World heritage sites in Nepal
Lumbini
Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It is the most sacred place of the Buddhists from round the world. There stands a famous stone pillar erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka, who visited the place in 245 BC. Pushkarini Pond and Mayadevi Temple are also very famous. The lumbini Development committee of 13 countries including Nepal was formed in 1970 AD to carry out a master plan for the development of this area. Beautiful stupas, monastries, vihars, libraries, a museum and a research centre are constructed there. Many countries such as China, Myanmar, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, India, Thailand, France and Germany have erected vihars there. Lumbini was included in the list of the World Heritage Sites in 1997 AD.
Pashupatinath Area
Situated on the bank of the Bagmati in Kathmandu, the Pashupati Area is a very holy place of the Hindus in Nepal and abroad. It includes Pashupatinath Temple, Aryaghat (cremation bank), electric cremation, Deupatan, Jaybageshwari, Gaurighat, Kutumbahal, Gaushala, Pingalasthan and the area around the Shleshmantak forest. The Pashupatinath temple is built in the pagoda style with golden roof. There are about 492 temples, shrines, chaityas, etc. and about 1000 Shivalingas in the area. Ancient art, architectures, sculpture and carvings are very attractive. The Pashupati Development Trust works to preserve and promote this area. It was included in the world Heritages Sites IN 1979 ad.
Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of 1148 sq km and lies in Solukhumbu district of Sagarmatha zone. This park contains mountain peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Choyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Amadablam, and some villages. These peaks have long been popular among mountaineers from throughout the world. Several kinds of vegetation such as rhododendrn, pine, birch, spruce, etc. and birds and animals like wild yak, musk deer, red panda, snow leopard, Huimalayan black bear and lophophorus are found there. It was listed in the world heritage sites in 1979 AD.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan Nartional Park is situated in Chitwan, Makwanpur and Parsa districts. It is nearly 120km south-west of Kathmandu and occupies an area of 932 sq km of forests, marshes and rivers. It preserves rare and endangered animals like one-horned rhino, spotted tiger, elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile and birds like hornbill and peacock. It is a famous destination for tourists. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1984 AD.
Hanumandhoka Durbar Square
This famous monument zone was the administrative centre of many Malla and Shah kings. It lies in the heart of Kathmandu. King Pratap Malla erected the statue of Hanuman (monkey god) in this place in the medieval period. Since the it is called Hanumandhoka. One can see the masterpiece of Nepali art and architecture there. Besides Hanumandhoka, Basantapur palace, Taleju temple, museum, Kumarighar, Kasthamandap, a huge bell and kettle-drum are other attractions there. It is a famous tourist destination in the valley. It was included in the list of world heritage sites in 1979 AD. The 2015 earthquake destroyed many structures there such as Kasthamandap completely or in part. Reconstruction of the site has started.
Patan Durbar Square
It was another palace area of the Malla Kings. It is located in Lalitpur district. Here lies the famous Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles. The site cosists of, besides the palace and Krishna temple, Bhimsen Temple, statue of Yognarendra Malla, Mahabaudha and Taleju Temple. Patan Durbar Square exhibits masterpiece of the art and architecture of the Malla period. It is a famous tourist destination. It was recognized as a World Heritage Sites in 1997 AD along with six other cultural heritages of the Kathmandu Valley.
Baudhanath Stupa
Located in the east of Kathmandu, it is one of the most sacred places for the Buddhists. It is believed to have been built around the fifth century. This stupa contains valuable inscriptions. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in this area. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. It was included in the world heritage sites in 1979 AD. The stupa was completely destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. As a matter of pleasure, it was soon reconstructed. Actually, this was the first heritage site to get restored after the quake destruction. This was possible and cooperation of the local Buddhist community.
