4 Heritage Sites in Kathmandu That We Will Take You To

As a volunteer, what is most important is that you get to know your surroundings and the beauty of Nepal. When you arrive in Nepal, Volunteer Society Nepal will take you to the most beautiful heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley. Here are four heritage sites that you will visit when you volunteer with us:

Boudhanath

Boudhanath is the largest stupa in the Kathmandu Valley and one of the most beautiful cultural heritage sites. With countless monasteries surrounding it, Boudhanath is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Built in the shape of a mandala, the stupa is built by Licchhavi rulers in the 8th century. The location of the stupa is interesting as it lies on the ancient trade route to Tibet and it was here that Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for centuries. On each side are a pair of the all-seeing-eyes of the Buddha symbolizing awareness. The canopy has 13 stages. At ground level there is a brick wall with 147 niches and 108 images of the meditational Buddha inset behind copper prayer wheels.

Swayambunath (Monkey Temple)

Also known as the “Monkey Temple” among visitors from abroad, Swayambhunath sits atop its hill, overlooking most parts of the valley. This is a good place to catch panoramic views of the city. The site itself is a hallmark of faith and harmony for centuries. The glory of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started from this point. Swayambhunath is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. It lies on top of a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. It is the home to hundreds of monkeys. Legend has it that the monkeys were formed from the head lice of the Manjusree Bodhisattva. In Buddhism he represents the embodiment of wisdom and raised the hill upon which Swayambhunath stands.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is in the centre of the city of Lalitpur in Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of its attraction is the ancient royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. The Durbar Square is a marvel of Newar architecture. The Square floor has red bricks. There are many temples and idols in the area. There is also a bell beside the main temples. The Square also holds many old Newari residential houses. There are various other temples and structures in and around Patan Durbar Square built by the Newa People.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur has the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal and is one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It has a rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. The city is famous for a special type of curd: “Ju Ju (king) dhau(curd). According to the curd makers, the taste of curd prepared in this location cannot be found elsewhere in Nepal.

In short, even when you are volunteering you will still have plenty of time to visit all these places. Either during your introduction time or during the afternoon or when you have the weekend off! See you soon in Kathmandu?