Как пишется катманду

Kathmandu काठमाडौँ (Nepali) 𑐫𑐾𑑃 𑐡𑐾𑐫𑑂‎ / येँ देय् (Newar) Kantipur, Nepal Mandala, Yen
Capital city
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Clockwise from top: Kathmandu Skyline, Tundikhel, Pashupatinath Temple, Ghantaghar
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  Nepali: सांस्कृतिक सहर, काठमाडौं महानगर, lit. ‘Cultural City, Kathmandu Metropolitan City’
Kathmandu Kathmandu Kathmandu
Coordinates: 27°43′02″N 85°19′26″E / 27.7172°N 85.3240°ECoordinates: 27°43′02″N 85°19′26″E / 27.7172°N 85.3240°E
Country	Nepal
Province	Bagmati Province
District	Kathmandu
Founded by	Manjushri
No. of Wards	32
Government
• Type	Mayor–council government
• Body	Kathmandu Metropolitan Government
• Mayor	Balendra Shah (Ind.)
• Deputy mayor	Sunita Dangol (UML)
• Executive Officer	Basanta Adhikari [1]
Area
• Capital city	49.45 km2 (19.09 sq mi)
• Metro	899 km2 (347 sq mi)
Elevation	1,400 m (4,600 ft)
Population  (2021)[2]
• Capital city	845,767
• Rank	1st
• Density	17,103/km2 (44,300/sq mi)
• Metro	2.9 million
• Metro rank	1st
Time zone	UTC+05:45 (Nepal Standard Time)
Postal Code	446088
Area code	01
Website	www.kathmandu.gov.np

Kathmandu,^[a] officially Kathmandu Metropolitan City,^[b] is the capital and most populous city of Nepal with 845,767 inhabitants living in 105,649 households in 2021^[2] and 2.9 million people in its urban agglomeration. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, a large valley in the high plateaus in central Nepal, at an altitude of 1,400 metres (4,600 feet).

The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, founded in the 2nd century CE. The valley was historically called the «Nepal Mandala» and has been the home of the Newar people, a cosmopolitan urban civilization in the Himalayan foothills. The city was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal and hosts palaces, mansions and gardens built by the Nepali aristocracy. It has been home to the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since 1985. Today, it is the seat of government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, established in 2008, and is part of Bagmati Province.

Kathmandu is and has been for many years the centre of Nepal’s history, art, culture, and economy. It has a multi-ethnic population within a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Tourism is an important part of the economy in the city. In 2013, Kathmandu was ranked third among the top ten upcoming travel destinations in the world by TripAdvisor, and ranked first in Asia. The city is considered the gateway to the Nepal Himalayas and is home to several World Heritage Sites: the Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Kathmandu valley is growing at 4 percent per year according to the World Bank in 2010, making it one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in South Asia, and the first region in Nepal to face the unprecedented challenges of rapid urbanization and modernization at a metropolitan scale.^[4] It is the largest metropolitan area located in the Himalayas.

Etymology[edit]

The indigenous Nepal Bhasa term for Kathmandu is Yen. The Nepali name Kathmandu comes from Kasthamandap, which stood in Durbar Square, was completely destroyed by the earthquake of April 2015, but has since been reconstructed. In Sanskrit, Kāṣṭha (Sanskrit: काष्ठ) means «wood» and Maṇḍapa (Sanskrit: मण्डप) means «pavilion». This public pavilion, also known as Maru Satta in Newari, was rebuilt in 1596 by Biseth in the period of King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. The three-storey structure was made entirely of wood and used no iron nails nor supports. According to legends, all the timber used to build the pagoda was obtained from a single tree.^[5] The structure collapsed during a major earthquake in April 2015.

The colophons of ancient manuscripts, dated as late as the 20th century, refer to Kathmandu as Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap Mahānagar in Nepal Mandala. Mahānagar means «great city». The city is called Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap in a vow that Buddhist priests still recite to this day. Thus, Kathmandu is also known as Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap. During medieval times, the city was sometimes called Kāntipur (Sanskrit: कान्तिपुर). This name is derived from two Sanskrit words – Kānti and Pur. Kānti is a word that stands for «beauty» and is mostly associated with light and Pur means place, thus giving it the meaning, «City of light».

