Kathmandu is the capital city of our country Nepal. It is the largest city of Nepal which consumes over 1 million of population. Kathmandu valley lies on Hilly region. Kathmandu is centre of Nepals’ art culture, economy and history. Mostly, newari people with newari culture are find here. It has a multiethnic population within Hindu and Buddhist majority. Nepali and English is the most spoken language in this kathmandu valley region. The city of Kathmandu valley was build by King Gun Kamdev in 723 AD. Kathmandu is an open air museum of famous sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas, etc.
Ancient History
According to ancient History, It is said that Kathmandu was once a huge and deep lake name ‘Nagdaha’ which was full of snakes. The lake was cut drained by Bodhisatwa Manjusree with his sword and water was collapsed from there. He gave name Manjupattan to the city. After some time, a demon named Banasur closed the outlet and turned city again into lake. The Lord Krishna came and killed the demon Banasur and turned again the lake into city.
It is said that Kathmandu city was named after the temple of wood near Hanuman Dhoka Palace names “kastha-Mandap” was built. The temple was built out of single tree by King Laxmi Narashingha Malla.
Geography and Climate
Kathmandu is in the north-west part of Bagmati River. It covers an area of 50.7 square km. The city is bound by many municipalities. The near neighboring municipality is Bhaktapur. Kathmandu is dissected by eight rivers. The main rivers are Bagmati and Bishnumati. Kathmandu valley is in deciduous forest Zone like; oak, elm, beech, coniferous trees at higher altitude.
Kathmandu is characterize by mild climate different than other cities. In summer; June, July and August temperature ranges from 19-27 degree Celsius. However, the rainy monsoon has a average rainfall between 20-37cm. In the winter; November, December, January and Febryuary temperature falls from 15-02 degree Celsius.
Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
The best time to visit Kathmandu is on spring (March to April), and autumn (October to November). During this month temperature are very clear and temperature ranges from 20-25 degree Celsius.
Places of Interest to Visit
Durbar squares
Literally, the meaning of Durbar Squares is ‘place of palaces’. Some durbar squares situated on Kathmandu are:
- The Durbar Square of Kathmandu
- Kumari Ghar
- Hanuman Dhoka
- Kasthamandap
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu Temple of Kathmandu Valley. It was build in 14th century. It denotes the tribute of Lord Shiva. Temple has golden pagoda and silver covering sculptures. Pashupatinath covers huge area including four gates on each direction.
The temple consists of main Shiva Linga covered by yellow cloth having face on four direction and huge statue in front of temple of Nandi vehicle of Shiva. There are lots of temples around. The main festival of this temple is Maha Shivaratri.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites of Nepal of Buddhism religion. It is most visited tourist site of Nepal. Boudhanath is in northeast 11 km far away from the Kathmandu valley. It is surround around of brick wall with 147 inches. Every year the stupa attracts many Tibetan Pilgrims. Thousands of flags are hang around which increases beauty of stupa.
Swayambunath
Swayambunath is a Buddhist Holy place stock on the top of the hill. It is located in the northwest part of the city. This is also the oldest religious place of Nepal. It is rever by both Buddhist and Hindus. It is also known as the Monkey Temple.
Hotels in Kathmandu
There are several clean hotels in Kathmandu Valley to stay. some famous hotels are:
- Hotel Annapurna
- Hotel Everest
- Radisson Hotel
- Hotel Yak & Yeti
- Soalte Hotel
- Hotel Crown Plaza
Culture in Kathmandu
We mostly can observe here Newars, Buddhists and Hindus. Festival like Dashain, Tihar, Buddha Jayanti, Yamari Purney, Ghode Jatra, Makar Sankrati, etc. are celebrated. Music almost of all types are practiced here.
