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Kathmandu is the arrival point for most of the visitors in Nepal. This small
mountain sheltered valley is the historic center and the Capital of Nepal. This is the
place where kingdoms rose and fell, palaces and temples are built and rebuilt, art and
cultures are refined and protected. Kathmandu city is the largest in Nepal and is
surrounded by green hills all over. Scattered around the valley are hundreds of temples
and shrines, traditional villages and agriculture scenes of timeless beauty. You can see
all these places by taxi, cycle, bus and by foot.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
History
The Newars are regarded as the original inhabitants of this majestic valley, but their
origins are shrouded in mystery. They speak Newari language and their physical features
range from distinctively Mongoloid. Kathmandu Valley has long been a cultural and racial
melting pot with people coming from both east and west. This fusion has resulted in the
unique Newari culture that is responsible for the valley's superb art and architecture.
Kathmandu was once run and ruled by Malla Kings during 1600s and 1700s. The unification of
Nepal in 1768 by Gorkhas King Prithivi Narayan Shah singled the end of the Kathmandu
Valleys fragmentation. Nepali language spoken by the Khas of western Nepal, replaced
Newari as the country's language of administration.
Geography
Surrounded by the green hills, Kathmandu Valley is about 25 km from east to west and 20km
from north to south. It lies at the height of 1300m. You can see Kathmandu Valley clearly
while you are fly in. This valley is specially known for growing rice corn, wheat and
vegetables. However, nowadays this valley is increasingly dependent on imported food and
fuels. All the rivers drain towards the center of the valley and join the Bagmati river.
Geologist have confirmed ancient myths that claim the valley once lay under water.
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 its sunny and warm
between mid-morning and afternoon. In April things start to heat up and there are often
storm in the afternoon.
People
Still today, Newars form the largest single group in the valley as well as in smaller
towns and villages. Bahuns, Tamangs and Chettris live on the surrounding hills. People
living in Kathmandu Valley are mostly Hindus and Buddhist and they are very much related
to each others religion. People living here speak Newari and Nepali mostly.
Religion
In Kathmandu Valley majority of people are Hindu and fall under a caste system, although
there are still second majority of Buddhists. This valley is full of temples, shrines and
stupas where both Buddhists and Hindus go for their regular praying. Nepal is the only
country where people worship Gods of all religion.
| Temples and
Palaces in Kathmandu |
| In Durbar Square |
| Kasthamandap |
House of wood which gave Kathmandu its name. |
| Ashok Binayak |
One of the four most important Ganesh Shrine |
| Shiva Temple |
Near the kasthamandap |
| Maju Deval |
Temple known as shiva lingam |
| Narayan Temple |
Identified as temple of Vishnu |
| Shiva-Parvati Temple |
Images Shiva & Parvati look out from the window |
| Kumari Bahal |
House of the Living Goddess |
| Gaddi Baithak |
European style building built during the Rana period |
| Bhagwati Temple |
Triple roofed temple next to the Gaddi Baithak |
| Great Bell |
To drive off evil spirits |
| Stone Vishnu Temple |
Next to the bell is a small stone statue |
| Saraswati Temple |
Temple of the Goddess of knowledge |
| Krishna Temple |
Lord Krishna's temple and two goddesses |
| King Pratap Mallas Column |
Huge platform with stone pillars |
| Sweta Bhairab |
Can be seen only during the Indra Jatra |
| Jagannath Temple |
Built during 1563 |
| Kal Bhairab |
image of Black Bhairab with six arms |
| Indrapur Temple |
Temple of great antiquity |
| Vishnu Temple |
Tripled roofed temple stands on a four-level base |
| Kakeshwar Temple |
Temple built in 1681 with Indian shikhara style |
| Stone Inscription |
Stone inscription written in 15 different languages |
| Kotilingeshwar Temple |
A square structure topped by a dome |
| Mahavishnu Temple |
Golden spire on the roof, topped by a golden umbrella |
| Mahendreswar Temple |
Temple restored in 1963 and is dedicated to Shiva |
| Taleju Temple |
The squares most magnificent temple |
Hanumandhoka
Hanumans statue marks the entrance or dhoka to Kathmandu's old Royal Palace and has given
the palace its name. The place was originally founded during Licchavi period , but as it
stands today of it was constructed by King Pratap Malla and his Queen.
