Panauti Nears World Heritage Status: Final Stage Reached

Panauti, a city in Kavrepalanchowk known for its rich historical, religious, cultural, and archaeological significance, is on the verge of being enlisted as a World Heritage Site. The municipality, particularly ward no 7, has successfully progressed through the final phase of meeting UNESCO’s criteria for inclusion.

Panauti city authorities have confirmed that all necessary processes leading to World Heritage Site enlistment have reached their concluding stages. The UNESCO proposal to list the area has been actively pursued, and Mayor Ram Sharan Bhandari expressed confidence that the required documents would soon be submitted to UNESCO through the Department of Archaeology.

Mayor Bhandari also highlighted ongoing preparations for local-level discussions to determine community commitment to preserving the area. The significance of Panauti’s historical, religious, and archaeological heritage has gained attention, prompting local authorities to allocate necessary budgets for the preservation efforts.

Christian Manhurt, Head of the UNESCO Office in Nepal, played a pivotal role by inspecting Panauti’s unique shrines, temples, and houses. Following the inspection, the municipality initiated the enlistment process in 2079 BS (Bikram Sambat). With UNESCO’s readiness to include Panauti in the list of World Heritage Sites, the city is now one step closer to global recognition for its exceptional cultural and historical treasures.