Sightseeing · Bhaktapur
Changu Narayan Temple
An ancient hilltop Vishnu temple near Bhaktapur — a UNESCO site and one of Nepal's oldest.
- Address
- Changunarayan, Bhaktapur 44600
Changu Narayan is an ancient Hindu temple on a wooded ridge a few kilometres north of Bhaktapur, dedicated to Vishnu and counted among the oldest temples in Nepal. As one of the seven monument zones of the Kathmandu Valley, it is part of the area's UNESCO World Heritage listing — and despite its fame, it stays far quieter than the city squares below.
What to see
The temple is a richly decorated two-tiered pagoda set in a courtyard ringed by smaller shrines. The real wonder is the open-air gallery of ancient stone and metal sculpture scattered around it: kneeling images of Garuda (Vishnu's man-bird mount), depictions of Vishnu's cosmic forms, and finely worked struts and doorways. A weathered stone pillar inscription in the courtyard dates from the Licchavi era and is among the earliest dated records in the valley. From the ridge, you also get sweeping views over terraced fields toward Bhaktapur and the surrounding hills.
History
Changu Narayan's roots reach deep into Nepal's early history. The Licchavi-period inscription beside the temple — recording a king's deeds in classical script — marks the site as a centre of worship from the valley's formative centuries. The present pagoda has been rebuilt and repaired many times, including after fire and after the 1934 and 2015 earthquakes, but the courtyard's collection of early carvings preserves a remarkable record of ancient Newar and Licchavi art. The small village beside the temple keeps a traditional feel, with a community museum interpreting local life.
How to visit
Changu Narayan lies on a hilltop north of Bhaktapur old town, reached by a short taxi ride of about 20–30 minutes; energetic visitors sometimes walk the hill path from Bhaktapur or down from Nagarkot. There is a separate entry fee at the village, distinct from Bhaktapur's old-town ticket. Allow around an hour to take in the temple, its sculptures and the views.
Tips
- Go in the morning for clearer valley views and gentler heat on the exposed hilltop.
- Take your time in the courtyard — the scattered sculptures are the highlight, not just the main shrine.
- Combine it with Nagarkot for sunrise, or with a full day in Bhaktapur's old town.
- Keep your ticket, as it can be checked at the temple gate.
It is one of the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage sites. For more of the area, see the top things to do in Bhaktapur.
Featured in
More sights & attractions in Bhaktapur
Frequently asked questions
Why is Changu Narayan a UNESCO World Heritage Site?+
Changu Narayan is one of the seven monument zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage listing. It is recognised for its great age, its richly carved two-tiered pagoda dedicated to Vishnu, and an outstanding collection of ancient stone sculptures and inscriptions.
How old is Changu Narayan Temple?+
Changu Narayan is regarded as one of the oldest temples in Nepal, with origins traced back many centuries. The surrounding courtyard holds a stone pillar inscription from the Licchavi period — among the earliest dated records in the Kathmandu Valley — though the temple has been rebuilt over time.
How do you get to Changu Narayan from Bhaktapur?+
Changu Narayan sits on a ridge a few kilometres north of Bhaktapur's old town. The easiest way is a short taxi ride, which takes roughly 20–30 minutes; some visitors also reach it on foot via a hill path from Bhaktapur or Nagarkot.
Is there an entry fee for Changu Narayan?+
Yes, foreign visitors pay an entry fee at the village, separate from Bhaktapur's old-town ticket. Keep the ticket with you as it may be checked at the temple courtyard.
What can you see at Changu Narayan?+
The two-tiered Vishnu pagoda is surrounded by a courtyard packed with ancient stone and metal sculptures, including images of Garuda, Vishnu's many forms and the famous Licchavi inscription pillar. The hilltop also gives wide views over the valley.