Among the indigenous Newar people, Kathmandu is known as Yeṃ Dey (Newar: येँ देय्), and Patan and Bhaktapur are known as Yala Dey (Newar: यल देय्) and Khwopa Dey (Newar: ख्वप देय्) respectively.^[6] «Yen» is the shorter form of Yambu (Newar: यम्बु), which originally referred to the northern half of Kathmandu. The older northern settlements were referred to as Yambi while the southern settlement was known as Yangala.^[7][8]

The spelling «Katmandu» was often used in older English-language text. More recently, however, the spelling «Kathmandu» has become more common in English.^[9]

History[edit]

Archaeological excavations in parts of Kathmandu have found evidence of ancient civilizations. The oldest of these findings is a statue, found in Maligaon, that was dated at 185 AD.^[10] The excavation of Dhando Chaitya uncovered a brick with an inscription in Brahmi script. Archaeologists believe it is two thousand years old.^[10] Stone inscriptions are a ubiquitous element at heritage sites and are key sources for the history of Nepal.

The earliest Western reference to Kathmandu appears in an account of Portuguese Jesuit Father Joao Cabral who passed through the Kathmandu Valley in the spring of 1628^[11] and was received graciously by the king of that time, probably King Lakshminarasimha Malla of Kathmandu on their way from Tibet to India.^[12] Father Cabral reported that they reached «Cadmendu», the capital of Nepal kingdom.^[13]

Ancient history[edit]

The ancient history of Kathmandu is described in its traditional myths and legends. According to Swayambhu Purana, present-day Kathmandu was once a huge and deep lake named «Nagdaha», as it was full of snakes. The lake was cut drained by Bodhisatwa Manjushree with his sword, and the water was evacuated out from there. He then established a city called Manjupattan, and made Dharmakar the ruler of the valley land. After some time, a demon named Banasur closed the outlet, and the valley again turned into a lake. Then Lord Krishna came to Nepal, killed Banasur, and again drained out the water by Cutting the edge of Chobhar hill with this Sudharshan Chakra. He brought some Gopals along with him and made Bhuktaman the king of Nepal.^[14][15][16]

Kotirudra Samhita of Shiva Purana, Chapter 11, Shloka 18 refers to the place as Nayapala city, which was famous for its Pashupati Shivalinga. The name Nepal probably originates from this city Nayapala.

Very few historical records exists of the period before medieval Licchavi rulers. According to Gopalraj Vansawali, a genealogy of Nepali monarchy, the rulers of Kathmandu Valley before the Licchavis were Gopalas, Mahispalas, Aabhirs, Kiratas, and Somavanshi.^[16][17] The Kirata dynasty was established by Yalamber. During the Kirata era, a settlement called Yambu existed in the northern half of old Kathmandu. In some of the Sino-Tibetan languages, Kathmandu is still called Yambu. Another smaller settlement called Yengal was present in the southern half of old Kathmandu, near Manjupattan. During the reign of the seventh Kirata ruler, Jitedasti, Buddhist monks entered Kathmandu valley and established a forest monastery at Sankhu.

Licchavi era[edit]

The Licchavis from the Indo-Gangetic plain migrated north and defeated the Kirats, establishing the Licchavi dynasty, circa 400 AD. During this era, following the genocide of Shakyas in Lumbini by Virudhaka, the survivors migrated north and entered the forest monastery lora masquerading as Koliyas. From Sankhu, they migrated to Yambu and Yengal (Lanjagwal and Manjupattan) and established the first permanent Buddhist monasteries of Kathmandu. This created the basis of Newar Buddhism, which is the only surviving Sanskrit-based Buddhist tradition in the world.^[19] With their migration, Yambu was called Koligram and Yengal was called Dakshin Koligram^[20] during most of the Licchavi era.^[21]

