10 Famous Historical Places and Monuments in Nepal

Also called as a country which is always ready with a new adventure for its tourists, Nepal is known as a place with the perfect symbiosis of religious, historical monuments, and scenic vistas. It is called as a perfect place to deal with every aspect of a tourist need ranging from a pilgrimage to adventure activities. This bustling country of the Asian continent will leave you spellbound and surprised with all its beauties and destinations. It has many beautiful things to offer its tourists that push their limits and also make them fall in love with this country. Scroll down the page to know about some of the most happening and visited tourist places in Nepal which makes your trip the most memorable and wonderful.

01. Lumbini

Also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini is a perfect [place for both a theist and an atheist because of its beautiful landscapes, serenity, and peaceful environment. It is one of the most acclaimed historical places in the country which has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1997. The place represents a beautiful symbiosis of religious as well as historical significance which is quite appealing to the tourists coming from all across the globe.

• Why: To know the religious and historical significance of Buddhism and to explore the popular Maya Devi Temple.
• Getting There: After reaching Kathmandu Airport, you can reach Lumbini either by an internal flight or by covering the road distance.
• Ideal Duration: It can also be covered within one day or two days is Maximum to explore the place.
• Entry Fee: NPR 200
• Things to Do: Explore some rare and exotic species of Birds, visit the Maya Devi Temple and also the Buddhist Stupas and monasteries, and also the Lumbini International Research Institute.
• Best Time to Visit: October and November

02. Kathmandu Durbar Square

Also reckoned as the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square is famous for its architectural legacy and also for its mesmerizing charm. It is believed to be the place from where the kings used to get ruled and crowned which is now has been declared as a World Heritage Site and is counted among some of the most famous and visited tourist destinations in the capital city of Nepal. The architecture was home to numerous majestic buildings including palaces and temples amongst which most of them had been lost in the devastating earthquake of 2015.

• Why: to get a deep knowledge of the rulers of Malla Dynasty and also the glorious past of the place and its origin.
• Getting There: It hardly takes 25 minutes to reach from the Kathmandu airport as the structure is located just in the center of the city.
• Entry Fee: NPR 1000 for foreign nationals and it’s free for children below 10 years of age.
• Timings: Tuesday – Sunday (10:30 am – 4:30 pm) on Sunday it closes at 2:30 pm.
• Things to Do: Explore the ruins of the Structures, gather some beautiful memories in the frame, and also to explore the beauty and skills of the Newar craftsmen.
• Ideal Duration: 5-6 Days
• Best Time to Visit: Mar to May and then September to November

03. Boudhanath Stupa

One of the holiest Buddhist sites for Tibetans which is situated outside Tibet, Boudhanath Stupa is believed to be built in the 14 century. However, originally it was built long the era back i.e. around 600 AD but was plundered by the invaders and got reconstructed. The entire Boudhanath area is a habitat to Tibetans in Kathmandu. It is believed to be one of the biggest Buddhist Stupas in the world. It’s quite graceful and interesting to move around the Stupa in a clockwise direction and also to spin the wheels made of brass on the way. the entire structure is built with white marble stone.

• Why: Explore the five different segments of the Stupa representing the different elements of life and the triangular shaped golden spire.
• Getting There: From the airport, you can either take a prepaid taxi or public transport.
• Entrance Fee: NPR 400 for foreign travelers and is free for locals and children below 10 years of age.
• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
• Things to Do: Its serenity and tranquility offer a great place to do meditation and Yoga and to do Kora (turning the prayer wheels clockwise).

04. Patan Durbar Square

Located in the center of the city of Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is the third popular Durbar Square in the country. However, this is called as the smallest amongst all the Durbar Squares but this is also renowned as the most beautiful. This splendid construction was built during the 14th to the 18th century during the reign of Malla Kings especially during the ruling period of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. The structure was damaged in the incident of 2015 earthquake but has regained its beauty and glory more than earlier even.

• Why: It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and restored areas in the country which is quite worthy to visit.
• Getting There: Hire a private taxi or opt for a mode of public transport from the Kathmandu Airport.
• Entrance Fee: NPR 1000 for foreign travelers including exploring Patan Museum.
• Visit Timing: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm and on Sunday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
• Things to Do: Visiting the temples, ponds, courtyards, and ringing the huge prayer bell.

