Changunarayan Temple Tour

This is my first blog about the Changunarayan Temple Tour as I am starting with the name of Lord Narayan. The Changu Narayan Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on a hilltop in Changunarayan Municipality of Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is known as the oldest temple in Nepal, built by King Manadeva around 464 AD.

In this Changunarayan Temple travel guide, I am going to share the full history, Changunarayan Temple sightseeing, what we can see from the hill, and all the important things you need to know before a Changunarayan Temple visit

Changunarayan Temple sightseeing and exploration

Changunarayan Temple sightseeing is one of the best cultural experiences in Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as Narayan, one of the main gods in the Hindu religion

During your Changunarayan Temple exploration, you can see many ancient artworks such as the 7th century stone sculpture of Vishnu riding Garuda, the 9th century Sridhar Vishnu, and the 10th century Narasimha statue which is half man and half lion

There is also an ancient Garuda statue in front of the temple which adds more historical value. The temple is built in a two tier pagoda style and is decorated with detailed wood carvings and stone sculptures of different deities

As it is the oldest temple in Nepal, it is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Kathmandu Valley which makes Changunarayan Temple sightseeing even more special

Changunarayan Temple travel guide and location

This Changunarayan Temple travel guide will help you plan your visit easily. The temple is located about 6 km from Bhaktapur Durbar Square and at around 1600 meters above sea level

You can reach the temple by taxi, private car, or local bus from Bhaktapur. If you enjoy adventure, Changunarayan Temple exploration can also be done through hiking routes like Nagarkot to Changunarayan, Panauti to Changunarayan, or Bhaktapur Durbar Square to Changunarayan Temple

How to reach Changunarayan Temple

You can travel by local bus or private vehicle from Bhaktapur
You can also hike from nearby places which makes your Changunarayan Temple Tour more exciting

Best time for Changunarayan Temple visit

Many people ask about the best time for Changunarayan Temple visit. You can visit throughout the year, but spring and autumn are the best seasons because of clear weather and beautiful views

The temple becomes livelier during festivals like Haribodhini Ekadashi and other Newari jatras which makes your Changunarayan Temple Tour more enjoyable

History of Changunarayan Temple

If we talk about the history of Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest pillar inscriptions in Nepal is found here and it was created by King Manadeva in Sanskrit

It was first published in 1885 by Georg Bühler and Bhagwanlal Indraji. Later in 1899, Sylvain Lévi studied the inscription using rubbings as he was not allowed inside the temple

The temple has been damaged and rebuilt many times. The 2015 Nepal earthquake destroyed the temple, but it was reconstructed within five years and now looks beautiful

Famous Food to Try During Changunarayan Temple Visit

A visit to Changunarayan Temple is not only about history and architecture, but also a great opportunity to experience authentic Nepali and Newari cuisine around Bhaktapur.

During your tour, you can enjoy some of the most popular local foods such as:

Newari Khaja Set – A traditional platter with rice, lentils, meat, and pickles. It offers an authentic taste of Newari culture.
Bara – A savory lentil pancake, widely loved as a local snack in Bhaktapur.
Chatamari – Often called “Nepali pizza,” made from rice flour and topped with egg, meat, or vegetables.
Yomari – A sweet dumpling filled with molasses and sesame seeds, especially popular during festivals.
Juju Dhau – The famous creamy yogurt of Bhaktapur, known as “king curd,” and a must-try dessert.
Sel Roti – A traditional rice doughnut, commonly enjoyed as a snack or breakfast during temple visits.

These dishes make your Changunarayan Temple experience more enjoyable by combining culture, tradition, and local flavors in one journey.

Famous Souvenirs and Things to Buy Near Changunarayan Temple

Your Changunarayan Temple tour is also a good chance to explore local handicrafts and take home meaningful souvenirs that reflect Nepali heritage.

Some popular items you can buy include:

Lord Vishnu statues – Small religious figures representing the main deity of the temple, popular among visitors.
Traditional handicrafts – Wooden and metal artworks inspired by ancient Newari craftsmanship seen in temple architecture.
Prayer items – Incense sticks, prayer flags, and small spiritual symbols often taken as blessings from the visit.
Handmade jewelry and stone crafts – Unique items made by local artisans that reflect the culture of Bhaktapur.

These souvenirs help you carry a piece of Nepal’s cultural and spiritual heritage back home, making your visit more memorable.

Entry fee for Changunarayan Temple Tour

SAARC Nationals NPR 100
Chinese Nationals NPR 300
Foreign Nationals NPR 300
Nepalese citizens free

Tips for Changunarayan Temple Tour

Carry your ID or passport
Keep some cash with you
Use Namaste as a respectful greeting
Talk to local people for better experience

Conclusion of Changunarayan Temple Tour

Changunarayan Temple Tour is one of the best cultural and historical experiences in Nepal. It is perfect for Changunarayan Temple sightseeing, learning history, and enjoying peaceful views. From the hilltop, you can see beautiful views of Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur along with traditional surroundings

If you are planning a Changunarayan Temple visit and want a local experience without a guide, you can connect with me, Niraj from Era Nomads. I would be happy to help you explore and make your journey memorable. In Nepal, we believe in Atithi Devo Bhava, which means guests are like gods