ancient Nepali culture, custom and alluring art pieces of exceptional craftsmanship. The monuments there represent medieval culture and religious customs of Nepal. Lion Gate, Nyatapola Temple, the fifty-five windowed Malla palace and the Golden Gate are some of attractions in Bhaktapur. There are many traditional restaurants where you can relish the authentic food of Nepal. A visit to Bhaktaputr is incomplete without having “Juju Dahu”, the famous sweet curd of Nepal. I am sure the handicrafts, puppets and beautiful pottery will make you fall in love with the city.
5. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square, a World Heritage site that lies in the heart of the capital. It is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Palace, named after the Hindu God Hanuman. This was the residence of the Royal family of Nepal until the 19th century, where significant ceremonies like the coronation of the monarch took place. The palace is decorated with carved wooden windows and panels. The square altogether is surrounded with remarkable architecture that exhibits the skills of the artist and craftsmen of Nepal over centuries. There are numerous temples on the site that dates back to the third century. The exquisite architecture, wooden carvings and religious spots make it one of the best places to visit in Nepal.
Although these sites suffered significant damages during the earthquake, they remain to be some of the best places for you to visit in Nepal.
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