Kathmandu Valley has ancient cultural heritage monuments that you can explore while you visit Nepal. The heritage monuments include ancient Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas and medieval royal palace squares. You will get to explore the artistic, cultural and spiritual magnificence on the visit to the sites. Heritage monuments to visit in Kathmandu give you a beautiful cultural immersion.
A cultural heritage day tour in Kathmandu takes you to those beautiful places. There are a total of seven sites listed in the UNESCO’s cultural heritage list. We have covered about those sites on the post today. Let’s find out what those sites are and what you can see during the exploration.
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Swoyambhunath stupa is the most ancient monument in Kathmandu valley. The stupa that is situated on top of a forested hill in the western part of Kathmandu valley is a wonderful site to visit. Visiting Swoyambhunath brings you enlightenment on cultural, spiritual and historical wonders in Kathmandu. It is certainly one of the heritage monuments to visit in Kathmandu.
Primarily the site is a Buddhist spiritual site. However, there are some important Hindu temples in the premises. While you are at Swoyambhunath stupa, you can also see a beautiful example of religious tolerance and harmony. Spiritual and cultural happenings at the site are also the highlights of the trip.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
One of the medieval royal palaces in Kathmandu valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also a cultural heritage monument. While you visit the square you can explore the medieval palace buildings, pagoda temple buildings and various daily life happenings.
You can also visit the temple of Kumari – the living goddess in Kathmandu. The tradition of Kumari is a uniquely beautiful cultural tradition in the valley. It is a great place to learn about the interesting medieval history and enjoy cultural riches of Kathmandu valley.
Boudhanath Stupa
Another giant Buddhist stupa in the valley, Boudhanath has the history back to the 4th century. It is one of the beautiful heritage monuments to visit in Kathmandu valley. You will certainly find the place to be amazingly beautiful and worth a visit. The giant shrine of the stupa is the biggest of its kind in the world. You can also visit beautiful monasteries in the surroundings.
It is a wonderful experience to walk around the peaceful square looking at the fluttering prayer flags, smelling the incense, and spinning the prayer wheels. Walking to one of the rooftop restaurants and watching the stupa view makes your food and drinks moment amazing.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one of the three medieval palace squares in Kathmandu valley. The place offers an incredible experience of exploring beautiful square with pagoda buildings. It also has a beautiful wood and metal craft museum in the palace building. Observing the intricately carved craftworks on metal and wood gives a beautiful experience.
Visiting Patan Durbar Square adds to the wonderful cultural immersion experience in Kathmandu valley. It is certainly one of the places you should not miss to visit when you are in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath
One of the most important Shiva Temples in the world, Pashupatinath Temple area is a wonderful site to observe Nepalese cultural and spiritual beliefs. The site is a great example of watching life and death moments. You can indulge in observing life activities in and around the temples. At the same time, you can also observe the Hindu cremation rituals on the bank of Bagmati River.
Pashupatinath is a place to know the Hindu cultural lifestyle and life cycle better. It is one of the heritage monuments to visit in Kathmandu for sure.
Changu Narayana Temple
Situated in the eastern part of Kathmandu valley, Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in the valley. It lies on top of a beautiful hill where there is also a village. The temple complex is small but it is full of wonderful ancient sculptures. You can also see beautiful wood carving works on the pagoda temple building.
Visiting the temple and the village gives you a short but wonderful heritage touring experience.
Bhaktapur
Last of the seven heritage monuments in Kathmandu is the beautiful Newari town of Bhaktapur with a medieval palace square. The oldest of all three medieval kingdoms, Bhaktapur is an amazing place to explore. You will get to explore the local lifestyle, beautiful architecture and cultural experience.
We bet you will love the experience of exploring Bhaktapur while you are in Kathmandu. It is one of the heritage monuments to visit in Kathmandu valley. Walking along the beautiful bricks paved alleys around beautiful squares gives you an amazing cultural experience.
These heritage sites are the places in Kathmandu that you should visit when you visit Nepal. Whether as a day tour or as a multi-day tour, you should not miss visiting these places in Kathmandu.
Tags: Day Tour in Kathmandu, Heritage Monuments in Kathmandu, Heritage Tour in Kathmandu
