Kathmandu is the capital and the largest metropolitan city of Nepal. The city is situated in Kathmandu Valley, which also contains two other cities – Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Nepali is the lingua franca of the city, though many speak Newari as it is the center of the Newar people and culture.English is understood by all of the educated population of the city. Literacy rate is 98% in the city. The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1400 m in valley surrounded by four major mountains, Sivapuri, Pulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri and is inhabited by 1,081,845 (2001), with the total population in the Kathmandu valley at 1,647,092 (2001). Kathmandu is considered to have the most advanced infrastructure among urban areas in Nepal.

Fast Facts of Kathmandu Valley

Climate
The Kathmandu Valley has the pleasant climate most of the year. Although there are forests, snow is unheard of and the monsoons are nowhere near. Between October and March it can become quite cold at night and the days become short, although it’s sunny and warm between mid-morning and afternoon. In April things start to heat up and there are often storm in the afternoon.

Popular Sites in & around Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a complex of places, courtyards and temples. Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathamndu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writing in 15 languages. The Durbar Square, protected as UNSECO World Heritage Site, is the social religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.

Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists site in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of primordial Lake.Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The National Museum and Museum of Natural History are situated at the foot of the hill.
 

Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies 05 Km east of the city centre. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside the temple, also a World Heritage Site.



Bouddhanath Stupa
Bouddhanath Stupa lies about 6 Km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath, a World Heritage Site, is also known as Khasti, or dew drops, after an account that builders had to use dew mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from severe drought during its construction.
 

Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 Km to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu God Bishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings. The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site.

 

Kirtipur
Kirtipur is situated on a ridge 10 Km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient Newar township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairab are major sights here. Kirtipur offer quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple squares. The people are known for their skill in building and weaving.
 

Dakshinkali and Chobhar
The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali and is one the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 Km from the city center on the southern rim of the Valley, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. On the way back, stop at Chobhar gorge. The narrow gash in the hills was made by Lord Majushree to drain out the lake, which once covered the Kathmandu Valley.

Hattiban
Hattiban is situated some 400m above the historic valley of Kathmandu with pine and fire trees amidst nature located just a 15 Km drive away from Kathmandu. Once attuned to the pace set at Hattiban, can take enjoyable pony rides, mountain biking, nature walks and treks to Champa Devi Hills (2054 m) or Khokana and the Bungamati region, for the real taste of the Himalayan sights and sound.
 

Nagarkot
Nagarkot (altitude 2,175m) is by far the most popular. Located 30 Km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot has developed into a favorite weekend gateway among those seeking mountain views in comfort and quiet. At sunrise, the Himalayan range stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitors with its awe-inspiring majesty and beauty.
 

Dhulikhel
The Newar town of Dhulikhel (population 9,812; altitude 1,440m) offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views. Situated just past Banepa some 32 Km east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is a magnificent place to spend the night and awaken to the sun rising across the wide Himalayan Range. Once an important like in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past, which can be witnessed in the lovely buildings and intricate woodcarvings found along the shop-lined streets and in the temples.

Balthali Village
Standing on a plateau, just beyond Panauti about 40 Km away from Kathmandu, is a small sleepy settlement of Balthali Village which rests at the junction of Roshi and Ladku Khola rivers. It is an outstanding place of isolation and relaxation amidst a surrounding of typical Nepali countryside with terraced rice fields and ochre thatched farm houses. With snowy peaks of Dorje Lhakpa, Langtang and whole range of mountains rests clear and bright on the northern horizon.

Bandipur
Bandipur is a hilltop settlement in Tanahu Districts of Nepal. Because of its preserved, old time cultural atmosphere, Bandipur has increasingly been coming to the attention of tourism. Bandipur is located at 27.56 N, 84.25 E and an elevation of 1030m on a mountain saddle (Mahabharat range) approximately 700m above the Marsyangdi River Valley, 143 Km to the west of Kathmandu and 80 Km to the east of Pokhara. Originally a simple Magar village in the early 19th century Bandipur developed into prosperous trading centre and a community with town like features: substantial buildings with their neoclassical facades and shuttered windows and streets paved with slabs of silverish slate. The other attraction include the Bindyabashini temple and the library in the village centre, Thani Mai Tindhara, Raniban, the downhill trek to the Siddha Cave and the hike to Ramkot Village. On Mukeundeswari, the elevation at the western end of the saddle is a little shrine and one has a view of Bandipur itself.

Tansen Palpa
Tansen is a small ancient hill town situated 4300 meters above sea level. It is located on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini. Major attractions here are the ancient culture, excellent mountain views, serene atmosphere and friendly people. The weather here makes it a pleasant place to visit in any season. On clear days Dhalulagiri, Annapurna, Manasly, Gauri Shankar and other peaks can be seen.
 

Kakani
Kakani, 23 Km northwest of Kathmandu, is a less crowded and more pristine destination which provides excellent mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Annapurnas. The offering of nature provide the impetus to visit Kakani (1,982m) and nature-lovers will hail the close-up view of Ganesh Himal to the north, as well as the beautiful oak and rhododendron on the south slope leading down to Balaju.
 

Daman
For those seeking the ultimate Himalayan view and willing to travel the extra distance to find it, Daman is the place to go. Located 80 Km southwest of the Kathmandu Valley on the highway to the Indian border, Daman (2,400m) offers the only sight guaranteed to leave the early riser spellbound for days to come. From horizon to horizon, the full majesty of the world’s highest mountain range can be taken in.
 

Gorkha
Gorkha is situated 131 Km west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1,135m at the end of mountain road that branches north from the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway at Abu Khaireni. It is the ancestral home of the Shah Dynasty and home of the original Gorkha soldiers. Gorkha’s centerpiece is the magnificient Gorkha Durbar which is a fort, a palace and a temple with excellent views of the surrounding valleys and the Manaslu range
 

Mankamana
Manakamana is situated at an altitude of 1302 meter high at Gorkha. Manakamana is the name of a Hindu Goddess and it is believed that the Goddess fulfills the wishes of people. The term “Mana” means “Heart” or “Soul” and “Kamana” meansh “Wish”. There is cable car service from Kurintar to Manakamana which is 10 minutes ride.