Kathmandu - The Capital City of Nepal

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. The city is located in the heart of the Himalayas Mountains and is very rich in history and culture. Some people considered Kathmandu as one of the most beautiful of the earliest cities in the world back as early as 185 AD. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Himalayas".

The City got its name from a structure in Durbar Square called Kasthamandap, meaning "wood-covered shelter". The city is also sometimes called ‘Kantipur’ by the Newars, the native people of Kathmandu.

Kathmandu City, Nepal

The city has a temperate climate and experiences 4 seasons in a year. It has an altitude of 1336 meters above sea level.

Each and every custom, tradition, art, and literature are all based on the city of Kathmandu’s spirituality. They were formed in ancient times and have further enriched the local artistic tradition.

As you travel in the city, you will notice the high level of craftsmanship and exquisite work of art of their ancient local artisans. Many tourists describe the city as a huge ancient living museum. Kathmandu has a remarkable wealth of architectural structures. It not only comprises hundreds of temples, stupas, and open shrines but 106 monastic courtyards as well. The most amazing cultural wealth of Kathmandu is located in the middle of the city. The flamboyant and majestic structures that stand in the city are intimately linked with the day-to-day lives of the Nepalese. The temples provide places for worship and are the location for annual feasts which are 133 feasts in a year. UNESCO listed four of the temple locations as World Heritage Sites. The four locations of the temples are Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath.

One of the major reasons why people tour Kathmandu is the richness of the culture of the place.

Rato Machhendranath Temple
- south of Durbar Square
- the Rato Machchhendranath is the god of rain and plenty.
- to Buddhists, he is an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara whilst to Hindus, he is Shiva.
- the 3 story temple stands in a large courtyard and has been there since 1673.

Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar)
- the residence of Kumari, the living goddess.
- the building’s wooden balconies and window screens have been intricately carved.
- it is believed that Kumari acknowledges the greetings of the people from her balcony window.
- photography is not allowed in this area.

Kasthamandap
- believed to be built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the 16th century and it is believed that the wood from this structure came only from a single trees
- this is the structure where Kathmandu got its name from.

Jaishi Dewal
- a structure that is famous for its erotic carvings.
Martyr’s Memorial (Sahid) Gate
- a memorial arch located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah, the late king of Nepal together with the busts of four martyrs.

Bhadrakali Temple
- at the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate is the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. The said temple is also known as Lumarshi Temple and is considered one of the main "Shakta" temples in Kathmandu.

Singha Durbar
- the grand palace built was in the neo-classical style.
- currently, this is the residence of the Secretariat of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal.

Kesar Library
- rare and valuable manuscripts and books are housed in this library.
- this is located inside the premises of the Ministry of Education.

Balaju Water Garden
- located about five kilometers North-west of Kathmandu, the Garden features water fountains with 22 water spouts carved in the shape of crocodiles or sea dragons that dates back from the mid-eighteenth century.
- a fish pond and a swimming pool are also inside the park.

National Museum
- located 2 and a half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the museum has a magnificent collection of ancient weapons and artifacts from Nepal.

Natural History Museum
- 3 kilometers west of Kathmandu city, it is located behind the famous Swoyambhunath. This museum has an exotic collection of flora and fauna found within the country. Photography inside the museum is not allowed.

Some of the main neighborhoods in Kathmandu include:

Thamel: This is the main tourist area in Kathmandu, known for its many shops, restaurants, and hotels. It is a popular spot for backpackers and trekkers and is also home to many travel agencies and trekking companies.

Ason: The Ason area is known for its traditional markets, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs.

Basantapur: This is the historic center of Kathmandu and home to many of the city's most important temples and palaces, including the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Boudhanath: One of the largest stupas in the world, Boudhanath is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kathmandu is also known for its delicious food and has a diverse range of cuisines. Nepali cuisine is known for its use of spices and features dishes such as Dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice), Momos (Nepali-style dumplings), and chow mein (stir-fried noodles). There are also many international restaurants in Kathmandu, such as Indian, Chinese, Italian, and more.

In terms of transportation, the city has a good network of buses and taxis, but traffic can be heavy and chaotic. Walking or cycling is also a good option in some areas.

Welcome to Nepal.

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