Background
The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings: the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan. UNESCO says together they display the full range of the valley's historic and artistic achievement.
The valley was the Nepal Mandala, with Bhaktapur its capital until the 15th century, when Kathmandu and Patan became capitals too. The April 2015 earthquake caused thousands of deaths and heavy damage across the valley, including Bhaktapur, Patan and Changu Narayan.
- 5th c.The oldest inscriptions at Changu Narayan
- Until 15th c.Bhaktapur is capital of the Nepal Mandala
- 15th c.Kathmandu and Patan become capitals alongside it
- 1979Inscribed as World Heritage
- 2015The April earthquake damages monuments across the valley
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Kathmandu Durbar SquarePagoda temples, the old royal palace of Hanuman Dhoka and the Kumari's house.
- 2Patan Durbar SquareThe finest of the three squares, with the Patan Museum.
- 3Bhaktapur Durbar SquareThe best-preserved royal city, 40 minutes east, closed to motor vehicles.
- 4SwayambhunathThe Monkey Temple stupa above the valley.
- 5BoudhanathOne of the largest stupas in the world, ringed by monasteries; pilgrims circle it at dusk.
- 6Pashupatinath and Changu NarayanNepal's holiest Hindu temple with its cremation ghats, and the hilltop temple above Bhaktapur.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Stupas and Squares
From the GoGo Kathmandu guide · Open the Kathmandu Guide ›
- 07:30Swayambhunath Stupa90 minThe Monkey Temple above the valley.
- 09:30Kathmandu Durbar Square2 hrsPagoda temples and the old royal palace.
- 14:00Pashupatinath Ghats90 minThe temple and the river ghats.
- 16:00Kora Around Boudhanath90 minPilgrims circling the stupa at dusk.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Feb–Mar, Oct–Nov. Rainy season Jun–Sep.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
