The Himalayan country has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two World Natural Heritage Sites to offer. In the high mountains they are preserved between breathtaking views. Read now which heritages you should definitely see.
World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Valley
The area around Nepal's capital Kathmandu is known as the Kathmandu Valley. Between the mountains of the Himalayas, there was not only space to build the largest city in the country, but also several culturally significant buildings were built here, so much so that today they are collectively part of the UNSECO World Heritage treasure.
One of the most impressive places in the Kathmandu Valley is the Durbar Square of Hanuman Dhoka. Here stands the former royal palace from the times of the Kathmandu Kingdom. Around the square are several monumental buildings from ancient times, some of which were unfortunately destroyed in the earthquake of 2015.
Just outside in the smaller town of Bhaktapur is the Nyatapola Temple, nicknamed the "Temple of the Terrible". It shows typical Nepalese temple architectural style and was destroyed and rebuilt several times.
Two Buddhist stupas are also part of the World Heritage Site in the Kathmandu Valley. These show one of the religions represented here. The Hindu temples in Pashupatinath and Changu Naraya are also part of the UNESCO heritage and show the second much represented religion of the country.
Lumbini: The birthplace of Buddha
The Buddhist religion has always been deeply rooted in the culture of Nepal. This is also reflected in Nepal's second cultural heritage site selected by UNESCO. For it was in Lumbini that the figure of Buddhism was born: Siddhartha Gautama, better known as Buddha. He founded Buddhism over 2500 years ago. Buddha literally stands for "the awakened one". The remains of a wooden temple from pre-Christian times can also be seen at the historic site. A stone pillar was also erected in honor of Buddha over 2000 years ago.
World Heritage Sagarmatha National Park
The first natural world heritage site on Nepal's list is Sagarmatha National Park. Here is probably the most famous place in Nepal: Mount Everest. In addition to the highest mountain in the world, this national park is also home to two other of the 14 eight-thousanders: Lhotse, on the border with China, and Cho Oyu, over whose summit the border with China also runs. The park covers 1148 km² of impressive mountain landscape and has been in existence since 1976. Only three years after its founding, it managed to be included in the list of natural World Heritage Sites. By the way, "Sagar" stands for "sky", "Matha" for "forehead". Thus, Mount Everest, as the forehead of the world facing the sky, gave its name to the park.
Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan National Park is the last World Heritage Site on the list of World Heritage Sites of Nepal. It also belongs to the nature part of the UNESCO listing. Chitwan Park is not only the oldest national park in Nepal, it is also home to a great variety of different plants and wild animals. These include free-ranging tigers, elephants and rhinos. Leopards can also be found in the forests. Much of the park is covered with virgin forest, which reflects the unique biodiversity.
If you want to experience Nepal for real, see world heritage sites up close and have an unforgettable adventure in the mountainous country, click on the link and check out the TripLegend Nepal Round Trip over. Discover the country in a unique authentic way, get to know culture and nature, religions and landscapes, people and animals of the country up close. With your small tour group you will see the country off the beaten track of mass tourism. Read now our interview with our Nepal Guide Rakesh.
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