Capital of Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country in Southern Asia with a total area of 1,47,181 square kilometers. Nepal is a sovereign country, officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. In this article, you will know everything about the Capital of Nepal.

Kathmandu, the Capital of Nepal, is a gorgeous city.

Nepal is primarily located in the Himalayas, but it also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Nepal is bordered on the north by Tibet (an independent Chinese region) and on the south, east, and west by India.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, lies only 27 kilometers from Nepal’s southeastern tip. The Himalayan range in Nepal runs along Nepal’s northern border with China.

Nepal’s major latitude is 28 degrees north, and its latitude is 84 degrees east.

With a population of almost 28 million people, the country is the 93rd largest by area and the 49th in terms of population. Only 0.1 percent of the earth’s surface is occupied by Nepal.

However, the height fluctuates from less than 100 meters above sea level in the lowlands to 8848.86 meters at the peak of Mount Everest.

In terms of geology, Nepal is divided into three geological belts: highland, lowland, and Midland.

Similarly, the Terai region, which spans 17 percent of the overall land area, is dwarfed by the bulkier region, which encompasses 68 percent of the total land area.

Capital of Nepal

Kathmandu is the Capital of Nepal. It is situated to the north of the Bagmati River in the Kathmandu Valley’s northwest corner.

The Himalayas surround Kathmandu, which is located in a valley. The valley was formerly known as the Nepal mandala because it elevated over 1400 meters above sea level.

The city is also the largest, with a population of roughly 1 million people and a total area of 49.45 square kilometers. Kathmandu is known as the “City of Temples” because the Kathmandu Valley has seven of the ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath are the names of the heritage sites in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is a city of architecture, ancient art, and history.

Kathmandu

Several myths and traditions surround the formation of the Valley. People believe, however, that Kathmandu was once a lake with a lotus floating on it, as described in the Swayambhu Puran.

Manjushree from Tibet then noticed a bright flame emanating from the lotus and was curious as to what it was. So, near the Chobar hill, he cut the George, and the water from the lake poured out, turning the pond into a valley.

People begin to live there after a while. The George can still be found in Chobar, around 6 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. Later, the dazzling flame from the lotus blossomed into Swayambhunath, Kathmandu’s oldest stupa.

Others, on the other hand, believe that Lord Krishna submerged a beautiful city by cutting the valley with his Sudarshan Chakra.

As a result, Kathmandu is an extraordinarily diversified medieval city with wonderful architecture, with various myths and beliefs.

Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak, is located in Nepal. Similarly, Kathmandu, the capital, serves as a gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas.

Tourism is one of Kathmandu’s key economies, ranking third among the top ten upcoming travel destinations in the world and first in Asia according to Trip Advisor.

Kathmandu attracts a large number of visitors each year due to its unique culture and legacy, as well as the city’s temperate climate, which includes pleasant summers and mild winters.

As a result, another element that draws visitors to this city is the weather.

Kathmandu is home to several museums and art galleries as well as Nepal’s art and architecture are a combination of two ancient religions, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Kathmandu, in particular, is an ancient city popular for its fine art and crafts.

People of Kathmandu

Kathmandu is well-deserving of the title of Capital of Nepal.

Kathmandu is a city that has expanded and grown rapidly in recent decades, but despite the quick pace of life, its residents are delightfully kind and welcoming to visitors.

They believe in “Aathithi deva Baba,” which translates to “guest as God.” Guests and visitors in the city are treated as God’s equals. They are there to serve you, warmly welcome you, accompany you, and assist you.

Despite being a city heavily influenced by modernization, Kathmandu maintains a culture of considering guests as equals to God.

You will notice that you are no longer a stranger as you start getting to know people in Kathmandu. People of various caste cultures, faiths, races, and social strata, nevertheless, have a feeling of humanity.

Visitors are treated with warmth, friendliness, and respect in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a secular city where people of all castes, faiths, races, cultures, and traditions coexist.

The Kathmandu Valley is Nepal’s multi-ethnic, multi-language, and multi-cultural meeting point.

People from all walks of life, as well as many castes, cultures, and religions, have flocked to Kathmandu to build a diversified society. Kathmandu’s residents, on the other hand, are Newars.

Since the early ages, Newars have been the original inhabitants of Kathmandu, but with the unification of Nepal, commanded by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, Kathmandu was designated as the country’s capital.

As a result, individuals of all castes, communities, languages, cultures, and religions gradually begin to settle in the Capital of Nepal. The Newars are Hindus or Buddhists.

Their culture and religion, however, are distinct from those of other people. Another source of Kathmandu’s top attraction is its rituals, festivals, meals, and clothes.

