Kathmandu Valley

Kanchenjunga Region Basantapur- Terathum Solu and Khumbhu Illam Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Makalu Barun National Park

Kathmandu Valley Nagarkot Dhulikhel Kakani Daman Chitwan Langtang Janakpur Parsa Wildlife Reserve Manakamana Temple

Bandipur Lumbini Pokhara Tansen Sirubari Ghalegaun Manaslu Conservation Area Annapurna Conservation Area Jomsom

Bardiya National Park Rara National Park Dolpa Shey- Phoksundo National Park

Khaptad National Park Sukla Phatt Ghodaghodi Lake

kathmandu valley - Nepal

General Infomation

Places to be

Getting there

Things to do

Map

Brief Overview

The Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above which tower mighty snow-capped peaks. It consists of three main towns of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. It is situated 4,423 ft. above sea-level. The ancient Swasthani scriptures tell of Lord Shiva, supreme among Hindu gods, who came down to the Kathmandu Valley to escape boredom. He came as a tourist, if that is the appropriate word, but he was neither among the first nor the last of the gods to visit the Valley. Visitors have come to Nepal since times forgotten. And though the country is much different today than it was in ancient times, it has not diminished in charm; the increase in the number of visitors over the years is a living proof. Those who come to the Valley today will appreciate a lot more than Lord Shiva did in his tour. The architecture started here by the Lichhavi and Malla kings is one such example. Much of the greenery that Lord Shiva saw is gone, but the forests surrounding Pashupati, where he stayed, are still intact.

Kathmandu

The earliest known inscription in the Kathmandu Valley is dated 185 AD. The oldest firmly dated building in the earthquake-prone valley is almost 1,992 years old. Four stupas around the city of Patan said to have been erected by Charumati, attest to the ancient history present within the valley. The Kirats are the first documented rulers of Kathmandu Valley , the remains of their palace are in Patan near kendra Hiranyavarna Mahavihara (called "Patukodon"). The Licchavi Dynasty whose earliest inscriptions date back to 464 AD were the next rulers of the valley. The Malla Dynasty consisted of Newar rulers, who ruled Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding area from the 12 th century till the 17 th century when the Shah Dynasty founder Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the valley as he created present-day Nepal. Most of ancient Nepali architecture present in Nepal today is from the Malla / Newar era.

The city of Kathmandu is named after a structure in Durbar Square called Kaasthamandap . In Sanskrit , Kaasth "wood" and Mandap "covered shelter." This unique temple, also known as Maru Sattal , was built in 1596 A.D. by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. The entire structure contains no iron nails or supports and is made entirely from wood. Legend has it that the timber used for this two story pagoda was obtained from a single tree.

Kathmandu is also sometimes called "Kantipur". Newars , the native people of the Kathmandu valley use the original term from Nepal Bhasa , Yne.

Patan (Lalitpur)

Patan, since historic times have been known for its rich social and cultural heritage and tradition. The city still displays this unique tradition and culture in its day to day life and activities. It won't be wrong to consider Patan as a city of living culture rather than a heritage. Various religious and ethnic communities belonging either Hinduism or Buddhism live side by side in close harmony.

The city boasts with number of heritages both in tangibles and intangibles forms. Apart from the varieties of historic Hindu and Buddhist monuments like Bahas, Bahis, Pagoda and Stone Temples, Chaityas, Pati, Agamchhens, stone spouts etc., adorned with beautiful art and architecture, the buildings of ordinary people along the city's streets and valleys of the city form a part of its tangible heritage. The various religious and cultural activities that have survived the test of time and have continued to be indispensable part of people's day to day life to contribute to its intangible heritage.

Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)

Bhaktapur is the third largest city in the Kathmandu valley. The city was once the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom from the 12th to the 15th century. Four square miles of land situated at an altitude of 1,401 meter from sea-level is a home to Traditional art and architecture, pottery and weaving industries, rich local customs and culture, and the every-day life of Bhaktapur people. All that and more will have you visit this untouched ancient city more than once! Nepal 's Malla dynasty's achievements in arts and crafts are reflected throughout the Bhaktapur city. Bhaktapur is also known by woodcarving artists, for it's cap known as Bhadgaon Topi , and for it's curd known by Nepalese as the `Bhaktapur ko Dahe' (meaning Curd made in Bhaktapur). Tourists visiting the city also take the time to relax and observe other interesting happenings in the city such as children's playing outside their home and in temple yards, busy and color-full open markets, women's making clay-pots, weaving, and sun-drying crops and vegetable products. Bhaktapur is located at 14 km east of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transport. A day-trip to Bhaktapur is a popular tourist itinerary, so make it yours soon!