Kathmandu

Kathmandu that is also spelled as Katmandu at times is the present capital of Nepal. It is also the gateway for some of the highest and most mesmerizing Himalayan peaks. This information guide will tell you about facts and figures of Kathmandu. Please go through these figures for they may prove handy in planning your visit to this city.

Area:	150.67 sq. Kilometers
Population:	I million approx
Location:	Kathmandu is situated in the Central Nepal amid Himalayas.
Longitude:	85.22 to 85.36° East
Latitude:	23.43 to 23.71.02° North
Climate of Kathmandu:	Summer 36°C to 22°C, Winter 18 °C to 0 °C
Best time to visit:	October to March
Nearest Railway Station:	None
Nearest Airport:	Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
Must Visits:	Boudhnath and Swyambhunath Stupas.
Language spoken:	Nepalese, Newari and Maithali
Electricity:	220volts, 50 hertz universal
Tipping:	The tip amount should be around 10-to15% of the final billing.
Religions:	Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam
STD Code:	+977-1

It is said that king Gun Kamdev founded Kathmandu in the year 723 AD. If you go by the legend, the area was a lake in the past. A Buddhist deity named Manjushri liked the place and wanted habitation there. The Buddhist god then bifurcated the hill to the south and allowed the water to flow out. As the water flowed out, the region became habitable. Of course, this is a Buddhist tradition and is different from the one by Hindus. The origin of the name is still unclear and historians spin new theories every other day according to their whim and fancies. Nevertheless one of the more likely theories is that it was named after Kastha-Mandap ("temple of wood" in Sanskrit). King Laxmi Narashingha Malla commissioned a pagoda carved from the single tree in 1596 and it might be possible that the same pagoda is behind its naming. 

The Kathmandu valley consists of 3 historic, artistic and cultural towns namely Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The combined area of this urban agglomeration is more than 250 square miles. Kathmandu is the Mecca of Nepal's traditional culture, arts and cuisines. This is the place for rest and relaxation and don't have hectic lifestyle that has so become part and parcel of metropolitans round the world. The easy-day sightseeing takes you to various historic and artistic temples and monuments. One also enjoys Kathmandu for nightlife, shopping and for the mountain views.

The must visit sites in Kathmandu start with Pashupatinath Temple. The Hindus all over the world revere this temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The ambience is very holy and is marked by burning incense sticks and religious hymns. Equally holy and magnificent is the Buddhist Pagoda of Boudhnath. The monastery is the most popular and the biggest in Nepal and attracts scores of devotees every year. Nearby is another Buddhist monument known as Machhendranath. The pagoda has a distinct architecture and is very popular among the followers of Hinyana sect of Buddhism. 

Apart from religious structures you have Durbar Square that is very popular among the tourists. The area has many small but beautiful monuments that have Historical importance. Nearby is Narayanhity Palace, the home of Nepal's monarch. Though this place is out of bound for the tourists, one can very well appreciate the beauty from outside. Apart from that Kathmandu offers ample options for eateries and shopping. The place is famous for handicrafts items that can be bought for mementos and gifts. The embroidered clothes are the other must buy items.

Bouddhnath Stupa

Location:	In Kathmandu, near the National Museum
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	Monastery

Bouddhnath Stupa is not only the largest Stupa in Nepal but also one of the largest Stupas in entire Asia. Since ages Bouddhnath has been a citadel and center of attraction of Tibetan Lama Buddhism in Nepal. This white pagoda that stands 36 meters on its feet falls in the way of the ancient trade route between Bihar and Tibet and that is why it was the focal point for the caravans that passed either ways. Tibetan merchants and hermits have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. Travelers like Fa'Hein have traversed the same route.

The place saw the major influx of refugees in early 50s. It was the time when China redrew it boundaries and declared Tibet as its integral part. The mass exodus followed and many of the refugees settled in the area around the Bouddhnath Stupa. They established many Gompas, and the "Little Tibet" of Nepal was born. This "Little Tibet" is still the best place in the Valley to observe and study the Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes with prayer wheels in their hands, and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the Stupa. The second and third generations are sadly moving away from the Tibetan culture and are intermingling in the western world. The anti-China rhetoric has given way to Bob Dylan and Eminem. 

Like all other monuments in Nepal, it is very difficult to zero in on one date of construction. Historians and novices spin new stories in matter of hours and things become topsy-turvy. Nevertheless, majority of people believes that Bouddhnath was constructed in the fifth century. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kashyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. The other popular but utterly bizarre legend has it that a woman requested the then King for the donation of land for building Stupa. She said that she needed land covered by one buffalo's skin. When she had her wishes fulfilled, she cut the buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give her the land.

The area around the Bouddhnath Stupa is a feast to the eyes typical to all Tibetan Buddhist sites. Colorful Thangkas and flags mark the whole area. It is also a shopper's paradise in Kathmandu. Tibetan jewelry, hand-woven carpets, masks, and Khukri knives are some of the must buy items in this market.

Smaller Stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Conveniently situated restaurants with rooftop patios provide good food and excellent views of Bouddhanath.

Durbar Square Kathmandu

Location:	In Kathmandu, near the banks of Bagmati River
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	The Square and other Monuments.