The Religion of People of Kathmandu

Furthermore, the Newar people of the valley continue to practice their faith and traditions with zeal, unspoiled by civilization.

They hold various Jatras in which they dress in traditional clothes and assemble people to play musical instruments, demonstrating that their culture is still alive.

Similarly, Kathmandu is a melting pot of all religions. There are people here who practice Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikkim, and Jainism, among other religions.

Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Christmas, Eid, Buddha Jayanti, and other holidays are observed here. Similarly, the principal occupations of Kathmandu residents are trade and commerce, business, and agriculture.

Kathmandu, as the country’s capital, is one of Nepal’s more developed cities. Aside from that, the valley is home to several historical landmarks. As a result, individuals are also involved in tourism.

Population of Kathmandu

The city would be expected to have a high population being the country’s capital. Because of the facilities and faculties available in Kathmandu, many people from all over the country flock there.

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. According to the 2011 census, Kathmandu has a population of around 1 million people.

As a result of the services and amenities available, Kathmandu’s population continues to rise. In 2021, Kathmandu’s metro area will have a population of 1472000 people. Over the previous year, the population climbed by 3.37 percent.

History of Kathmandu

The Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake, according to the Swayambhu Purana. A Bodhisattva named Manjushri drained the lake from Chobhar, a town south of Kathmandu. Archaeological evidence also backs up the idea that Kathmandu was once a huge lake.

Manjushri built Manju Pattan, and Dharmakara was the first king of Manju Pattan. Kathmandu’s Geographical Location.

The city has gone through numerous stages over its long history, including the ancient period, the Gopala period, the Kirata period, the Lichhavi period, and the Malla period.

Among the indigenous Newari people, Yei is the earliest name for Kathmandu. The names Yei Desh, Yala Desh, and Khwopa Desh were given to Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, respectively. There are several legends about how the city became known as Nepal.

Many people believe Nepal received its name from the Shiva Purana’s reference to a place called Naiyapala. Similarly, various things may be found in Kathmandu’s location.

Kathmandu, they believe, is the Naiyapala referenced in the Shiva Purana. Others believe the country’s name was bestowed by a sage named Ne who resided in Kathmandu. Nepal’s literal meaning is “Nepal’s home,” because Pal means “home.”

The city used to be known as Kantipur before it was given its current name. The name Kantipur is a combination of two Sanskrit names. The word ‘Kanti’ connotes beauty, whereas ‘Pur’ denotes light. Kathmandu was Asia’s eternal city of light during the Middle Ages.

Similarly, there is a lot of history of many dynasties in Nepal at the location of Kathmandu. Also, a visit to Kathmandu’s location allows one to see personally how good this city is.

The name Kathmandu was given when the Kasthamandap temple was built in Maru, Basantapur. The Kasthamandap temple was built in the seventh century. The early Lichhavi monarchs constructed the Kasthamandap. The Newar people used the word Nepal Mandala to refer to the entire Kathmandu Valley. And, of course, in Kathmandu.

Best places to see in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a well-known tourist destination with enough to see and do. From the tourist center of Thamel to the monasteries of Kapan, there are a variety of places to see. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, provides a superb opportunity for exploring. There are many things to see and do in Kathmandu, including:

Thamel

In Kathmandu, Thamel is a renowned tourist attraction. It is most renowned for its nightlife, which includes clubs that play live music and events. Aside from that, Thamel’s marketplaces and stores sell handcrafted items, hiking equipment, and colorful jewelry.

Thamel’s nightlife is active and energetic, with a range of hotels, resorts, and clubs. Similarly, because Kathmandu is the beginning point for all tours and travel in Nepal, a visit to the city can add value to your trip.

Garden of dreams

Another renowned tourist attraction in Kathmandu is the Garden of Dreams. It’s a garden in Kathmandu’s Thamel area, as the name suggests. It’s both a relaxing garden and a garden amid the city.

The Garden of Dreams is a place where one can find calm even amid a crowd. It’s a peaceful haven with a wide variety of flora and fauna from around the world.

Furthermore, because Kathmandu is the beginning point for all tours and travel in Nepal, a visit to the location might add value to your journey.

Narayanhti Palace

One of the palaces in Kathmandu has a long history and bears considerable significance in Hindu mythology. Similarly, Kathmandu’s Narayanhiti Palace is a popular tourist destination. It is a Kathmandu public museum located near Thamel.

In 1963, King Mahendra combined the terms Narayan, which means Lord Vishnu, and hit, which means water sprout, to form this Palace. The palace was converted into a museum in 2008. Previously, the palace housed the king and the Kingdom of Nepal, as well as hosted a variety of events.