Eventually, the Licchavi ruler Gunakamadeva merged Koligram and Dakshin Koligram, founding the city of Kathmandu.^[21] The city was designed in the shape of Chandrahrasa, the sword of Manjushri. The city was surrounded by eight barracks guarded by Ajimas. One of these barracks is still in use at Bhadrakali (in front of Singha Durbar). The city served as an important transit point in the trade between India and Tibet, leading to tremendous growth in architecture. Descriptions of buildings such as Managriha, Kailaskut Bhawan, and Bhadradiwas Bhawan have been found in the surviving journals of travellers and monks who lived during this era. For example, the famous 7th-century Chinese traveller Xuanzang described Kailaskut Bhawan, the palace of the Licchavi king Amshuverma.^[22] The trade route also led to cultural exchange as well. The artistry of the Newar people—the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley—became highly sought after during this era, both within the Valley and throughout the greater Himalayas. Newar artists travelled extensively throughout Asia, creating religious art for their neighbours. For example, Araniko led a group of his compatriot artists through Tibet and China. Bhrikuti, the princess of Nepal who married Tibetan monarch Songtsän Gampo, was instrumental in introducing Buddhism to Tibet.

Malla era[edit]

The Licchavi era was followed by the Malla era. Rulers from Tirhut, upon being attacked by the Delhi Sultanate, fled north to the Kathmandu valley. They intermarried with Nepali royalty, and this led to the Malla era. The early years of the Malla era were turbulent, with raids and attacks from Khas and Turk Muslims. There was also a devastating earthquake which claimed the lives of a third of Kathmandu’s population, including the king Abhaya Malla. These disasters led to the destruction of most of the architecture of the Licchavi era (such as Mangriha and Kailashkut Bhawan), and the loss of literature collected in various monasteries within the city. Despite the initial hardships, Kathmandu rose to prominence again and, during most of the Malla era, dominated the trade between India and Tibet. Nepali currency became the standard currency in trans-Himalayan trade.

During the later part of the Malla era, Kathmandu Valley comprised four fortified cities: Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur. These served as the capitals of the Malla confederation of Nepal. These states competed with each other in the arts, architecture, esthetics, and trade, resulting in tremendous development. The kings of this period directly influenced or involved themselves in the construction of public buildings, squares, and temples, as well as the development of waterspouts, the institutionalisation of trusts (called guthis), the codification of laws, the writing of dramas, and the performance of plays in city squares. Evidence of an influx of ideas from India, Tibet, China, Persia, and Europe among other places can be found in a stone inscription from the time of king Pratap Malla. Books have been found from this era that describe their tantric tradition (e.g. Tantrakhyan), medicine (e.g. Haramekhala), religion (e.g. Mooldevshashidev), law, morals, and history. Amarkosh, a Sanskrit-Nepal Bhasa dictionary from 1381 AD, was also found. Architecturally notable buildings from this era include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the former durbar of Kirtipur, Nyatapola, Kumbheshwar, the Krishna temple, and others.

Medieval era[edit]

Early Shah rule[edit]

The Gorkha Kingdom ended the Malla confederation after the Battle of Kathmandu in 1768. This marked the beginning of the modern era in Kathmandu. The Battle of Kirtipur was the start of the Gorkha conquest of the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu was adopted as the capital of the Gorkha empire, and the empire itself was dubbed Nepal. During the early part of this era, Kathmandu maintained its distinctive culture. Buildings with characteristic Nepali architecture, such as the nine-story tower of Basantapur, were built during this era. However, trade declined because of continual war with neighbouring nations. Bhimsen Thapa supported France against Great Britain; this led to the development of modern military structures, such as modern barracks in Kathmandu. The nine-storey tower Dharahara was originally built during this era.

