Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
78 within 3 miles
Attractions
70 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- SSDelhiNew Delhi, India115 contributionsA beautiful shrine, strongly recommendedone of the most colourful and intricately carved temples that we visited in and around Kathmandu. It was a bit crowded, nonetheless serene. The shops leading to the temple were much more economical than Thamel or Boudhastupa in Kathmandu.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 18, 2024
- cristoph20101,349 contributionsWork of artFortunately, June is low tourist season so this place isn't overcrowded. There are many steps to climb but it's not too bad. There are restaurants and shops selling religious artifacts and other crafts. The architecturally pleasing Changu Narayan temple is dedicated to Vishnu. It seems to be commonplace in Nepal that only Hindus are allowed to enter the temples while non-Hindus are free to roam outside. I hope one day non-Hindus who are curious, respectful, and want to learn could be allowed to enter.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 16, 2024
- HudsonmccrawVirginia Beach, Virginia4,060 contributionsHistoric Hindu TempleThis temple is a little ways from Kathmandu, in the Bhaktapur district. It looks pretty solid and reeks of historical significance. There were still some repairs on going from the 2015 earthquake, but overall there was enough that was fully intact that made for a very worthwhile visit.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
504 reviews
Excellent
306
Very good
156
Average
36
Poor
3
Terrible
3
cristoph2010
Toronto1,349 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
Fortunately, June is low tourist season so this place isn't overcrowded. There are many steps to climb but it's not too bad. There are restaurants and shops selling religious artifacts and other crafts. The architecturally pleasing Changu Narayan temple is dedicated to Vishnu. It seems to be commonplace in Nepal that only Hindus are allowed to enter the temples while non-Hindus are free to roam outside. I hope one day non-Hindus who are curious, respectful, and want to learn could be allowed to enter.
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toru O
Setagaya, Japan3,228 contributions
Jul 2022
Located in a mountainous area in the outskirts of Kathmandu. One of the 7 World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu that you should visit. Entrance is not so expensive compared to the other major tourist spots in or near Kathmandu and costs only NPR 300.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hudsonmccraw
Virginia Beach, VA4,060 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
This temple is a little ways from Kathmandu, in the Bhaktapur district. It looks pretty solid and reeks of historical significance. There were still some repairs on going from the 2015 earthquake, but overall there was enough that was fully intact that made for a very worthwhile visit.
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrr
Kathmandu, Nepal10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
It is loacated at changunarayan
It is belivet that this temple was built under by the wood of the same tree
It is belivet that this temple was built under by the wood of the same tree
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramesh T
Bhaktapur, Nepal57 contributions
Oct 2015
History
The temple of Changu Narayan was originally built in the 2nd century during the Lichhavi Dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1702 after a major fire occurred.
What to see
The Changu Narayan temple is a double-roofed temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. The temple is decorated with ten incarnations of the Narayan. Stone lions guard all the four doors of the temple.
Garuda, half-man and half-bird is the vehicle of the Vishnu. A life size stone statue of Garuda kneels in front of the west face of the temple. There is an inscription stone behind the statue. The inscription provides important information on the Licahhavi dynasty and on the history of Kathmandu valley. In front of the temple’s main entrance, in a ornate cage, there are smaller statues of King Bhupatindra Malla and his queen.
To the north of the temple is the statue of Vishnu seated on a Garuda. The sculpture dates back to the 9th century and is yet another attraction in the area.
The temple’s true gem are the much older sculptures dotted around the courtyard. The statue of Vishnu in a half man and a half lion incarnation called Narsingha is something not be missed. It dates back to 464 AD. Another statue shows Vishnu as Vikrantha/Vamana, the six-armed dwarf who later transformed into a giant. To the side of these images is a small black slab showing a 10-headed and 10-armed Vishnu. The beautifully carved image is around 1700 years old.
Accessibility
You can easily find a bus in Kathmandu that will take you to Bhaktapur. From there, you must take another public bus that run along the 6 km route between Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur.
You can also take a taxi from Kathmandu, and that will cost Rs 800. A taxi from Bhaktapur will cost Rs 250.
Another option is to walk take a bus or taxi to Changu Narayn and then walk via the villageof Jhaukhel. The route passes through small villages and farmlands that are always bustling with activity.
Charges
Regardless of age and nationality, everyone has to pay Rs 300 to enter the premises of Changu Narayan.
Although Changu Narayn has a collection of statues and sculptures, Changu Narayan is also famous for its beautiful crafts in wood, stone and metal. Everything in and around the temple is a genuine work of art. So make sure you have scrutinized each and every corner of Changu Narayan.
The temple of Changu Narayan was originally built in the 2nd century during the Lichhavi Dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1702 after a major fire occurred.
What to see
The Changu Narayan temple is a double-roofed temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. The temple is decorated with ten incarnations of the Narayan. Stone lions guard all the four doors of the temple.
Garuda, half-man and half-bird is the vehicle of the Vishnu. A life size stone statue of Garuda kneels in front of the west face of the temple. There is an inscription stone behind the statue. The inscription provides important information on the Licahhavi dynasty and on the history of Kathmandu valley. In front of the temple’s main entrance, in a ornate cage, there are smaller statues of King Bhupatindra Malla and his queen.
To the north of the temple is the statue of Vishnu seated on a Garuda. The sculpture dates back to the 9th century and is yet another attraction in the area.
The temple’s true gem are the much older sculptures dotted around the courtyard. The statue of Vishnu in a half man and a half lion incarnation called Narsingha is something not be missed. It dates back to 464 AD. Another statue shows Vishnu as Vikrantha/Vamana, the six-armed dwarf who later transformed into a giant. To the side of these images is a small black slab showing a 10-headed and 10-armed Vishnu. The beautifully carved image is around 1700 years old.