Kapan Monastery

Other heritage sites, in addition to Kathmandu’s UNESCO-listed site, are as beautiful and valuable. The Kapan monastery is one of them. It is a Buddhist monastery with Tibetan cultural influences. Thousands of people come to this monastery every year to meditate and practice Buddhism.

The monastery of Kapan is not distant from Boudhanath’s stupa. Importantly, because Kathmandu is the starting point for all tours and travel in Nepal, a visit to this location might add value to your journey.

Taudaha Lake

Taudaha is a tiny lake on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Taudha is a combination of the Newark words ‘Ta’ for snake and ‘Daha’ for the lake. A tale surrounds the lake: it is stated that Manjushree hacked down a hill near Chobar, allowing the lake’s water to drain and making the lake appear smaller in shape.

As a result of the lake’s drainage, the undersea lake Taudaha was created to host several mythological half-human, half-serpent creatures. As a result, Taudaha is an excellent tourist destination in Kathmandu.

Importantly, because Kathmandu is the starting point for all tours and travel in Nepal, a visit to this location might add value to your journey.

Pharping

Pharping is a small Newari town in Kathmandu. The village is located 23 kilometers south of the Bagmati river on the valley’s southern boundary. The Dakshinkali temple, located approximately 1km south of town, is one of the village’s many monasteries and caverns.

It is Nepal’s oldest hydroelectric power station, and it is now a living museum. Most significantly, because Kathmandu is the beginning point for all tours and travel in Nepal, a visit to the location can add value to your journey.

Activities to do in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, as the country’s capital, offers a variety of short and long-term activities. Whether it’s taking a stroll around the ancient quarters or embarking on an excursion to discover Nepal’s highlands, Kathmandu offers guests a variety of enjoyable experiences. Some of the activities are available in the Capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, include:

Walk Over to the old city

Kathmandu is a city steeped in history, art, and architecture. Kathmandu’s cities are a reflection of ancient art and sculpture. You can see ancient structures, temples, and residences built in ancient designs in Kathmandu’s old cities, such as Asan and Indra Chowk.

Shopping hangouts in Thamel

Kathmandu’s tourism area in Thamel. Thamel is a popular tourist destination in Kathmandu. Thamel offers tourists the opportunity to go shopping and stroll through the streets.

Thamel is mostly known for its handcrafted Nepalese equipment, clothing, and other mementos of your visit to Nepal. Furthermore, Thamel is a great place to visit in the evening because the night is filled with music, concerts, and live acts.

Visit Heritage Site

Four of the UNESCO-listed heritage sites are located in Kathmandu. Consequently, you can visit Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple, Boudhanath, the oldest stupa Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of Kathmandu during your days in Kathmandu.

Visit Patan and Bhaktapur the neighboring district of Kathmandu

The surrounding districts of Bhaktapur and Patan, in addition to Kathmandu, have a lot to offer travelers. Patan Durbar Square in Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Bhaktapur are both worth seeing. These two sites have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You can also stroll around Khokana and Bungamati in Lalitpur’s Durbar Plaza. Visit the Changunarayan temple in Bhaktapur, which is also a heritage monument.

Mountain Flight

The mountain flight, which offers a breathtaking perspective of the world’s tallest peak, Everest, is one of the most popular climbing activities available from Kathmandu.

This flight will take you past Gaurishankar, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and several other peaks in addition to Everest. As a result, the one-hour trip to the mountain will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to see the stunning 800m peaks.

Language of Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the Capital of Nepal, is a city with a vast collection of art and sculptures. Aside from culture, tradition, and religion, Kathmandu has a bilingual language. Regardless of its multilingual status, Kathmandu’s official language is Nepali. Newars, on the other hand, make up the majority of Kathmandu’s population.

As a result, Newari is one of Kathmandu’s most widely spoken languages. Newari is an ancient Kathmandu language, as Kathmandu was inherited by Malla rulers before Nepal’s unification.

Hiking places around Kathmandu

Kathmandu is also known for its short hikes, in addition to its heritage and religious attractions. Despite being a bustling and hectic city, Kathmandu has several trekking spots that provide tranquil hiking in nature.

Shivapuri National Park hiking

In Kathmandu, there is a national park where you can walk or take public transportation. Shiva Puri is 10 kilometers from Kathmandu and takes about 5 hours to trek. This location, at an elevation of 2650 meters, offers a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks as well as natural landscapes.

During their journey to the national park, hikers can also visit Budhanilkantha temple and Nagi Gomoa. Several species of flora and wildlife can also be found here.

