What comes to mind when you think of travelling to Nepal?
The small South Asian nation is deservingly associated with trekking and the mighty Himalayas, or with its deeply spiritual culture.
But what you might not realise is its historical value. Despite being overshadowed by the neighbouring historical giants of India and China, Nepal has a long and rich history going back more than 2000 years.
From its unique Durbar (Royal) Squares, to its countless ancient temples, to the very birthplace of the Buddha, Nepal has a lot to offer for history buffs.
The history of Nepal is centred around the Kathmandu Valley. The terrain of the Himalayas means that most of the country is sparsely populated, causing communities to develop predominantly in valleys between the mountains, of which Kathmandu is the largest.
It’s in this valley that multiple different kingdoms have sprung up over the centuries, before Nepal was eventually unified as a single state in 1798. Because of this, most of the historical sites are located conveniently in and around the capital.
In this list, I’ve narrowed it down to the absolute 10 best historical places in Nepal.
Table of Contents
The 10 Best Historical Sites in Nepal
1 | Bhaktapur
If you only have time to visit one historical place in Nepal, make sure that it’s Bhaktatpur.
With its towering temples, royal palaces, red-bricked buildings and hidden laneways, the 1000-year old former capital of Nepal is arguably the most historically significant, and most beautiful, city in Nepal.
Bhaktapur is one of the 3 ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, alongside Patan and what is now central Kathmandu. It formally became the capital of Nepal during the 12th century CE, ruling over the region for 200 years and becoming one of the most important cities in Nepal.
Now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist site. Its buildings are well maintained and it’s entirely closed off from traffic, meaning you have to explore it on foot only, which helps maintain its historical authenticity.
There are a number of historical sites to see at Bhaktapur:
- Durbar Square | The centre of Bhaktapur, and home to the 14th century royal palace.
- Dattatreya Square | A majestic 15th century Hindu Temple.
- Nyatapola temple | A towering temple, the tallest structure in Bhaktapur, built in 1701.
- Potters’ Square | A public square full of potter’s wheels and rows of clay drying in the sun. An important part of Bhaktapur’s cultural and economic history.
Located just outside the bustling metropolis of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is best visited as a daytrip. You can easily spend the full day exploring all it has to offer, but at least allow for 4-5 hours.
With it’s iconic buildings, abundance of things to see and it’s preservation, Bhaktapur is undoubtely among the best historical places in Nepal.
Where | About 15km east of Kathmandu.
Cost | There are ticket booths at all entrances to Bhaktapur and entry cost $15 USD
2 | Boudhanath Stupa
The towering stupa at Boudhanath, among the largest in the world, has long been considered the most important religious site in the Kathmandu Valley and is one of the most popular historical places in Nepal.
The founding of this stupa is caught up in multiple different Newar & Tibetan myths & legends, and even the historical records seem to differ depending on the source, but it’s generally agreed that it was built around the year 500 CE, and would go on to become the foremost place of worship for Buddhists throughout the region.
Being located on the ancient road that led from the Kathmandu Valley into Tibet, it became popular among Tibetans, and after the Tibetan uprising in the 1950s, thousands of refugees took up residence around near the stupa, making it the centre of the thriving Tibetan community in Kathmandu.
Visiting Boudhanath Stupa is an intoxicating spiritual experience, regardless of your religious preferences. Every day thousands of practising buddhists visit to walk circles around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels along the way, and the place is alive with chanting, incense and prayer flags blowing in the wind. Its atmosphere matches its historical and religious significance.
Where | About 7km north-east of Kathmandu city centre.
Cost | $2 USD
3 | Patan Durbar Square
Alongside Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Patan makes up the trifecta of durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley, the historical capitals of the local kingdoms.
This durbar square served as the royal residence of the Malla dynasty, which ruled over the Kathmandu Valley from 1201 to 1779, and it was during that time that its impressive buildings, a prime example of Newar architecture, were built.
Just like the others, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the heart of Nepal during the years the Malla dynasty ruled, being home to their royal palace, temples, and an assortment of other important buildings.
Patan Dubar Square feels old, as if you’ve gone back in time to Nepal’s medieval era, making it among the best historical places in Nepal.
Some of the historical highlights include:
- Royal Palace & Museum | The former residence of the Malla kings, built in the 14th century CE, now serves as a museum commemorating Patan’s history.
- Krishna Mandir | The most prominent temple at Patan, dedicated to Hindu deity Krishna, and built in 1637 CE.
