Kathmandu Travel Guide, Nepal
Kathmandu is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Kathmandu is situated in the Kathmandu valley in the very heart of the Himalaya Mountains. This largest Nepalese-city has long been the ultimate Shan-gri-la for the hippies who came here in search of enlightenment; but even if you are not really seeking enlightenment, you will find Kathmandu’s rich history and culture worth exploring. And then, you also have the lures of the many things-to-do in Kathmandu – go trekking, mountain climbing, visit the attractions or simply hang-out at a restaurant or Internet café … options for you are many.
Statistics
Area: 50.67 sq km
Population: 671,846
Language: Nepali, Nepal Bhasa or Newari
Monetary unit: Nepalese Rupee
Architectural Heritage
Religion dominates the architecture of Kathmandu and Kathmandu has many stunning temples and stupas. In fact, the city itself derives its name from a structure called Kaasthamandap meaning ‘wooden temple’; standing in the Durbar Square. The 1596-built two-storey pagoda is believed to have been built using the timber of a single tree and has no iron nails or supports. Among the other temples are the world-famous shrines of Pashupatinath and the Kala Bhairav temples. The Swayambhunath stupa is the most famous of the Buddhist stupas in Kathmandu. Other religious architectural wonders of Kathmandu include the Hanuman Dhoka Gate as well as the sculptures of Budhanilkantha and Lord Narasimha. Besides, there are some royal palaces and royal ruins in Kathmandu. (Most of Kathmandu’s palaces and shrines were built under the Malla-rule between the 12th and 18th centuries and are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
Economy and Infrastructure
Tourism is Nepal’s most important industry and Kathmandu is the nation’s main tourist hub. During the 1970s, Freak Street was where the hippies would head for whenever they came to Nepal. Although Freak Street remains popular among tourists till today, the neighborhood of Thamel has become Kathmandu’s chief vacation address.
Being the capital city, Kathmandu has good infrastructure. The Tribhuvan International Airport is just 25 km away from the city center. There are quality hotels, restaurants and shopping arcades in the city. Many banks, financial institutions, business houses and organizations have their headquarters in Kathmandu.
People and Culture
The people of Kathmandu are quite religious and follow either Hinduism or Buddhism; however, a close study of the culture and religious traditions will reveal that the two religions have adapted elements not only from each other but also from pre-existing animist traditions. Actually, the region has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age and the continuous influx of people following varied cultures and religious traditions has resulted in the evolvement of a rich culture.
Things about Kathmandu you may be interested in
Read our members' reviews about Kathmandu
- Mustang Tiji festival Trekking Nepal
review by nepalvisitors posted more then 30 days ago
Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 2011 Run By Nepal Visitors The historical remote Mustang trek unseal the once Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, tucked away from the rest of the world, lies just north of the main Himalayan range of Nepal. Mustang, a land where the soul of the man is still considered to... - Trip to Kathmandu
review by nepalibb posted more then 30 days ago
Namaste & Greeting from Nepal Nepal Adventure Point organizing the Christmas & New Year festival's familiarization trip in Nepal every year. This special package tour offering the whole discovery of Nepal totally you will spend your holiday at least western and northern part you... - Kathmandu adventures
review by nepalibb posted more then 30 days ago
Update Mai the 12 2015 Travelgrove Team Laxmi Dhakal, an official of the Nepalese Home Ministry confirmed that 42 people were killed (the most in Kathmandu and Dolakha) and at least 1,117 injured in the magnitude 7.3 earthquake. Kathmandu international airport was closed for half an hour. ...
Read our members' travel tips about Kathmandu
- Mustang Horse Riding Adventure
travel tip by Trip-Advisor posted more then 30 days ago
The upper Mustang is dominated by an endless expanse of yellow and grey rolling hills made smooth by the wind. We traverse this lonely landscape on horseback via several passes (The highest being the Nyi-La at 3990m), camping in villages... - Nepal Trip Operator
travel tip by Trip-Advisor posted more then 30 days ago
Namaste & Greeting from the Nepal Himalayan! Nepal Adventure Point Pvt. Ltd. is registered to Government of Nepal, the company is permitted to launch any kind of trekking, mountaineering, tours and others adventure activities as... - Christmas & New Year Eve to Nepal
travel tip by nepalibb posted more then 30 days ago
Namaste & Greeting from NepalNepal Adventure Point organizing the Christmas & New Year festival'sfamiliarization trip in Nepal every year. This special package touroffering the whole discovery of Nepal totally you will...
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