Hiking from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan Part 3

Changu Narayan is our final destination on this five hour hike from Nagarkot. We’re just novice hikers and we often stop along the way to rest and take pictures so maybe if you walk continuously you can make it less than the time that we spent on this trail.

This temple is regarded to be the oldest temple in Nepal located on a hilltop called Changu or Dolagari. It’s one of the most popular temples that tourists visit in Kathmandu Valley. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it’s often frequented by Hindus from around Kathmandu.

The temple is said to have been built from the 3rd century and you’ll immediately notice how old the temple is by just looking at the various intricate wooden sculptures all around it. Some parts of it were being renovated when we went there but luckily it was still open when we arrived.

Here are some pictures of the temple and the beautiful ancient wooden and brass sculptures that can be found all over the temple complex:

Each of the four sides of the temple has their own guardian animals

Bashi said that during the annual festival, they use put the deity on this wooden carriage and parade it all over town.

It’s almost surreal to think that this temple is older than everyone and everything I know. It’s probably the oldest temple I have seen in my life and I’m happy that I was able to see it at least once in this lifetime. It’s also unbelievable how this temple withstood the test of time and hopefully more and more people can visit this place for the years to come.

Last Minute Shopping

Being a tourist destination, Changu Narayan has a plethora of souvenir shops that lines the small pathway towards the temple itself. The stores also serve as the workshops of the local craftsmen where you could see carving woods, weaving and making these souvenirs. Here are some local products that I saw.

Shawls