05. Swayambhunath Stupa

Nestled on the top of a hill this amazing structure overlooks the majestic Kathmandu Valley. It is believed to be one of the most acclaimed and the ancient Buddhist Stupa in the country and is home to numerous monasteries and shrines. The architecture looks quite appealing and inviting to the tourists as it is beautifully adorned with the paintings and inscriptions representing the eyes and the eyebrows of Lord Buddha depicted on the walls.

• Why: Pay homage at the statues and seek the lifelong blessing of Lord Buddha.
• Getting There: Located just 5 km away from the temple, Swayambhunath Stupa can be reached by hiring any road transportation.
• Visiting Time: Dawn to dusk
• Entrance Fee: 200 per head for foreign tourists and is free for locals and children below 10 years of age.
• Major Attraction: Its golden spire built on the dome with 20 kg gold, and feeding monkeys at the steps of the Anantpura Shrine.

06. Pashupatinath Temple

Originally built in the 15th century, Pashupatinath Temple got declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1979 and is renowned as a popular holy site for Hindu devout. Pashupatinath is home to numerous temples located inside its complex and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple in Nepal witnesses a huge crowd on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

• Why: Paying homage to Lord Shiva and seek the blessings and to participate in the evening Aarti from 6- 7:30 in the evening.
• Getting There: Take the battery Safe Tempos from the Ratna Park office or opt for the regular bus services from Kathmandu.
• Visiting Time: 4 am to 12 pm and then 5 pm to 9 pm.
• Things to Do: Partake the divine evening Aarti and explore the various temples located inside the complex.
• Entrance Charge: NPR 1000 and is free for the Indians.

07. Changunarayan

Another holy place of Hindus which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered as one of the most visited ancient temples in Nepal, Changunarayan is famous for its traditional architecture. It also houses another popular tourist spot inside the complex Changu museum. This ancient museum is home to various artistic objects, historical, archaeological, cultural and ancient showpieces. The structure has been designed in Nepali style and is beautifully adorned with inscriptions and artworks dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

• Why: Know the history of carvings and inscriptions and also to seek the blessings of different gods and goddesses.
• Getting There: Either take a taxi from Kathmandu Airport or get a bus from the Nyacho Pauwa Bus stand.
• Visiting Time: 9 am to 9 pm
• Entrance Fee: NPR 300

08. Bhaktapur Durbar Square

One of the most beautiful world heritage sites in Nepal, Bhaktapur beautifully represents the Nepali cultures and traditions. In the devastating earthquake incident of 2015, this historical site was not much plundered and shattered and only Vatsala Devi Temple was damaged. The origin of this dates back to the late seventeenth century and early 18th century by Bhupatindra Malla. According to the news, the architecture was devastated once more in the earthquake in 1934 and it was left with its base only.

• Why: Explore the ruins of the structure and to dip in the spiritual aura in a foreign city.
• Getting There: Get a taxi or public transport from Kathmandu airport which is only 10 km away from Bhaktapur.
• Visiting Time: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm and on Sunday it gets closed at 2:30 pm.
• Entrance Fee: NPR 1500 and free for locals and children below 10.
• Things to Do: Visit the other attractions of the place including a palace with 55 windows, Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, and Vatsala Temple.

09. Chitwan National Park

Renowned as a world heritage site, Chitwan National Park is spread over a large area of almost 934 sq. km. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and also houses approx. 544 species of birds and some unique rare animals. This is the first national park established in Nepal which got declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1984. Enjoy the elephant safari ride and also the jeep safari ride along with the scenic exploration.

• Why: A perfect place for animal lovers and nature lovers where one can explore a wide variety of flora and fauna species.
• Visiting Time: March to July and October – November
• Entrance Fee: NPR 1500 + 13% VAT for foreign travelers
• Things to Do: Enjoy the boat ride and jeep safari ride and also explore such a wide variety of flora and fauna species.

10. Janakpur

A perfect place to feel the taste of different culture, tradition, and history of the country, Janakpur must Not be skipped out if you are in Nepal. The place holds a religious in Hinduism as it is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita and also the place where she got married to Lord Rama. You can also explore the beautiful and awe-inspiring Maithili art and culture imbibed in the environment of this ancient city.

• Why: To witness the religious significance and to learn the tradition of the place.
• Best Time to Visit: All throughout the year however Spring and starting of the winter season is more recommended.
• Things to Do: Explore some other nearby tourist destination in the region.

I hope that this post of historical places and monuments in Nepal has served its motive of providing all the relevant information about Nepal and you must have planned your Nepal Trip by now. If you are bothering about anything Nepal Trip then do plan your trip with Namaste India Trip and win some exciting deals for future trips and prize.