WORLD HERITAGE SITES
UNESCO has 10 designated World Heritage sites in Nepal. Seven of these sites are inside the Kathmandu Valley and three are outside the valley. The seven heritage sites in valley include the two biggest Buddhist Stupas – Boudhnath and Swayambhunath; the holy Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan; and the three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Outside the valley, the three heritage sites include Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha; Sagarmatha National Park – home to Mt. Everest and; Chitwan National Park – home to One-horn Asian Rhino and the Royal Bengal Tiger.
RELIGIOUS SITES
Place of religious significance in Hinduism and Buddhism abound in Nepal. Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest sites for Hindus, Swayambhunath and Boudhnath stupas, architectural marvels aside, are Buddhist centers of learning, and, Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha is a significant pilgrimage destination. Besides the more well known, there are numerous other temples, stupas and monumentsof religious significance in Nepal. A Buddhist or Hindu can spend weeks visiting religious sites and replenishing their souls.
MEDIEVAL PALACES
Rulers in Nepal, and particularly the Malla Kings of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur were great patrons of art and architecture. Many of their magnificent contributions are scattered across the Kathmandu Valley.
CITY EXCURSIONS
Venturing into the urban chaos that is Kathmandu, with an experienced guide, to witness the mesmerizing mix of the ancient and the modern, into the famous neighborhoods of Thamel, Basantapur, Patan Dhoka can be invigorating to the soul. The sights, sounds and smells of an ancient city transitioning into modernity is like witnessing history unfold, even as you cringe at the poverty, trash and infrastructure overload.
