UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Status after 25/04 Quake more update

Today we are updating the status of more Heritage Sites and important destinations of Kathmandu after the quake 25/04. The remaining update will be posted in our website by tomorrow. This update is based on Field Inspection on May 19 made by  four teams of Explore Himalaya, which had one Sales Officer, one Photographer and one Tour Guide in each team.

Swayambhunath

The hilltop Buddhist Stupa, Swayambhunath has suffered the significant loss during the powerful quake of 25/04. The natives of Swayambhunath (Buddacharya Family) now protect the historic inscriptions, idols and monuments at Swaymabhunath. Twenty-seven houses that ring the large dome shaped stupa have collapsed. Five monuments including the main stupa of the UNESCO World Heritage Site remained intact after the quake.

The Swayambhu Museum has suffered a loss, which however could be renovated. Anantapur the white edifice and Shantipur are two major monuments that have demolished during the quake 25/04. 298 stone chortens out of 300 remain unharmed. The voluntary demolishment of Karma Raja Maha Vihar has begun.

Note: For next few weeks, tourists have no access for the sightseeing tour at Swayambhunath. However, in few weeks times after the debris around the Heritage Sites is cleared the site shall be opened for the touristic activity.

Pashupatinath

The biggest Hindu Shrine of Nepal, Pashupatinath suffered no significant damages during the powerful quake of 25/04. The UNESCO World Heritage has no impact at all in the main Temple of Pashupatinath. However, slight damages in small a temple and a rest house (sattal) has been detected after the quake.

The overall observation at Pashupatinath suggests the site has no adverse impact during the quake except the few minor damages.

Note: Since the site suffered no major loss during the quake, the touristic activities at Pashupatinath are being conducted as usual days.

Boudhanath

The effect of quake 25/04 at Boudhanath is negligible. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is intact except few minor damages, which could be renovated easily. The houses that ring this large stupa have no serious damages. The gigantic dome still stands tall and the Tibetan culture around Boudhanath remains as it after the quake.

Note: Visitors are not allowed to climb up the plinths but can circumnavigate the stupa on the stone paved trails below the stupa. The Government Authorities say, the site will be open for touristic activities as it used to be before the quake in two to three weeks time.

Bungmati and Khokana

The traditional Newari Villages in the outskirts of Patan, Bungmati and Khokana have hugely suffered during the quake 25/04. The villages mostly had traditional houses of mud and bricks and hence many habitats surrendered the catastrophe of the quake.

The seasonal home to Rato Machhindranath, the Shikara style Temple at Bungmati has demolished. However, Mai Rudryani Kali Temple of Khokana has suffered only slight cracks. Dabu Nhava Mandala, the place to bath God Machhindra before taking it to its next home in Patan remained intact. Officials said that it would at least take 7-8 years to rebuild the Shikhara style Temple of Machhindranath. Similarly, the Temple of Hangrive Bhairav was demolished during the quake. The temples that stood tall during the quake include Karyabinayak Temple and Manakamana Temple.

Note: The touristic activities at these villages are restricted now. The Government Officials say, once the work of renovation begins these villages will be once again opened for tourists. However, it is not yet known when these villages will be opened for foreign travelers.

Budanilkantha Temple

The Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the outskirts of Kathmandu remains totally intact after the quake 25/04. The temple known for the large idol of sleeping Bishnu in the middle of the pond, has minor cracks in the outer surface of its wall, which can be renovated easily. Budanilkantha Temple has been one of the few shrines in Kathmandu that has almost no adverse impact during the quake 25/04.

Note: Since the temple has no adverse effect during the quake, visitors and pilgrims can visit the temple as usual days