Proper conservation of practices followed by tradition from generation to generation refers heritage. The remaining and architectures built by ancient peoples explain their different legendary histories. Those sites reflect historical, natural and cultural values of the country. And there are many cultural and historical heritages in Nepal values with their different ancient preferences.
Nepal is very rich in cultural and natural values. People from different ethnic groups are living in different regions of the country with their distinct traditions, customs, and religions. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, an agency specialized for collaborating nations through educational scientific and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice and human rights.
What is UNESCO?
UNESCO stands for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and is a very specialized agency mainly developed with the objectives of contributing to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific and cultural reforms in order to universal respect for justice. It includes 195 member states and 10 associate members. This organization of UN is based in Paris.
What are the list of world heritage sites in Nepal?
A country filled with different cultural and natural heritage offers your lifetime memorable moments. Especially, the capital, Kathmandu also known as the city of the temple containing many temples in every step is amazing. Here in Kathmandu or near Kathmandu, you can observe seven of the world’s heritages listed under UNESCO world heritage sites. And the rest three sites situated in other regions of the country. Beautiful Heritage of Nepal are as follows:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square situating 13 km east of Kathmandu and 1400 m above the sea level is one of the world heritage sites and the most tourists visited place in Nepal. The whole Bhaktapur Durbar square is consists of main four squares Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. 55 windows, Vatsala Temple, Statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairava Nath Temple etc. are the main attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square, listed under UNESCO heritages is one of the royal palaces situated in Kathmandu valley was first at Dattatreya and later moved to Durbar Square. It is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square as there is a statue of the monkey devotee, “Hanuman” of Lord “Ram” at the entrance of the palace. This palace contains many temples built by different “Malla Kings” in the 15th-18th century.
- Patan Durbar Square:
Patan Durbar Square situated 8km south-east to the Kathmandu valley in Lalitpur district is one of the royal palaces of ancient Malla kings of Nepal. The beautiful structural arts carved in different temples reflect the ancient Newar architectures and culture. You can also explore the old Newar residential houses. Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple are some of the main ancient structures. All the three main courtyards: Mul Chok, Khesav Chok, Sundari Chok contains many religious temples and shrines to explore.
- Changunarayan Temple:
The most preserved Hindu temple in the top of the hilly area known as Changu or Dolagiri is situated 12km east of Kathmandu in Changunarayan VDC of Bhaktapur district. You can explore the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Being the oldest temple in the Nepalese history, it contains many temple art and architectures from generations of royal emperors. Historical Pillar, Garuda, Statue of Bhupatendra Malla, Sridhar Vishnu, Vaikuntha Vishnu etc. are some of the major monuments, you can observe there.
- Pashupati Nath Temple:
Pashupati Nath Temple located at eastern part of Kathmandu at the bank of Bagmati river is one of the sacred and holy Hindu pilgrimage sites. One of the major festivals in Nepalese life, Mahashivratri is celebrated here. Describing the origin of Pashupatinath there are many legendary stories of Lord Shiva. Vasukinath Temple, Usmatta Bhairav Temple, Surya Narayan Temple, Kriti Mukh Bhairav Shrine, Hanuman Shrine, Budanilkantha Shrine etc. can be explored inside the temple.
- Boudhanath Stupa:
Boudhanath Stupa lies 11km north to the Kathmandu valley and is one of the largest Stupas in the world built near 5th century A.D with 36m of height. Boudhanath Stupa was firstly found by the Nepalese Licchavi King “Sivadeva” a person from an indigenous group of people from the eastern Himalayas; Yolmo Shakya Zangpo reincarnated Boudanath whereas some of the historical chronicles date it to the reign of King Manadeva. Boudhanath is also called as entombing which means the remains of Kassapa Buddha. This three level “Mandala” style structure offers you beautiful moments where you can explore many Buddhists monks during different Buddhists festive.
- Swayambhunath Stupa
One of the beautiful ancient monuments in Nepal listed in world heritage sites under UNESCO is believed to be 2500 years old founded by the great-grandfather of King “Manadeva”. It is situated at the hilltop of Kathmandu valley. Those stupas, shrines, and temples inside the Shyambhu layout take you back to the Licchavi period of Nepal. The temple is also known as the “Monkey Temple” as you can see the holy monkeys living there in the northwest parts of the temple.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha is one of the famous Buddhists pilgrimage sites listed under world heritage UNESCO site. Different monasteries, temples, museums offer you a chance to explore the remains of Lord Buddha’s time. “Ashoka” pillar made by an emperor of India named “Ashoka”, Mayadevi Temple where the mother of Lord Buddha gave birth to him; Puskar Pond etc. are the major monuments of Lumbini.
The first National Park in Nepal, established in 1973 is situated in inner lowlands of Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Parsa, and Makwanpur districts of Nepal. Park with rich wild ecosystem contains many species of endangered species like Langur, Crocodile, Python, Deer, Rhesus Monkey, Leopards etc. along with different species of birds like black-chinned Yuhina, the pair of Gould’s Sunbird, Slaty-breasted rail, Grey-Crowned Prinia etc. Among this, all Bengal tiger and one-horned Rhinoceros are the great sources of attractions. Here you can closely observe the well preserved “Tharu” cultures and traditions which are also known as original tribes of this region.
- Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park situating in the eastern Himalayas covers 1148sq.km area in Solukhumbu district of Nepal. The National Park established in 1976 AD was first national park listed under world heritage sites. It contains various floras and faunas like blue pines, firs, bamboo, and rhododendron etc. providing shelter to different wild species like Red panda, Himalayan black beer, snow leopard, wild yak etc. and birds like Himalayan Monal, Blood Pleasant, Red Billed Chough, Yellow Billed Chough etc.
Nepal is very rich in cultural and natural aspects. Thus, the country rich in historical aspects offers different architectures reflecting the legendary histories of the nation to explore.