Holiday Destination: Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and, with more than one million inhabitants, the largest metropolitan city of Nepal. The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 mt in the bowl shaped valley in central Nepal surrounded by four major mountains Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri. Kathmandu valley is part of three districts, Kathmandu District, Lalitpur District and Bhaktapur District, with the highest population density in the country and accounting for about 1-12 of its population. These three districts contain 2.5 million people, as of the 2011 census. Historically, only the Kathmandu Valley was referred to as Nepal by people who lived outside the valley. After the annexation of the valley by the Gorkha kingdom, and subsequent conversion of the valley as the capital of their empire, this designation of Nepal was extended to every land they conquered. The valley itself was referred to as Nepal Proper by the contemporary British historians. Today Kathmandu is not only the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal but also the headquarters of the Central Region among the five development regions constituted by the 14 administrative zones of Nepal located at the central part of the country. The Central region has three zones Bagmati, Narayani and Janakpur. Kathmandu is located in the Bagmati Zone.

Climate

Summer 10.1 °C (50.2 °F), Winter 3 °C (37 °F)

Tourist Season

September to November is the best for visiting Kathmandu.

Accommodation

Hotels and Apartments.

General Information Of Kathmandu

• Land Area: 19.56 sq mi (50.67 km2)
• Population: 10 Lakh.
• Capital City: Bagmati.
• Language: Nepali, Hindi and English.

Tourist Attraction in or Near by Kathmandu

Thimi

Thimi lies about 10km. east of Kathmandu near Bhaktapur. It is well known for pottery, making of masks and as a vegetable growing area for Kathmandu so that this place is also known as kitchen garden of Kathmanduites. The city is located in the center of Kathmandu Valley. It is famous for its pottery and cultural programs like Bisket jatra, Gai jatra and other dancing jatra. The main deity in town is the Goddess Balkumari. It attracts tourists by its enchanting culture of the farmer community.

Changu Narayan

The ancient temple of Changu Narayana is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple is surrounded by forest with champak tree and a small village, known as Changu Village. The temple is located in Changu VDC of Bhaktapur District, Nepal. The Manahara River flows beside the hill. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Visnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered as the oldest temple in Nepal. It exhibits the development of Newari religious architecture. History of Changu Narayan The temple is full of magnificent art works in metal and wood. In fact, it is one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the reign of the Licchavi King Mandeva dating back to 464 A.D. shows that Changu had already been established as a sacred site in the 3rd century A.D. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century, through older elements have been incorporated during the restorations.

Sankhu

Sankhu is a village development committee in Kathmandu District in the Bagmati Zone of central Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 2097 living in 353 individual households. This place is also known as the Eighty Siddhas as there are four of five caves where the siddhas of India are said to have stayed. One of the caves is also said to have been the practice cave of Nagarjuna, and an image of the great master which was originally in the cave has been taken outside and placed some distance away. On the hill behind there is a courtyard in the centre of which is a basin containing the Water of the Kalpa which never dries up. In the building immediately to the left of the stairs, there is also an eternal fire or Fire of the Kalpa.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a village and Village Development Committee located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. At an elevation of 2,195 meters, it is considered one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur District. It is renowned for its sunrise view of the Himalaya including Mount Everest as well as other snow capped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. Treks from Nagarkot are unique and delightful. For anyone who wants to have an adventure without exerting much efforts, a hike to Nagarkot's surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of verdant forests, flower covered meadows and unusual rock formations.

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is the administrative centre of Kavrepalanchok District, Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census. Dhulikhel lies along the B.P. Highway and Arniko Highway. Arniko Highway connects Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city with Tibet's border town of Kodari. Dhulikhel is located at the Eastern rim of Kathmandu Valley, south of the Himalayas at 1550m above sea level and is situated 30 km southeast of Kathmandu and 74 km southwest of Kodari. The people in the village are Newars, Brahmin, Chhettri, Tamang and Dalit. Drinking water in Dhulikhel is one of the best water in Nepal. It was made with the Help of the German NGO, German Technical Cooperation.

Namo Buddha

Namo Buddha or Takmo Lüjin is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Nepal, and one of the three main stupas of the Kathmandu valley. Situated about 40 km to the south east of Kathmandu city, the stupa built on the bones and hair of prince Mahasattva, stands on the slopes of the Gandha Malla hill. According to the Jatakas and several sutras, Mahasattva was one of Buddha Shakyamuni's former incarnations. He was the youngest of the three sons of king Maharatha. One day as the three brothers were walking through the forest, they saw a tigress with the five cubs she had given birth to. She was so hungry she could hardly move. The three princes went away, but Mahasattva decided to go back and started to cut his flesh to give it to the tigress to eat. When his brothers went to look for him they found only his bones and hair. The stupa was built on top of these remains.

Kakani

Kakani is a settlement in the Nuwakot District of the Bagmati Zone in central Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census, the Kakani village development committee administered a population of 7816 living in 1343 individual households. As one of the most accessible settlements from Kathmandu over 2000 meters, this hill station hosts a British Gurkhas welfare bungalow and a number of hotels. The village is also home to a memorial park to the victims of Thai Airways International Flight 311.

Kirtipur

Kirtipur is an ancient city in Nepal. It is located in Kathmandu District of Bagmati Zone 5 km south west of the Kathmandu. It is one of the five municipalities of the Kathmandu Valley. Kirtipur is a small town located eight kilometers south west of Kathmandu on the top of a ridge. Tribhuvan University sits at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer including ancient shrines, temple, old style houses, and villagers dressed costumes and weaving on hand looms.

Chobhar

Chobhar is a village development committee in Kathmandu District in the Bagmati Zone of central Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 5,627 and had 1,109 households in it. Chobhar is known for the nearby Chobhar Gorge where there are the Chobhar caves. There is also a temple, Adinath Lokeshwar, that is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. On a hilltop, there is a small pagoda dedicated to Adinath. From this point one has a superb view of snow clad mountain peaks. Chobhar is located eight kilometers south west of Kathmandu.

Pharping Daskhinkali

Pharping has a shrine of Shesh Narayan which is richly endowed with art . The picturesque shrine stands beneath a rock cliff beside many fish ponds. The famous temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers from Pharping. Every Tuesday and Saturday, pilgrims congregate at the temple to sacrifice animals and worship the goddess Kali.

Accessibility

Bus Terminal in or Near by

Sorhakhutte Bus Stop

Gongabu
Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal

Maitidevi Micro Bus Station

Dilli Bazaar Rd
Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal

New Road Bus Stop

Kantipath Road
Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal

Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport: For International flights.