Kathmandu is a heritage valley decorated with ancient culture, history, crafts, sculpture, and traditions. The Durbar Square, Stupas, and Temples are proof of Kathmandu’s cultural authenticity and Kathmandu being the sincere witness of civilization, era, regimes, and development of Kathmandu city. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed Kathmandu Valley as a world heritage site along with Sagarmatha National Park in 1979. Initially, these two sites: Kathmandu and Sagarmatha National Park were listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Later, Chitwan National Park (in 1984) and Lumbini (in 1997), the birthplace of Lord Buddha were added to the UNESCO) World Heritage Site from Nepal.
The travelers of the world ensure to explore Kathmandu Valley while trekking in the Trekking Regions of Nepal, work travel to Nepal, or casual traveling to Nepal. Likewise, the visit of 7 Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley is the mandatory thing one does.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is also popular as Hanuman Dhoka as well as Basantapur. Hanuman Dhoka Palace was the former royal palace of the Malla Kings and was later passed on to the Shah Dynasty with 17th-century stone inscriptions of 15 different languages. Kumari Ghar, the house of the only living Goddess Kumari, is also located in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square surroundings include various monuments and temples holding the artifacts of ancient architecture, craftsmanship, culture like Hanuman Dhoka, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Hanuman Statue (17th century), Nine Storey (Nautalle Durbar) Basantapur tower, Basantapur Dabali, Gaddi Baithak and if you want to study further information click here for more about Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Swoyambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple)
Temple/ Monkey Temple is regarded as one of the oldest temples in Nepal. Literally, “Swoyambhu” means self-existent or self-arisen. According to some stories/legends, Kathmandu Valley was once a lake (geological evidence supports this), and the hill now topped by Swoyambhunath rose instinctively from the water, hence it is named Swoyambhu. Swoyambhunath Temple has the domed stupa (Swoyambhu Maha chaitya) in the center on the top of the hill whereas there are other temples and religious assets: Pratapura Sikhara, Anantapur Temple, gold plated Vajra (thunderbolt), Further More about Swayambhunath Temple.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is the temple of Lord Shiva and one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva spread across 246 hectares of land. Pashupati means lord of all the animals which was also the incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is on the bank of Bagmati River stretching on both sides of Bagmati. The main temple of Lord Shiva is of pagoda style with a golden spire and the Pashupatinath area is enriched with other temples, shrines, stories, and beliefs with around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva) and 12 Jyotirlingas (Phallic shrines) Find more about Pashupatinath Temple.
Bouddhanath Stupa
Bouddhanath Stupa is the 36-meter tall giant mandala or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. The whitewashed dome, gilded tower painted with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha on all four sides, and flying colorful flags makes the Bouddhanath Stupa a perfect blessing that spreads peace, joy, and enlightenment to its devotees. The construction serves in essence as a three-dimensional reminder of Buddha’s path towards enlightenment. Read more about Boudhanath Stupa.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is another marvelous example of history and culture which has also a distinct place for work in the field of arts and architecture. Patan Durbar Square offers myriad opportunities for visitors willing to study and research the artistic and architectural masterpieces, history, and culture of Lalitpur. The area is widely popular for woodcarving and especially metal crafts and you can hear the sounds of craftsmen working on statuettes or ornament. Patan takes pride in producing great thangka and Pauba painters whose works are demanded in many countries.
Besides, Patan Durbar Square is full of Hindu temples, Buddhist monuments, bronze gateways, guardian deities and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The major attraction of Patan Durbar Square.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is the temple of Hindu god Vishnu who is also called Narayan and the temple is established at Changu (Champak Hill) thus, it is named Changu Narayan Temple. Changu Narayan Temple is built in a two-tiered pagoda style, the main shrine guarded on all sides by pairs of real as well as mythical beasts: lions, elephants, ram-horned griffins, and Sarabhai (part lion part bird), roof struts having wooden carving images of Vishnu’s avatars, tantric goddess and more about Changu Narayan Temple.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square was the royal palace of the Bhaktapur Kingdom and the monuments represent the history and traditions of Medieval Nepal, Nepali culture, customs, and unique arts of wood and potteries. Unlike Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and locals resisted rapid changes and preferred to follow ancient culture and traditions without upgrading them. A large number of locals can be seen in their traditional Newari attire in black and red colors. The natives widely practice pottery. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is enriched with monuments and temples: 55 Window Palace, Nayatapola Temple, and Golden Gate.
Considering the enthusiasm of travelers, the Nepal Adventure Team arranges the 2 Days Kathmandu Valley Tour: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The experienced guide of the Nepal Adventure Team leaves no stone unturned to please travelers with the information, importance, and mythology related to those World Heritage Sites. If travelers are short of time, you can visit a few of the Heritage sites of Kathmandu with the support of the Nepal Adventure Team. You can customize your tour as per your flexibility and comfort. If you are physically active and interested in adventure, you can also enjoy the Kathmandu Valley Cycling Tour: 1 Day Cycling to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you explore Kathmandu Valley on a bicycle with the support of an experienced guide from the Nepal Adventure Team.
The Best Time for Kathmandu Valley Tour
Kathmandu is a tourist hub and the valley can be visited at any time of the year although each season has its charm. The best seasons to visit are late September to mid-December because it has clear skies and moderate temperatures nice festivals such as Dashain and Tihar occur in this season and for next best season is mid-March to the end of May because flowers bloom in this season, weather is also very good and attraction like trekking and cultural sightseeing can be done. December to February is winter but has a calm environment with appropriate herders and clearer mountain view than in summer. Although drips are common during the remaining five months of monsoon (June to August), most tourists get to feast their eyes on natural green sceneries and the relatively calm atmosphere of the valley. The fact that people set a joke that all seasons are preferable also attests to the fact that Kathmandu Valley is always interesting because of its good cultural and nature tourism potential, and colorful traditions.
Things to Remember Before the Kathmandu Valley Tour
This is important regarding your schedule, expectations, sanitary and health conditions, and regulations for each of the places you are likely to visit. The most important aspect, however, would be to show respect to the local people and their environment. The culture here is quite preserved and being closely related to religious places and beliefs one should avoid revealing clothing, any forbidden behavior, or actions that might be seen as rude. Also, there is a way copy of identification and travel permits and other documents needed when and where they are required. Depending on your health condition, carry enough medications you might require because it is difficult to procure some medications in local shops. In conclusion, these are some of the most important steps, which will help every traveler to make a non-problematic and rather respectfully oriented trip in the fascinating area of Kathmandu Valley.