Amitabha Monastery Hike

In the local language, the monastery is known as “Seto Gumba,” meaning “white monastery.” The monster is carved out of white stone and symbolizes Buddha’s life and Buddhism.

The gumba is 1500 meters above sea level and takes around three and a half hours to walk to. The Gumba is 15 kilometers from Swayambhunath and offers a spectacular view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Aside from that, the Gunpa is well-known for its therapeutic clay figurines.

Champadevi Hike

The Champadevi Hike takes you to a lovely hilltop in Kathmandu at a height of 2200 meters. It is a pure nature stroll located in Kathmandu’s Kirtipur district.

It is the ideal place to see the Kathmandu Valley as well as the Himalayan peaks like Ganesh, Annapurna, Langtang, and others.

The viewpoint also offers views of Phulchoki hill to the right and Chandragiri hill to the left. The hike is shorter and takes roughly 5 hours with Vincent.

Chandragiri Hike

Chandragiri is a hill in Kathmandu with the greatest elevation. Mathatirtha, a Hindu temple, is the starting point. The hill of Chandragiri, at a height of 2729m, may be reached after an hour’s walk through the forest. The hike is designed for individuals who only have a day to hike and wish to see Nepal’s sceneries.

The hill offers a spectacular perspective of the valley and the Himalayas. The hike also allows you to see a variety of bird species and natural plants.

Heritage Site in Kathmandu

Kathmandu’s art, architecture, and history are well-known around the world. Kathmandu, the Capital of Nepal, is home to four of the country’s ten UNESCO-listed cultural heritage monuments.

The Kathmandu valley, on the other hand, has seven out of ten UNESCO-listed cultural heritage monuments, with four in Kathmandu, two in Bhaktapur, and one in Patan. The following is a list of Kathmandu’s four heritage sites:

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 5 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Lord Shiva is honored in this Hindu temple.

Temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions can all be found here. Pashupatinath is one of the four most prominent Hindu sacred sites in Asia for Shiva devotees.

It was constructed in the fifth century and then rebuilt by Mallas. The main temple is only open to Hindus.

The art and architectural design used to construct the surrounding temple will astound non-Hindus. Its art and architecture are reminiscent of the past. Thousands of Hindu worshippers go from all over the world to visit this temple each year.

Boudhanath

Boudhanath stupa is 11 kilometers from Kathmandu’s center and northeastern outskirts. In Kathmandu, there is another UNESCO world heritage site.

The stupa is 36 meters tall and is designed in the Mandala style. Because of the tremendous cultural impact of Tibet, Boudhanath is often known as the ‘little Tibet.’

Boudhanath’s surrounding surroundings exude Tibetan traditions. Similarly, Buddhism has a strong presence in several shops, stores, restaurants, and monasteries.

Swayambhunath

The Monkey Temple is also known as Swayambhunath. Swayambhunath, located on a hilltop, is one of Kathmandu’s oldest historical attractions, dating back over 25000 years. On bright sunny days, glimpses of the snow-capped mountains as well as spectacular panoramic views of Kathmandu city can be seen.

It is one of the oldest ancient stupas that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is known as the monkey temple because it is located at the top of a hill with a lush forest below and several monkey houses nearby.

The stupa also contains distinctive elements, such as Lord Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on it. The stupas are located in a clean, fresh, and natural setting.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Since the 16th century, Kathmandu Durbar Square has been a center of rich Nepali culture and history. Surrounded by fountains, old statues, little ponds, and a series of courtyards, this location is rich in history.

It is one of the easiest destinations to visit because it is located in the heart of the Capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. Apart from international tourists, Kathmandu Durbar Square is well-known among locals, especially in the evenings.

Within the Durbar Square complex, there is a former Royal palace known as “Hanuman Dhoka.” It was from here that the Malla King controlled Kathmandu.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square allows visitors to see Nepali art, architecture, and sculptures, as well as the neighboring pagoda-style temples.

Another popular attraction in Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kasthamandap, a temple made entirely of wood from a single tree. In addition, you will see the temple of Kumari, Nepal’s sole living goddess.

Conclusion:

As a result, Kathmandu, the Capital of Nepal, is one of the country’s historically and culturally significant cities.

Various ancient palaces, Durbar Square, monuments, Stupas, temples, and monasteries may be found in the country’s capital. Various ethnic groups live in the city, each having its language, religion, and culture.

With a population of over 1 million people, Kathmandu is one of Nepal’s most populous cities. Nepalese people come from all around the country to live here.

The city has grown to become the most important commercial and business center in the country. In terms of development, Kathmandu is quickly expanding.