In this Blog We will share The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Thousand-Year-Old Temples in Kathmandu, Nepal. As Nepal is the land of temples and stupas, where spirituality reigns supreme and history comes alive! Kathmandu, Nepal is a place that is sure to leave you enchanted with its breathtaking beauty and ancient heritage. The city boasts countless thousand-year-old temples that are nothing short of architectural marvels.
Kathmandu is a city with a long and rich history. Its temples date back thousands of years, and each one has its own unique story to tell. In this guide, we'll introduce you to some of the most popular and significant temples in Kathmandu. We'll tell you a little bit about their history and what makes them so special. And we'll give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit. So whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you get the most out of your time in Kathmandu.
When visiting a temple in Kathmandu, you can expect to see beautiful architecture, stunning sculptures, and incredible artwork. The temples are also a great place to learn about the history and culture of Nepal.
Here is the list of 5 temples that are over 1,000 years old in Kathmandu
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath, one of the most popular religious sites, is a Hindu architectural masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva and his various forms. It is also the home of numerous Hindu gods and goddesses. The two-storied pagoda-style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and wood carvings of the finest quality. The inner temple has a black granite statue of Lord Pashupatinath and outside sits a large statue of Nandi, Shiva’s bull.
Only Hindus are allowed to enter the Pashupatinath Temple premises. The Pashupatinath Temple is believed to have been built in the Licchavi period by Prachanda Deva.
However, the current structure is thought to date from the 17th century AD.
How to get to Pashupatinath Temple
Getting to Pashupatinath Temple is pretty straightforward as it is located in the center of Kathmandu, Nepal. Travelers may choose from a variety of transportation options depending on their budget and wish.
For those who want a more authentic experience, riding a local bus or taxi is an alternative. The buses are frequently available around the city and are cheap, but can be packed and uncomfortable at times. On the other side, taxis offer convenience and comfort but are more expensive than buses.
Another popular means of arriving at Pashupatinath Temple is by hiring a private car with a driver. This option allows guests to have more flexibility with their time and itinerary without having to worry about traveling through unfamiliar streets.
If you prefer walking or cycling, it's feasible too! It will take roughly 30–40 minutes from Thamel or the Boudha Stupa region by foot, but hiring bikes would cut down your travel time greatly.
Regardless of which method of transportation you use, make sure to carry along some cash for fare or parking costs if required. The parking fee is NRS20 per hour.
Changunarayan Temple
Changunarayan Temple is one of Nepal's oldest structures. According to an inscription found in the temple premises, it was built in 464 AD during the reign of King Manadeva of the Lichhavi dynasty. It honors Lord Vishnu (also known as Purusha/Narayan). This temple is located at Bhaktapur. It is a two-tiered pagoda-style temple with four stone lions guarding the entrances.
How to Get To Changu Narayan Temple
The Changu Narayan Temple, is located about 20 kilometers east of Kathmandu.You can getting to the Changu Narayan Temple by local bus or Private Car.
Swayambhu Mahachaitya
Swayambhunath, commonly known as the Monkey Temple, is a sacred site for both Hindu and Buddhist people in Nepal. It is situated on a hilltop in the Kathmandu Valley, west of the city. This stupa is also recognized as the crowning glory of Nepalese architecture. Swayambhu was established in 460 AD by King Manadeva and is one of Nepal's oldest religious landmarks.
How to get to The Swayambhunath Stupa
The Swayambhunath stupa is situated on a hilltop west within walking distance of 3.5 km to the west of Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are several ways to get to the stupa, depending on your level of fitness and preferred mode of transport.
The easiest way to get to the Swayambhunath stupa is by taxi or private car. If you are staying in Kathmandu, your hotel can arrange a taxi for you. The journey from central Kathmandu takes around 30 minutes. You can also take a public bus from Ratna Park, which is located near Thamel, the main tourist area. The buses run regularly and the journey takes around 45 minutes.
If you are feeling fit, you can hike up to the Swayambhunath stupa. The hike takes around 1-2 hours depending on your pace. The route starts from Jyatha Tole, which is a 10-15 minute walk from Thamel.
Boudhanath Stupa
For the Buddhist community, Bouddhanath is one of the holiest sites in Kathmandu. It is also the most important Buddhist temple in Kathmandu. This stupa was established in 600 AD and later repaired in the 8th century by the Licchavi dynasty. It is regarded as the centerpiece of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.
How to get to Boudhanath Stupa?
By Taxi: Taxis are the most prevalent mode of tourist transportation to Boudhanath Stupa. It costs roughly 500 Nepalese rupees to go from Thamel to Boudhanath.
By Public Bus: Take a microbus from Jamal to Ratnapark. There is a direct microbus to Boudhanath leaving from Ratnapark, Jamal. It costs roughly 30 rupees to get from Jamal, Ratnapark to Boudhanath Stupa. While taking public Buses expect some traffic on the Jamal to Boudhanath stupa route.
Bajrabarahi Temple
Bajrabarahi is a tantric goddess temple located south of Patan. The temple's structure is beautiful since it is created in Nepalese style with two roofs (one made of tiles and the other of metal plates). Although the current temple construction was built in the 17th century. According to history, the original temple was built in 784 BS by Shrinewas Malla, and it is claimed that the goddess Bajrabarahi was incarnated from the pond where the current temple is located.
How to get to Bajrabarahi Temple?
By Taxi: Taxis are the most prevalent mode of tourist transportation to Bajrabarahi Temple. It costs roughly 800 Nepalese rupees to go from Thamel to Bajrabarahi Temple,Chapagaun.
By Public Bus: Take a microbus from Ratnapark To Lagankhel. There is a direct microbus to Bajrabarahi leaving from Lagankhel,Patan,. It costs roughly 50 rupees to get from Ratnapark to Lagankhel to Bajrabarahi Temple.
Reasons Why Visiting Thousand-Year-Old Temples is Worthwhile
If you're looking for a truly unique and memorable travel experience, there's no better place to visit than Kathmandu, Nepal. This ancient city is home to some of the most impressive temples and religious sites in the world, many of which are over a thousand years old. Here are just a few of the reasons why visiting these incredible places is worth your while:
1. You'll get to see firsthand how religion has played a role in Nepalese culture for centuries.
2. The architecture and artistry of the temples is simply breathtaking.
3. You can learn about the history and mythology surrounding these sacred sites.
4. It's an opportunity to connect with your own spirituality in a beautiful and exotic setting.
5. And last but not least, it's just plain fun! Visiting ancient temples is an unforgettable experience that you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Visiting the ancient temples of Nepal is a truly awe-inspiring and humbling experience. With our tips, we hope that you are now ready to embark on your journey through Kathmandu's thousand-year-old temple complexes and soak in their beauty. Be sure to take plenty of pictures to remember this incredible adventure.
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