7 World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley.

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man-icon Guru Travels Ltd calender-icon 28 June 2023

Nepal is blessed with natural and cultural heritage, with Kathmandu Valley making the earliest entry in Nepal's World Cultural Heritage list. The Natural World Heritage sites in Nepal features the world's highest peak, consisting of rugged terrain made up of deep gorges, glaciers, massive rocks providing a home to endangered species- snow leopard and red panda hosting 208 species of birds. 

Cultural Heritage of Kathmandu Valley

 The Kathmandu Valley was initially formed by draining a lake in prehistoric times; the valley has since been ruled over and inhabited by diverse people. In the earliest periods, the Gopal and Kirat dynasties followed the valley, followed by Lichhavis, Mallas, and Shahs. 

 Each has developed the vale giving us the melting pot of diverse religions, customs, trades, and crafts. Each of the three historic cities of the Valley- Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan were once independent states where rulers glorified their rule by showcasing trades and crafts through monuments and temples. 


1. Pashupatinath Temple 


 Pashupatinath is devoted to Lord Shiva and is the largest temple complex in Nepal. Temples devoted to several other  Hindu and Buddhist divinities surround the point. The main point of Pashupatinath is the sacred Linga of Lord Shiva( Shiva idol) placed in a pagoda structure. 

 They arrive then to find sanctum for the last several weeks of their lives, to meet death, be cremated on the banks of the swash and travel their last journey with the waters of the sacred river Bagmati, which later meets the holy river Ganges. Hinduists from every corner of  Nepal and India are arriving here to die. 

 It's believed that those who die in Pashupatinath Temple are reborn as a human, regardless of any misconduct that could worsen their karma. The exact day of their death is predicted by astrologers of the temple. If you're attracted to the places where the spirit of death can be felt, then consider Pashupatinath as your first destination. It's a temple with special atmosphere of death; death is present in almost every ritual and every corner of it. 

 

2. Changu Narayan Temple 


Changu Narayan Temple, Nepal’s oldest pagoda- style temple, is located on the hilltop in the lovely village of Changu. The Hindu temple Changu is dedicated to the temple of Lord Vishnu also called Narayan. And like every other Hindu temple in the key, this temple too has two separate faiths regarding its past – one corresponds with the recorded history as we know it and another bon  is a legend as told by the original myth. 

 Changu Narayan is a synonymous word with both the old Nepalese temple and the village that surrounds it. Located in the Bhaktapur district some 12 km east of Kathmandu, Changu Narayan is the oldest temple in Nepal and has an authentic Newari style architecture veritably true to its roots. 

 Changu Narayan temple is famous for its two- tiered pagoda structure and intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn its walls. This pagoda structure is considered a unique architectural feature of the temple, as it isn't typically seen in other temples in the region. 

 

 3. Muktinath Temple 


This temple is constructed in the pagoda style and it's considered as a symbol of the religious similarity between Hinduism and Buddhism.  Muktinath stint Pokhara to Jomsom by flightMuktinath is one among the most ancient Vishnu temples. There are two holy water ponds in frontal  of Muktinath Mandir “ Laxmi Kunda and Saraswati Kunda ”. It's believed that by taking bath in these ponds the ‘ negative karma ’ gets washed down. 

 There are 108 water spouts are believed to represent 108 holy places of Hinduism considered as sacred for taking a holy shower. The temple is surrounded by 108 cow faces through which holy water is poured. Devotes take a bath on 108 waterspouts and holy  pond befor enter temple to worship muktinath. 


Also Read: Top 10 Adventurous Activities In Nepal.


 4. Swayambhunath Stupa


 Swayambhunath is one of Nepal's holiest Buddhist stupas, with Hindu deities also filling the stupa complex. The special point includes the main stupa with the pate at the base with a cubical structure above containing oils of the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions. 

  Swoyambhunath is a popular tourist spot in Kathmandu among Buddhists as well as the people from other faiths. There are many sightseer who does not visit the Swoyambhunath tabernacle. The stupa is laden with 13 gold plated belts symbolizing 13 stages to deliverance in Buddhism. Different feathers of icons of Buddha has added to the magnet of the stupa. 

 

 5. Boudhanath Stupa


Boudhanath is the largest stupa in Kathmandu Valley. The special point includes the main stupa with a whitewashed pate and gilded palace painted with the Buddha's all- seeing eyes. Around the main stupa, over 50 Tibetan friaries have been constructed. 

 Boudhanath Stupa was fete as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Boudhanath Stupa has acquired several names throughout the times,including the Buddha Stupa, Chorten Chempo, Chaitya, Jarung Khashor, and the Khasti. The entire complex of the stupa houses 50 Tibetan friaries, known as gompas, which have been acting as harbors for the Tibetan deportees since 1959. 

 

 6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square 


 Bhaktapur Durbar Square really is one of the best places to sneak around Bhaktapur. Or you can say it's the very reason, that makes trippers prefer to visit Bhaktapur.  Bhaktapur Durbar Square the megacity is also known, is a gallery of medieval art and armature with numerous exemplifications of form,  woodcarving and colossal abbey tabernacles consecrated to different gods and goddesse 

  Bhaktapur, an recently arranged megacity, also, is also designated as an open gallery. Over accessibly, you can catch sight of the marvelous constructions up until the last 18th century. Amidst them, the also Royal Palace is one of the most attractive  temptations of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It's said that the first palace in the current Durbar area was built by King Jayasthiti Malla, in the late 13th century. But, there are no remains left of that initial palace which was then named Yuthuniman Rajkula.


Related Post: Top 9 Amazing Things To Do In Pokhara.


7. Patan Durbar Square


Patan is considered as the oldest among the three cities of Kathmandu valley. Just like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is also one of them. It is believed that Lalitpur was founded in 299 AD by King Veer Deva. Lalitpur is a Sanskrit word which means “City of Beauty”. There are many ancient names for this city like Yala, Manigal and various stories behind the given names. There are various stories behind the names of Patan.


 

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