Changu Narayan

Overview

Changu Narayan is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its ancient architecture, intricate carvings, and rich historical significance.

It is one of the oldest temples in the Kathmandu Valley and is a significant cultural and religious site.

Temple Cultural Heritage

Location

Address

Changu Narayan, Bhaktapur District, Province Three

Neighborhood: Changu Narayan

Coordinates

27.728600, 85.426400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

NPR 500 (foreigners)

Children

NPR 250 (foreigners, aged 10-18)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and pleasant weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and pleasant

• Blooming flowers
• Clear views of the Himalayas

summer

Hot and humid

• Lush greenery
• Fewer tourists

autumn

Cool and pleasant

• Clear skies
• Festive atmosphere

winter

Cold and dry

• Fewer tourists
• Peaceful atmosphere

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Respect local customs and traditions
Dress modestly
Remove shoes before entering the temple

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable walking shoes Water bottle Camera

seasonal

Umbrella (monsoon season) Warm clothing (winter)

not allowed

Large bags Drones Alcohol and tobacco

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Altitude sickness (if coming from lower elevations)
• Dehydration (especially in summer)

Medical facilities: Basic medical facilities available in nearby Bhaktapur

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (preferred), Credit cards (in some places)

Currency

Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

Typical Costs

entry NPR 500 (foreigners)

parking NPR 50

food NPR 200-500

souvenirs NPR 100-1000

Dress Code

Modest clothing, Comfortable and respectful attire, Remove shoes before entering the temple, Revealing clothing, Shorts and sleeveless tops

Booking Tips

• Not required, but recommended for guided tours
• Local travel agencies or online booking sites
• Depends on the tour operator
• Guided tours can help skip lines

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Changu Narayan Guide

Size: 20 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Historical information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Nearby cafes

Charging Stations: Not specified

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

Distance: 20 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Taxi

NPR 1500-2000 45 minutes

Public bus

NPR 50-100 1.5 hours

From City Center

Distance: 12 km

Private car/taxi

NPR 800-1000 30 minutes

Local bus

NPR 30-50 1 hour

Motorbike rental

NPR 500-800 per day 30 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It is a sacred site with deep historical and religious significance

Historical Significance: One of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Kathmandu Valley

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning to experience the temple's peaceful ambiance
Local guides can provide fascinating insights into the temple's history and significance
Try the local Newari dish 'Samay Baji' at a nearby restaurant

Local Recommendations

• Try local Newari cuisine at nearby restaurants
• Visit the nearby Changu Narayan Museum for more historical context
• Explore the surrounding villages and rice fields

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Namaste

thank_you Dhanyabad

where_is Ke ho?

how_much Kati rupeya?

beautiful Ramro

ticket Prasavpatra

Guide Languages: Nepali, English, Hindi

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main temple

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures

Result: Stunning images of ancient craftsmanship

#ChanguNarayan #NepalHeritage #TemplePhotography

Changu Narayan view point

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley

Result: Breathtaking landscapes

#KathmanduValley #SunsetViews #NepalTravel

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outside the temple, Viewpoints and surrounding areas

prohibited areas Inside the temple (no photography allowed)

flash photography Not allowed inside the temple

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed but used respectfully

Nearby Attractions

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Historical Site

Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple)

Distance: 15 km

Walking: Not walkable

Type: Religious Site

Nagarkot