Changu Narayan Temple is one of the oldest surviving Hindu temples in Nepal and one of the most important monuments in the Kathmandu Valley. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple stands on a hilltop above the village of Changu, surrounded by forest and farmland. Its history reaches back to the Licchavi period, with the earliest known inscription at the site dating to 464 AD, during the reign of King Manadeva. The present two-tiered pagoda structure has been rebuilt several times after earthquakes and other damage, yet the temple complex retains an extraordinary collection of ancient stone, wood and metal carvings. Among the most remarkable is the Garuda statue, which represents Vishnu’s mythical mount and is believed to date from the Licchavi era.

The temple courtyard is filled with details that reward a slow visit. Alongside the main shrine are sculptures of Vishnu in several forms, including Vishwaroop, the cosmic form of Vishnu, and Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion incarnation. The temple’s four entrances are guarded by pairs of animals and mythical creatures, while intricately carved pillars and wooden struts depict Hindu deities and celestial beings. Changu Narayan is also significant for the wider history of Nepal because its 464 AD stone inscription is the oldest known inscription in the Kathmandu Valley that clearly records a historical event, giving the site exceptional importance for understanding early Nepalese history.

Changu Narayan Temple is approximately 7 km north of Bhaktapur and around 20 km from central Kathmandu. The drive from Bhaktapur takes approximately 20–30 minutes, while the journey from Kathmandu generally takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Visitors can also reach Changu Narayan through the popular Changu Narayan–Nagarkot hiking route. The walk from the temple towards Nagarkot takes approximately 4–5 hours, while the shorter approach from Telkot takes around 2–3 hours. For a simple temple visit, vehicles can reach the village near the entrance, followed by a short walk through the traditional settlement to the temple courtyard.

Altitude: Approximately 1,540 m (5,050 ft)
Distance from Bhaktapur: Approximately 7 km | 20 Minutes
Distance from Kathmandu: Approximately 20 km | 1 Hour