Changu Narayan Temple
चाँगुनारायण मन्दिर
The oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite stone and metal carvings.
Dedicated To
Lord Vishnu (Narayan)
Period
4th century CE (earliest known temple in the valley)
Hours
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee
NPR 300 / USD 3
Neighborhood
Changu Village
Location
Bhaktapur, Bagmati
Visiting Etiquette
Non-Hindus can enter the courtyard but not the inner sanctum. Dress modestly. Remove shoes at temple entrance.
Changu Narayan is the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, perched on a ridge in Bhaktapur district. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features some of the finest examples of Nepali art and architecture from the Licchavi period.
The main two-tiered pagoda temple is surrounded by some of the earliest known stone inscriptions in Nepal, dating to the 5th century CE. The courtyard contains extraordinary stone sculptures of Vishnu in his various avatars — Narasimha (man-lion), Vikrantha (dwarf-giant), and Vishvarupa (universal form).
The temple grounds also include the famous Garuda pillar, standing stone sculptures of Bhupalendra Malla and his queen, and numerous chaityas. The surrounding village of Changu retains a traditional Newari atmosphere with brick houses and narrow lanes.