Rana rule[edit]

Rana rule over Nepal started with the Kot massacre of 1846, which occurred near Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. During this massacre, most of Nepal’s high-ranking officials were massacred by Jung Bahadur Rana and his supporters. Another massacre, the Bhandarkhal Massacre, was also conducted by Kunwar and his supporters in Kathmandu. During the Rana regime, Kathmandu’s alliance shifted from anti-British to pro-British; this led to the construction of the first buildings in the style of Western European architecture. The most well-known of these buildings include Singha Durbar, Garden of Dreams, Shital Niwas, and the old Narayanhiti palace. The first modern commercial road in the Kathmandu Valley, the New Road, was also built during this era. Trichandra College (the first college of Nepal), Durbar High School (the first modern school of Nepal), and Bir Hospital (the first hospital of Nepal) were built in Kathmandu during this era. Education was only accessible to the privileged class. Rana rule was marked by despotism, economic exploitation and religious persecution.^[23][24]

Geography[edit]

Kathmandu is in the northwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley to the north of the Bagmati River and covers an area of 50.7 km² (19.6 sq mi). The average elevation is 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level.^[25] The city is bounded by several other municipalities of the Kathmandu valley: south of the Bagmati by Lalitpur Metropolitan City (Patan), with which it forms one urban area surrounded by a ring road, to the southwest by Kirtipur and to the east by Madyapur Thimi. To the north the urban area extends into several municipalities; Nagarjun, Tarakeshwor, Tokha, Budhanilkantha, Gokarneshwor and Kageshwori Manohara. However, the urban agglomeration extends well beyond the neighbouring municipalities, e.g. to Bhaktapur, and nearly covers the entire Kathmandu Valley.

Kathmandu is dissected by eight rivers, the main river of the valley, the Bagmati and its tributaries, of which the Bishnumati, Dhobi Khola, Manohara Khola, Hanumante Khola, and Tukucha Khola are predominant. The mountains from where these rivers originate are in the elevation range of 1,500–3,000 metres (4,900–9,800 ft), and have passes which provide access to and from Kathmandu and its valley.^[26][27][28] An ancient canal once flowed from Nagarjuna hill through Balaju to Kathmandu; this canal is now extinct.

The city of Kathmandu and the surrounding valley are in the Deciduous Monsoon Forest Zone (altitude range of 1,200–2,100 metres (3,900–6,900 ft)), one of five vegetation zones defined for Nepal. The dominant tree species in this zone are oak, elm, beech, maple and others, with coniferous trees at higher altitude.^[29]

• 

  Urban expansion in Kathmandu, 2015.

• 

  The green, vegetated slopes that surround the Kathmandu metro area (light grey, image centre) include both forest reserves and national parks

Kathmandu administration[edit]

Kathmandu and adjacent cities are composed of neighbourhoods, which are utilized quite extensively and more familiar among locals. However, administratively the city is divided into 32 wards, numbered from 1 to 32. Earlier, there were 35 wards which made it the metropolitan city with the largest number of the wards. Balendra Shah (Balen) has been elected as the new mayor of Kathmandu

Climate[edit]

Kathmandu
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D 14 19 2 19 21 5 34 25 8 61 28 12 124 29 16 236 29 19 363 28 20 331 29 20 200 28 19 51 27 13 8.3 24 8 13 20 4 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D 0.6 66 36 0.7 70 41 1.3 77 46 2.4 82 54 4.9 84 61 9.3 84 66 14 82 68 13 84 68 7.9 82 66 2 81 55 0.3 75 46 0.5 68 39 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation totals in inches

Under Köppen’s climate classification, portions of the city with lower elevations (1300-1400m) which is 88 percent of total have a humid subtropical climate (Cwa), while portions of the city with higher elevations generally have a subtropical highland climate (Cwb). In the Kathmandu Valley, which is representative of its valley’s climate, the average summer temperature varies from 28 to 30 °C (82 to 86 °F). The average winter temperature is 10.1 °C (50.2 °F).
Five major climatic regions are found in Nepal. Of these, High hills of Kathmandu Valley including Chandragiri hill is in the Warm Temperate Zone (elevation ranging from 1,200 to 2,300 metres (3,900 to 7,500 ft)), where the climate is fairly temperate, atypical for the region. This zone is followed by the Cool Temperate Zone with elevation varying between 2,100 and 3,300 metres (6,900 and 10,800 ft).