Nasal Chowk
Nasal Chowk means dancing one and the courtyard takes its name from a small figure of
dancing Shiva. Inside the nasal chowk, there is a large statue of Narshigha, The
Kabindrapur Temple, Pancha Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Basantapur Tower, Mul Chowk, Degutaleju
Temple, Mohan Chowk and Rana museum.
| Nara Devi Temple |
Temple which gave the street its name |
| Ganesh Shrine |
Brass Ganesh Shrine in Indrachowk |
| Shiva Temple |
Smaller version of Patan Krishna Mandir |
| Sweta Macchendra Temple |
Temple attracts both Hindus and Buddhists |
| Lunchun Lunbun Ajima |
Tantric Temple |
| Krishna Temple |
Temple jammed between buildings in Ason Tole |
| Annapurna Temple |
Dedicated to the goddess of abundance |
| Ugratara Temple |
A prayer at the shrine said to work wonders for the eyes |
| Ikha Narayan Temple |
Temple with four armed Vishnu figure |
| Kathesimbhu Stupa |
South of Thahiti Tole |
| Jaisi Deval Temple |
Shiva Temple, as shown by the bull on the first few steps |
| Ram Chandra Mandir |
This temple is notable for the tiny erotic scenes on its roof |
| Adko Narayan Temple |
One of the four most popular Vishnu Temple |
| Kalmochan Temple |
On the side of Bagmati River, known as kalmochan Temple |
| Tripureshwar Mahadev |
Along the footpath of Tripureshwar |
| Tindeval Temple |
It is recognized by its three shikaras |
| Pachali Bhairab |
The image of Pachali surrounded by tridents |
| Nava Durga Temple |
A small two storey pagoda |
| Mahankala Temple |
The Temple of Great Death |
Swoyambhu Stupa
Swoyambhu, the Buddhist temple is situated on the top of a hill west of the city, is
one of the popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is also known
as the monkey temple after the large tribe of monkeys which guards the hill. Although you
can get to the temple by vehicle, and save yourself is by far the best way of approaching
Swoyambhu. This huge stupa is surrounded by other famous temples and gompas. The great
thunderbolt which is known as vajra is on the edge of the stupa was built during the Malla
kings period. On the top of the stupa is a gold-colored square block from which the
watchful eyes of the Buddha gaze out across the valley in each direction. The question
mark-like nose is actually the Nepali number ek or one is a symbol of unity.
Pashupati Nath
Pashupati Temple is is one of the most important and world renowned Hindu
temple stand on the banks of Bagmati River , between the airport and Boudha. This Shiva
temple on the subcontinent draws numerous devotees, sadhus and holy men from all around
the world. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer and creator of the Hindu religion and
appears on many forms. Although Shiva is often bloodthirsty god, no animal sacrifices are
made here. Outside the temple you will see numerous people selling flowers, incense and
other offering materials. In-front of the temple there is a bull known as Nandi facing
towards the temple. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple and you are not allowed to
take photographs of the Lord shiva inside the temple. Bagmati River Bank on the side of
Pashupati, is also a popular place for cremation. Normally you see visitors taking videos
and photographs around this place. Just beside this temple lies Guheyeshwari temple where
you will seen Hindus removing their shoes before entering.
Boudha
Just north of the airport and an interesting walk from Pashupati, is the huge stupa of
Bouda and is one of the largest stupa in the world. This place is mostly surrounded by
Tibetan Buddhists. Prayer services are held in the surrounding gompas and as the sun goes
down the community turns out to walk around the stupa. You should always circle around the
stupa in a clockwise direction. While entering the surrounding gompas, do not forget to
remove your shoes and get permission before taking photos. Make sure that you do not step
over the monks cushions. Enter quietly and stand by the main entrance during the
ceremonies. These gompas are decorated with impressive mural paintings and thankas. The
wheel of life is represented in the porch of every gompa. Listed here are the name of the
gompas surrounding Boudha.
Sakyapa Gompa
Chinya-Lama Gompa
Nyingmapa Gompa
Kargyupa Gompa
Gelugpa Gompa
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