Changu Narayan

The beautiful and historic temple of Changu Narayan is situated at a hilltop at the easten end of the valley which is about 6 km north of Bhaktapur and 22 km from Kathmandu. It is one the oldest Hindu temples of the Kathmandu valley and it is said that it was built in the 4th century. It was rebuilt after a fire but many of the stone sculpture date from the Licchavi period (4th to 9th century). Changu Narayan is listed in a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can easily reach at Changu Narayan by bus or by a taxi from Kathmandu. You have to pay Nrs. 60 rupees for the entry of this heritage site. This doubled roofed temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. There is a Garuda kneeling figure which was made in the 5th century. The main attraction of Changu Narayan is the older sculptures doted around the courtyard. There are many interesting statues ok King Bhupatindra Malla and his queen, Bhimsen Pati with its stone guardians. You can also visit the Changu Musuem by paying Nrs. 140 which gives an introduction to traditional valley life exhibited in a 160 year-old house. Have a look at the rhino- skin shield, the 2nd century leather coins.