- Golden Temple | A gold-covered Hindu temple built in the 12th century, and a stunning architectural feature.
Where | About 5km south of Kathmandu city centre.
Cost | $10 USD
4 | Lumbini
On the flat Ganges Plain of southern Nepal, down on the Indian Subcontinent, is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the world: Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.
According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Guatama (as he was known before becoming enlightened) was born at this very site around 566 BCE. He would later go on to become enlightened under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya in India and found the world’s 4th largest religion.
Lumbini is one of the 8 Great Places of Buddhism, which make up its most important and visited religious sites. With such religious significance dating back thousands of years, it’s no suprise Lumbini is one of the best historical places in Nepal.
The massive Lumbini complex is centred around the site where the Buddha was born, and it’s here that Buddhist organisations from around the world have built their own individual temples, each representing the country they come from. So, walking around the complex is like walking around the world and is an attraction in itself.
It’s age and significance in Nepal’s religious history makes Lumbini among the best historical places in Nepal.
In addition the temples from around the world, there a few historical highlights to see at Lumbini:
- Mayadevi Temple | An archeological site of one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world, built around the exact site the Buddha was believed to have been born.
- Pillar of Ashoka | An inscribed stone pillar erected by the legendary King Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, after discovering this as the birthplace of the Buddha.
- Bodhi Tree | An ancient tree, grown from the sapling of the original Bhodi tree under which the Buddha became enlightened.
Where | Lumbini, Lumbini Province, southern Nepal.
Cost | Entry to the Lumbini complex is free, but entry to Mayadevi Temple costs around $6 at the time of writing.
5 | Swayambhunath Stupa
If you look out over the city of Kathmandu, it’s impossible to miss the towering stupa at Swayambhunath, one of the city’s oldest religious sites.
Colloquially called monkey temple, this hilltop has been an important religious site since at least the 5th century CE, although some sources claim that King Ashoka visited the site in the 3rd century and built a temple, which was later destroyed. Whichever it is, Swayambhunath has been a place of worship for Buddhist for a very long time.
When it was first established, this hilltop would have sat among nature and farmlands, now it is surrounded by the chaotic metropolis of Kathmandu, which only makes its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere all the more special.
This ancient site consists of a massive stone stupa covered in prayer flags and surrounded by small temples, prayer wheels, statues, and shrines, all the while covered in a haze of incense smoke. And of course, being a popular tourist site, there’s also a few small cafes and gift shops mixed in, but it doesn’t remove from Swayambhunath’s intense spiritual atmosphere.
The climb to the stupa is via a long, steep staircase, overtaken by the monkeys, but is worth it once you reach the spiritual oasis at the summit, with one of the best views of the city.
Where | About 3km west of Kathmandu city centre, along the ring road.
Cost | $1.50 USD
6 | Kathmandu Durbar Square
The sprawling metropolis of Kathmandu all stems from the durbar square found in the city centre.
Historically, the valley consisted of 3 ancient cities, one at Patan, one at Bhaktapur, and this one in Kathmandu, which is by far the oldest. It was founded originally in the 4th century, although many of its present-day structures were built later. It was the heart of the small kingdom that occupied this region, hosting its most important buildings, like the royal palace and temple.
This UNESCO World Heritage site contains some of the most impressive architecture you’ll see in Nepal, rivalled only by the other 2 durbar squares. If you’re a history buff, it’s one place you must add to your itinerary, given its historical and cultural significance.
Some of the highlights include:
- Jagannath Temple | The main temple, built in the 16th century.
- Hanuman Dhoka | The former royal palace, dating back to the 16th century.
- Kumari Ghar | An 18th century building which is home to the Kumari, a living child ‘goddess’, believed to be the reincarnation of a Hindu deity, who makes a public appearance one a day. One of Nepal’s strangest traditions.
Unfortunately the Kathmandu Durbar Square was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake which devastated the country. As of my visit in June 2022, some of the buildings are still being repaired, although it hardly removes from their grandeur and may even be finished by the time you visit.
Where | Downtown Nepal, walking distance from Thamel.
Cost | $10 USD
7 | Muktinath Temple
Deep in the Himalayas, situated at 3700m above sea level, is one of the most important religious sites for both Buddhist and Hindus.
The origins of Muktinath are mixed up by religious legends and traditions. According to Buddhists, it was built by Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, in the 12th century CE. Hindus, on the other hand, have it being built by the deity Lord Vishnu. In any case, it’s been around for centuries and is an important pilgrimage site for both religions.
The temple’s isolation in one of the most scenic regions in the Himalayas adds to its spiritual aura, and it’s no wonder it became such an important place for multiple religions.
Despite its isolation, Muktinath makes the list because it is situated on the Annapurna Circuit, a popular trek for tourists, making it a place that many travellers pass by.
Where | Muktinath Valley, Mustang, Nepal. Best visited while trekking the Annapurna Circuit.
Cost | Free
8 | Mustang Valley & Caves
In far northern Nepal, on the far side of the Himalayas and descending on the Tibetan Plateau, lies the secluded Mustang Valley.
This region has existed as its own kingdom since the 14th century CE all the way up until 2008. Since the 18th century it’s been a vassal of Nepal but retained its autonomy, and its last monarch, who traced his lineage all the way back to 1380, only died in 2016.
The Kingdom remained relatively isolated throughout its long history, but in modern times its isolation is legally enforced. The Mustang Valley is a ‘restricted region’ and trekking here requires a $500 USD ten day permit, along with a guide, meaning very few outsiders ever visit.
This isolation has kept its culture essentially frozen in history. Aside from some modern day comforts, the Tibetan Buddhist culture of Mustang remains the same as it was centuries ago, making it like a trek back in time.
The Mustang Valley is a historical place in itself, but for those who can reach this place you’ll also have the opportunity to visit some of the 10,000 ancient caves that were carved into the valley’s sheer cliff faces thousands of years ago.
No one is quite sure how old these caves are, but mummified human remains have been found inside dating back 3000 years, while others contain Buddhist wall paintings from the 12th century.
Where | Upper Mustang Valley, Nepal.
Cost | $500 USD for ten-day permit, plus $50 per extra day.
9 | Narayanhiti Palace
While all the other entries on this list are ancient, Narayanhiti Palace offers you a chance to see Nepal’s modern history.
Narayanhiti Palace is the former residence of the Nepali royal family, which no longer exists. The palace has been maintained exactly as it was when the royal family still lived there, becoming frozen in time. Everything about it, from the furniture, to the carpet, to the colours, seems to be stuck in the 1960s.
The site where the palace stands has served as the residence of the royal family or high ranking officials for centuries, but the current palace complex was constructed in 1963 under King Mahendra.
Narayanhiti Palace was the site of a massacre in 2001, when Prince Dipendra stormed into a room and opened fired, killing 9 members of the royal family, including the king and queen. The room where this took place has been left untouched, and you can still see the bullet holes in the walls.
The complex would cease to be used as a palace in 2006 when the Nepali royal family was abolished in a revolution, and it would soon later be turned into a museum.
Now you get to explore it freely, from the throne room, to the personal bedrooms of the royals, to the stables, even the garage containing their old cars (including one that was gifted from Adolf Hitler).
Visiting the palace is a great way to not only see what life was like for the former royal family, but learn about some very important events in Nepal’s modern history, events that helped form the nation it is today.
Where | Downtown Nepal, walking distance from Thamel.
Cost | $3.80 USD
10 | Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal and the oldest in the world dedicated to Shiva.
This UNESCO World Heritage site, located on the north-east outskirts of Kathmandu, is a collection of temples, of varying ages and designs. Its origins are still unclear, but the site is assumed to have been used as a place of worship for Hindus since 400 CE, while the buildings you see today are less than 350 years old.
The temple complex, which stretches along the Bagmati River, is made up of 518 temples, many of which are tiny, centred around the main Pashupatinath Pagoda. While you cannot enter the Pagoda unless you’re a practising Hindu, there’s a lot to see around it.
The complex is a thriving and busy cultural hotspot, with crowds of pilgrims and all kinds of smells & sounds. And the ghat (steps into the river) makes it seem like a little piece of Varanasi hidden within Kathmandu.
One thing Pashupatinath is known for, something that draws in tourists seeking a unique spiritual & cultural experience, are the cremation ceremonies which take place regularly throughout the day. Watching a stranger be cremated may seem like an odd thing to want to see, but it’s a very respected tradition in Hinduism and something you’ll rarely get to witness.
The best time to visit Pashupatinath Temple is at 6:30pm for the Aarti Ceremony.
There’s nowhere in Nepal that feels as ancient as Pashupatinath Temple, making it one of the best historical places in Nepal.
Where | About 5km north-east of Thamel.
Cost | $10 USD
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