The city generally has a climate with warm days followed by cool nights and mornings. Unpredictable weather is expected, given that temperatures can drop to 1 °C (34 °F) or less during the winter. During a 2013 cold front, the winter temperatures of Kathmandu dropped to −4 °C (25 °F), and the lowest temperature was recorded on 10 January 2013, at −9.2 °C (15.4 °F). Rainfall is mostly monsoon-based (about 65% of the total concentrated during the monsoon months of June to September), and decreases substantially (100 to 200 cm (39 to 79 in)) from eastern Nepal to western Nepal. Rainfall has been recorded at about 1,400 millimetres (55.1 in) for the Kathmandu valley, and averages 1,407 millimetres (55.4 in) for the city of Kathmandu. On average humidity is 75%.^[26][30][31] The chart below is based on data from the Nepal Bureau of Standards & Meteorology, Weather Meteorology for 2005. The chart provides minimum and maximum temperatures during each month. The annual amount of precipitation was 1,124 millimetres (44.3 in) for 2005, as per monthly data included in the table above.^[31] The decade of 2000–2010 saw highly variable and unprecedented precipitation anomalies in Kathmandu. This was mostly due to the annual variation of the southwest monsoon.^{[citation needed]} For example, 2001 recorded only 356 mm (14 in) of precipitation due to an extraordinarily weak monsoon season. In contrast, 2003 was the wettest year ever in Kathmandu, totaling over 2,900 mm (114 in) of precipitation due to an exceptionally strong monsoon season.

Air quality[edit]

Air pollution is a major issue in the Kathmandu Valley.^[36][37][38] According to the 2016 World Health Organization’s Ambient Air Pollution Database,^[39] the annual average PM2.5 (particulate matter) concentration in 2013 was 49 μg/m³, which is 4.9 times higher than recommended by the World Health Organization.^[40][41] Starting in early 2017, the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of the United States in Kathmandu have monitored and publicly share real-time air quality data. In Nepal and Kathmandu, the annual premature deaths due to air pollution reached 37,399 and 9,943 respectively, according to a Republica news report published on 23 November 2019. This indicates, around a quarter of the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu.^[42][43]

Government and public services[edit]

Civic administration[edit]

Kathmandu Municipal Corporation (KMC) is the chief nodal agency for the administration of Kathmandu. The Municipality of Kathmandu was upgraded to a metropolitan city in 1995.

Metropolitan Kathmandu is divided into five sectors: the Central Sector, the East Sector, the North Sector, the City Core and the West Sector. For civic administration, the city is further divided into 35 administrative wards. The Council administers the Metropolitan area of Kathmandu city through its 177 elected representatives and 20 nominated members. It holds biannual meetings to review, process and approve the annual budget and make major policy decisions.^[26][44] The ward’s profile documents for the 35 wards prepared by the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council is detailed and provides information for each ward on population, the structure and condition of houses, the type of roads, educational, health and financial institutions, entertainment facilities, parking space, security provisions, etc. It also includes lists of development projects completed, on-going and planned, along with informative data about the cultural heritage, festivals, historical sites and the local inhabitants. Ward 16 is the largest, with an area of 437.4 ha; ward 26 is the smallest, with an area of 4 ha.^[45]

Kathmandu is the headquarters of the surrounding Kathmandu District.

Law and order[edit]

The Metropolitan Police is the main law enforcement agency in the city. It is headed by a commissioner of police. The Metropolitan Police is a division of the Nepal Police, and the administrative control lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Fire service[edit]

The fire service, known as the Barun Yantra Karyalaya (Nepali: वारुण यन्त्र कार्यालय), opened its first station in Kathmandu in 1937 with a single-vehicle.^[46] An iron tower was erected to monitor the city and watch for a fire. As a precautionary measure, firemen were sent to the areas which were designated as accident-prone areas.^[46] In 1944, the fire service was extended to the neighbouring cities of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. In 1966, a fire service was established in Kathmandu central airport.^[46] In 1975, a West German government donation added seven fire engines to Kathmandu’s fire service.^[46] The fire service in the city is also overlooked by an international non-governmental organization, the Firefighters Volunteer Association of Nepal (FAN), which was established in 2000 with the purpose of raising public awareness about fire and improving safety.^[46]

Electricity and water supply[edit]

