Temple · Hindu
Changu Narayan Temple
चाँगुनारायण मन्दिर
Lord Vishnu (Narayan)·4th century CE (earliest known temple in the valley)·Bhaktapur
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
Admission
Local 300 · USD 3
Neighborhood
Changu Village
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.
Best visited in autumn.autumn: best, 8°C to 25°C. Clear valley and mountain views. Perfect conditions for the hike and exploring Nepal's oldest Hindu temple. monsoon: possible, 19°C to 28°C. Trail from Nagarkot can be muddy. The temple's ancient stone carvings are atmospheric in the mist. spring: good, 10°C to 28°C. Pleasant hilltop temperatures. Great for combining with the Nagarkot-Changu Narayan hike through terraced farmland. winter: good, 2°C to 18°C. Cool and quiet. Excellent visibility of the Kathmandu Valley below. The ancient carvings are best photographed in low winter sun.
The Almanac
| Season | Months | Rating | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Mar–May | Good | 10° — 28°C | Pleasant hilltop temperatures. Great for combining with the Nagarkot-Changu Narayan hike through terraced farmland. |
| monsoon | Jun–Sep | Possible | 19° — 28°C | Trail from Nagarkot can be muddy. The temple's ancient stone carvings are atmospheric in the mist. |
| autumn | Oct–Nov | Best | 8° — 25°C | Clear valley and mountain views. Perfect conditions for the hike and exploring Nepal's oldest Hindu temple. |
| winter | Dec–Feb | Good | 2° — 18°C | Cool and quiet. Excellent visibility of the Kathmandu Valley below. The ancient carvings are best photographed in low winter sun. |
- spring Mar–May
- Pleasant hilltop temperatures. Great for combining with the Nagarkot-Changu Narayan hike through terraced farmland.
- monsoon Jun–Sep
- Trail from Nagarkot can be muddy. The temple's ancient stone carvings are atmospheric in the mist.
- autumn Oct–Nov
- Clear valley and mountain views. Perfect conditions for the hike and exploring Nepal's oldest Hindu temple.
- winter Dec–Feb
- Cool and quiet. Excellent visibility of the Kathmandu Valley below. The ancient carvings are best photographed in low winter sun.
Folio II
Iconography & Detail
Folio III
Situation
Coda
