Kathmandu, known as a city of temples is the capital city of Nepal which is set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. It lies at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level. It was founded in 723 by Raja Gunakamadeva. Its early name was Manju-Patan; the present name refers to a wooden temple
(kath, “wood”; mandir, “temple” or “edifice”) said to have been built from the wood of a single tree by Raja Lachmina Singh in 1596. A building, supposedly the original, still stands in the central square and is used for the accommodation of sadhus (holy men). Kathmandu served as the seat of the ruling Shah family of the Gurkha people from 1768 to 2008. At the heart of the old city’s maze-like alleys is Durbar Square, which becomes frenetic during Indra Jatra, a religious festival featuring masked dances and chariots. Many of the city’s historic sites were damaged or destroyed by a 2015 earthquake and historical monuments such as Durbar Square’s palace, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandap, a wooden Hindu temple, are being rebuilt now. Kathmandu holds seven UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Kathmandu is home to the ethnic tribe called the Newars who are merchants and farmers. In the 1970s the construction of new roads and the expansion of air service were centred upon Kathmandu, making it the hub of the national transportation system, which for centuries was limited to footpaths
Kathmandu is also a gateway to tourism in Nepal as many cultural tours and street food tours can be done by travelers before heading for trekking and other outdoor adventures. The city is served by the Tribhuvan International Airport, which is the first international airport followed by the Pokhara International Airport and Lumbini International Airport which have been in operation since 2022/23. Yet, Tribhuvan International Airport has direct flights to many cities around the world.
The main language spoken in Kathmandu is Nepali which is an official language followed by the Newari (Nepal Bhasa). Being a tourist hub, people here also speak the English language.
While exploring Kathmandu, don’t forget to try Newari cuisine. Newari cuisine has so many varieties and will burst your taste buds with unique and special tastes. Food such as mo: mo (Nepalese dumpling), Yomari, Bara, Chatamari, Selroti, Chhoila, Sapu mhicha, Samaybajhi etc with local drinks Ayla and Chhyang is a must try dishes.