The Durbar square is same to Nepal as Tianmen Square is to Beijing. The place has been listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. Durbar Square is the focal point of religious and social activities in Kathmandu Old City. This place comprises palaces, temples, shrines, statues and courtyards built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the ancient kings of Nepal. The Durbar square is the subtle amalgamation of old and new. The elaborately carved architectural features and curving roofs are night stays for beggars and tourists. Priests and monks who jostle along the crowd to attract a possible client accompany them. 

Two ferocious looking stone lions guard the gates of Old Royal Palace that was abandoned by the monarchs in the late 18th century. The campus contains a number of courtyards and several museums. There is a plaque that is set in the palace walls which is said to be 400 years old. The inscriptions written on the plaque is in 15 different languages. On the other side of the square is the Kastha Mandap temple that is said to have bore its name to Kathmandu. The unique feature of this temple is that it has been constructed of wood out of a single tree. The structure is an open pavilion that is topped by a pyramidal tower. It is purportedly the Valley's oldest building.

Kathmandu Durbar square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. The palace became a public attraction when the monarchs shifted to the newly build Narayanhity Palace. The Hanuman Dhoka Durbar lies in the heart of the city. It consists of huge Royal Palace with different temples dating from the 15th to the 18th century. This palace is named after Hanuman, a Hindu deity and a stone statue of Hanuman is placed right next to the main entrance.

Some other important monuments worth visiting in the vicinity are as follows:

• The Taleju temple is the tallest of all structures built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.
• The Jagannath temple, built in the 16th century, is known for the fascinating erotic figures carved in the wooden struts.
• The Kala Bhairav, one of the largest 17th century stone statues in Kathmandu, represents the terrifying aspect of Shiva.
• The 17th century Kumari temple that is an example of the highly developed Nepali craftsmanship.

Besides these, other fascinating part of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar that overlooks the city. It is famous for its many intricately carved doors, windows, etc.:

Kathmandu Excursions

Kathmandu Urban Agglomeration is made up of 3 cities of Bhaktapur, Patan (Lalitpur) and Kathmandu itself. Bhaktapur and Patan can be said to be the sub urban areas of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur was the ancient capital of Nepal where as Patan is the citadel of the Newars. Both these towns have monuments worth visiting. You need not stay at these places, as they are just an hour drive from the Kathmandu. Following are some of the must visiting sites in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur that is also known as Patan: -

Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square that is situated in the very heart of the Patan city catches the fancy of tourists. The subtle design of this monument immediately attracts the attention of visitors. The square is scattered with number of ancient palaces, temples and shrines that are noted for their exquisiteness. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main Chowk. These Chowk have been built in different eras. The three Chowk namely the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk constitute the three entrances to the Durbar. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture; the royal bath called "Tushahity". 

Krishna Mandir
Built in the 17th century, the temple of Lord Krishna is a masterpiece of fusion architecture. This subtle mix of Indian and Nepalese architecture holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. The monument looks distinct because of its unique design. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone. 

Phulchowki
Located around 10-km southeast of Patan Phulchowki is a quite sneak out destination. Situated at a height of 2,758 meters, the place is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill, which can be reached through a motor-able road. Nevertheless the best way to go there is through hiking. 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square was the site of the ancient capital of Nepal. The traditional architecture of this place commands immediate attention. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces in its premises. Notable among these are the lion gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the golden gate and The Palace of 55 Windows. The statue of the King Bhupatindra Malla, in the act of worship, is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the various sculpture available in Nepal this is considered to be the most magnificent. 

Nyatapola Temple
Like various other monuments in Nepal, King Bhupatindra Malla built this five story Pagoda. The construction date is scribed as 1702 A.D. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures; two famous wrestlers, two Elephants, two Lions, two Griffins and "Baghini" and "Singhini" - the Tigress and the Lioness Goddesses. All these symbols represent various ruling dynasties of Nepal. This is one of the tallest Pagodas in entire south-Asia. This structure is very famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. 

Surya Vinayak
Situated in a beautiful surrounding of Bhaktapur, the temple of Ganesh is placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun. It is a good picnic spot that is flanked by many attractive landscapes. 

Changu Narayan
Situated at the end of a long ridge that runs well into the valley, it has been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 A.D and said to be the oldest temple in the valley.

Guhyeshwari Temple

Location:	In Kathmandu, near the banks of Bagmati River
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	Deities and other sculptures. Non-Hindus are not allowed to venture in the main premises

Guhyeshwari Temple is one of the holiest shrines of Hindus. It is one of the revered holy temples in Kathmandu, Nepal. Located near the Pashupatinath temple, Guhyeshwari represents the female force. 

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The legend goes by that once Parvati, Hindu goddess and wife of Shiva, was upset with something and decided to end her life. When Shiva was out for somewhere, she burnt herself to death. When lord Shiva returned he was full of remorse. It is believed that Lord Shiva wandered the world carrying the body of Sati Devi. During this process her yoni, the female sexual organ, fell at this place. A small cenotaph was build by some villagers at that place. In the due course the villagers started to worship that figure. King Pratap Malla built the present temple in the early 17th century.

The temple is built in Bhutanese Pagoda style and looks fragile. The temple is pretty ordinary in terms of architecture and does not attract. Nevertheless, the main sanctum is beautifully decorated with flower motifs. The name of the temple originates from words "Guhya" (vagina) and "Ishwari" (goddess). The temple symbolizes the harmony between male and female force of creation. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main sanctum of the temple. However you can appreciate the design from a distance.