Accessibility
You can easily find a bus in Kathmandu that will take you to Bhaktapur. From there, you must take another public bus that run along the 6 km route between Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur.
You can also take a taxi from Kathmandu, and that will cost Rs 800. A taxi from Bhaktapur will cost Rs 250.
Another option is to walk take a bus or taxi to Changu Narayn and then walk via the villageof Jhaukhel. The route passes through small villages and farmlands that are always bustling with activity.
Charges
Regardless of age and nationality, everyone has to pay Rs 300 to enter the premises of Changu Narayan.
Although Changu Narayn has a collection of statues and sculptures, Changu Narayan is also famous for its beautiful crafts in wood, stone and metal. Everything in and around the temple is a genuine work of art. So make sure you have scrutinized each and every corner of Changu Narayan.
Written March 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AvijitDas
Mumbai, India79 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
I am assuming your starting point is Thamel. Before you start, open google maps and key in the following four locations to get the route overview which will help me to explain. BTW, i travelled first to Bhaktapur Darbar and then to Changu Narayan temple.
A) "Ratna Park" or "Ratna Park Micro"
B) Bhaktapur Mini Bus Park, Bhaktapur, Central Region, Nepal
C) Dekocha Changu Narayan Bus Stop, Nagarkot Road, Bhaktapur, Central Region, Nepal
D) Changu Narayan Temple, Changunarayan, Central Region, Nepal
I walked from my Hotel Access Nepal in Thamel to the starting point i.e. "Ratna Park" ( 2 kms ). At Ratna Park, all you need to do is ask for the bus that goes to Bhaktapur. Now, you can get down either at the point B) i.e. Bhaktapur Mini Bus Park or after 2 more stops at a bus stop called " Tourist Bus Stop" which also appears in google map. Here I visited the Bhaktapur Darbar" and then walked my way back to the "Tourist Bus Stop" and then to point C) Dekocha. From here, buses going to the left will go to Changu. Just wait at the crossing.
Note
1. The conductor may not identify if you say "tourist bus stop" !! Just follow your google maps. In either way, your landmark can be the "Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital" ( just after point C) and can then walk.
2. Have changes handy and not tucked out deep inside your pocket. The buses are going to be crowdy.
3. The buses are super slow !! but saves you the extra bucks.
4. Sit near the door in the bus !!
5. Take the ride as early as possible. Will save you the traffic and also excessive crowd in the bus.
Hope it is helpful !!
A) "Ratna Park" or "Ratna Park Micro"
B) Bhaktapur Mini Bus Park, Bhaktapur, Central Region, Nepal
C) Dekocha Changu Narayan Bus Stop, Nagarkot Road, Bhaktapur, Central Region, Nepal
D) Changu Narayan Temple, Changunarayan, Central Region, Nepal
I walked from my Hotel Access Nepal in Thamel to the starting point i.e. "Ratna Park" ( 2 kms ). At Ratna Park, all you need to do is ask for the bus that goes to Bhaktapur. Now, you can get down either at the point B) i.e. Bhaktapur Mini Bus Park or after 2 more stops at a bus stop called " Tourist Bus Stop" which also appears in google map. Here I visited the Bhaktapur Darbar" and then walked my way back to the "Tourist Bus Stop" and then to point C) Dekocha. From here, buses going to the left will go to Changu. Just wait at the crossing.
Note
1. The conductor may not identify if you say "tourist bus stop" !! Just follow your google maps. In either way, your landmark can be the "Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital" ( just after point C) and can then walk.
2. Have changes handy and not tucked out deep inside your pocket. The buses are going to be crowdy.
3. The buses are super slow !! but saves you the extra bucks.
4. Sit near the door in the bus !!
5. Take the ride as early as possible. Will save you the traffic and also excessive crowd in the bus.
Hope it is helpful !!
Written January 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael L
102 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
I visited this ancient temple of Changu Narayan twice, in February 2013 before the earthquake and October 2016 after the earthquake. It’s nice to see the major pagoda survives yet it’s sad that the surrounding 2-story court houses collapsed during the earthquake. So I have made up some pictures to show the comparison of before v.s. after.
Written February 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny
Chieri, Italy37 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
It was 22km away from Kathmandu and many tourists would have missed this place for its distance. We took a taxi to this place. The cravings on the temples are just amazingly beautiful as the wood cravings are painted with colors.
Highly recommended for visit as it was one of the most beautiful temples that we have visited.
Highly recommended for visit as it was one of the most beautiful temples that we have visited.
Written November 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raverpoke
75 contributions
This village is a must see site if you plan to discover Nagarkot or Bhaktapur.
It's quaint and very welcoming. Lots of possibilities to buy souvenirs...and I much rather buy something here instead of Thamel because I'd be supporting this UNESCO protected village.
It's quaint and very welcoming. Lots of possibilities to buy souvenirs...and I much rather buy something here instead of Thamel because I'd be supporting this UNESCO protected village.
Written December 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Himalayan Smile Treks & Adventures
Kathmandu, Nepal40 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
The changu Narayana is the best place to see ancient temple of Nepal. It is located on the hilltop of the Changu VDC of Bhaktapur District. In changunarayan you can observe traditional house terrace. Also you can hike changu Narayan to Nagarkot.
Written December 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ποια η ποιότητα διαμονής κ η ατμοσφαιρική ρύπανση . Το katmandu είναι μη βιώσιμο. Υπάρχουν σημεία σύγκρισης;
Written September 1, 2019
Want to know if we need to climb many stairs to reach the temple.
I just want to check if any person having knee problem andcant climb steep stairs can visit
Written February 9, 2018
You have to walk up on the road through the village. Only just before the temle there are a few stairs. Should not be a problem.
Written February 9, 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing