UNESCO World heritage tour of Nepal

Nepal is a mountainous country in the Himalayas that comprises the eight out of the ten highest mountains in the world. However its territory descends from the top of the highest mountains to the tropical plains of Terai creating geological, cultural and biological diversities within a small area.

Accordingly, unlike many countries, UNESCO Heritage sites of Nepal are very diverse and represent Nepal in general from Himalayas to the tropical jungle. Visiting the UNESCO heritage sites of Nepal is a Nepal sampler tour and is the best way to see the country.

Four UNESCO Heritage sites of Nepal

There are four UNESCO World heritage sites in Nepal. The Everest National park and Chitwan national park are listed under the natural heritage and the Kathmandu valley and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha is listed under the category of cultural heritage site. While the Everest national park represents the best of the Himalayan ecology, culture and geography, Chitwan national park is the last vestiges of tropical jungle that once spread from the foothills of the Himalayas to the south of Gangatic plains. Similarly Kathmandu valley in the middle hills is an open museum for the culture and heritage from the medieval period. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha in Terai of Nepal is the latest addition to the UNESCO World heritage site.

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu valley is the largest valley in the middle hills. Several spiritual practices from the Indian subcontinent were sheltered and lived in harmony in the valley until the date. Over 10,000/- Buddhist and Hindu monuments scattered across the valley are still worshiped, making Kathmandu a living heritage. Seven groups of monuments have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites.

Sagarmatha (Everest) national park

High mountains, glaciers, pristine alpine lakes and deep valleys dominated by the highest peak on earth Mt Everest makes Sagarmatha national park the most beautiful of the Himalayan valleys. The Sherpa people with their unadulterated Tibetan Buddhist practices and old monasteries add more interest to the region. The park also preserves the last numbers of the snow leopard and lesser Panda.

Chitwan national park

Chitwan national park is the last refuge for the Asian single horned Rhinos and the illusive Royal Bengal Tigers. The 950 sq km jungle is the last enclave of Terai jungle which once spread over the area of 70,000 sq km. The undisturbed riverine forest, grassland and wetlands not only host rich endemic fauna but also support the large flocks of birds migrating each winter from Siberia.

Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha

The ancient temple ruins, Puskarini pond (where Buddha took first bath) and the 3rd century BC, Ashoka pillar with inscription mentioning his tribute to the birth place of Buddha are now protected and developed into a 6X2 km park. With the meticulous excavation, the marker stone inside the ancient Mayadevi temple that pinpointed the birth place of Buddha also has been discovered. Lumbini at present is a pilgrimage site as well as the center for visitors on spiritual quest. With over 60 excavations in the area and discoveries of important artifacts and structures related to Buddha, the greater Lumbini circuit is attracting the world’s attention.

Highlights of UNESCO World Heritage tour of Nepal

The UNESCO World heritage tour of Nepal is the best way to Nepal as it includes a visit of Himalayan valleys to the tropical jungle and the diverse culture of the country.

• Visit all four UNESCO Heritage sites of Nepal.
• Short cultural trek in the Everest national park.
• Heritage and cultural tour of Kathmandu.
• Wildlife and nature safari tour of Chitwan national park.
• Spiritual and archaeological tour of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
• Road trip through the scenic middle hills to the tropical Terai plains.

How long does it take to visit UNESCO Heritage sites of Nepal?

The UNESCO World heritage tour of Nepal could take from 8 days to two weeks depending upon mode of transportation and activities. The best way to experience Everest national park is to trek. A 6 day Everest cultural trek is the most popular short trek in Nepal. With the 6 day Everest trek, and driving tour to Chitwan and Lumbini, it will take about 14 days to visit the four UNESCO world heritage sites of Nepal.

UNESCO heritage tour of Nepal

• 8 days

The visit of UNESCO world heritage sites of Nepal could be planned within 8 days as well for those short in time or if trekking is not their thing. Alternately Everest base camp helicopter tour is another popular way of seeing Mt Everest while you are in Nepal. The helicopter lands near Everest base camp and allows you to touch the ground and feel the surroundings. Then it flies back to one of the hotels with a panoramic view of Mt Everest and other peaks for breakfast. There is also a fixed winged sightseeing flight that guarantees the view of Mt Everest.

Also Chitwan and Lumbini are well connected by domestic flights from Kathmandu.

With a few hours sightseeing flight of Mt Everest and travelling by air, the heritage tour of Nepal could be customized within as less as one week in Nepal.

When is the best time to do a UNESCO world heritage tour of Nepal?

The tour involves trekking to the altitude of 3,440 m and then travelling to the tropical region of 150 m above the sea level within a few days. This makes a huge difference in temperature. Best time for the tour is October and November in autumn and March and April in spring. These months have moderate temperatures with clear sky in both high altitude and lowland. The temperature ranges from – 5 to 30 °C throughout the tour during these months. However the tour could be done throughout winter months as winter days are mostly warm and sunny. The availability of luxury lodges with insulations, ensuite bathroom and headed beds make it comfortable to trek even in winter.

How much does the heritage tour cost?

The UNESCO Heritage tour of Nepal costs from USD 1800 to 4,500 depending upon the standard of hotels, mode of transportation and other services. With a short teahouse trek in Everest and standard hotels around, the minimum cost of the tour is USD 1,800 per person. There are deluxe and luxury lodges available with en-suite bathrooms, insulated rooms and heated beds. Accordingly the price increases. Similarly the helicopter tour of Everest base camp reduces the tour days but increases the cost of the tour.

I am an adventurer from the Himalayas of Nepal. I love exploring reading and writing travel journal. Believe it or not, More you read the less you understand. My blogs about Nepal Tibet Bhtutan tour