Electricity in Kathmandu is regulated and distributed by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Water supply and sanitation facilities are provided by the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL). There is a severe shortage of water for household purposes such as drinking, bathing, cooking and washing and irrigation. People have been using bottled mineral water, water from tank trucks and from the ancient dhunge dharas (Nepali: ढुङ्गे धारा) for all the purposes related to water. The city water shortage should be solved by the completion of the much plagued Melamchi Water Supply Project by the end of 2019. Despite continued efforts by governmental bodies, Kathmandu is the one of the most polluted cities in Nepal, largely due to overpopulation.^[47][48]

Waste management[edit]

Waste management may be through composting in municipal waste management units, and at houses with home composting units. Both systems are common and established in India and neighbouring countries.^[49]

Demographics[edit]

Kathmandu’s urban cosmopolitan character has made it the most populous city in Nepal. According to the National Population Census of 2011, the total population of Kathmandu city was 975,543 in 254,292 households with an annual growth rate of 6.12% with respect to the population figure of 2001.^[50] 70% of the total population residing in Kathmandu are aged between 15 and 59.

In one decade, the population increased from 427,045 in 1991 to 671,805 in 2001. The population was projected to reach 915,071 in 2011 and 1,319,597 by 2021. To keep up this population growth, the KMC-controlled area of 5,076.6 hectares (12,545 acres) expanded to 8,214 hectares (20,300 acres) in 2001. With this new area, the population density which was 85 in 1991 remained 85 in 2001; it is likely to jump to 111 in 2011 and 161 in 2021.^[51]

Languages[edit]

As of the 2011 census, Nepali is the most common mother tongue in Kathmandu, with 62% of the population speaking it as their mother tongue. Newar is spoken by 19%, and the other languages spoken in the city include Tamang (6%), Maithili (3%), Bhojpuri (2%), Gurung (2%), Magar (2%) and Sherpa (1%) as their first language. English is also spoken by many.^[52]

Ethnic groups[edit]

The largest ethnic group is the native Newars, whose various caste groups combined have a population of 24.7%. Almost equal in population is the Bahuns with 24.5%, while the Chhetri population is 18%. Other groups in Kathmandu include the Janajatis, including the Tamang (7.8%), Magar (3.8%), Gurung (2.6%), Rai (2.1%) and Muslim (1.8%).^[53] More recently, other hill ethnic groups and caste groups from Terai have come to represent a substantial proportion of the city’s population, and there are around 12,000 Marwadis, mainly merchants.

Broad Caste and Ethnicity category (2011 Census)

Broad Ethnic Category	Sub Category[54]	Linguistic Family	Population Percentage
Khas (Hill/Pahari Caste Groups)	Khas Brahmin, Chhetri, Kami, Thakuri, Damai Sarki,Sanyasi/Dasnami	Indo-Aryan	46.3%
Newar (Kathmandu Valley Caste Groups)	Newari Brahmin, Shrestha, Tamrakar, Newar Buddhist, Maharjan, Rajkarnikar etc	Indo-Aryan And Sino-Tibetan	24.7%
Janajati (Hill Tribal Groups)	Magar,Tamang,Gurung, Sherpa,Rai,Limbu etc	Sino-Tibetan	19.2%
Madeshi (Terai Caste Groups)	Yadav, Maithil Brahmins, Chamar, Kushwaha, Musahar, Kurmi, Dhanuk etc	Indo-Aryan	4.1%
Muslim	—	Indo-Aryan	1.8%
Marwadi, Bengalis	—	Indo-Aryan	1.6%
Adibasi (Terai Indigenous Groups)	Tharu, Rajbanshi, Tajpuriya etc	Indo-Aryan And Sino-Tibetan	1.5%
Others	—	Indo-Aryan	1.5%

Architecture and cityscape[edit]

Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site (WHS) Seven Monuments and Buildings • Kathmandu Durbar Square in 1920 • • Kathmandu Durbar Square in 2007 • • Pashupatinath • Changunarayan • • Swayambhunath • Boudhanath • • Patan Durbar Square • • Bhaktapur Durbar Square •
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The ancient trade route between India and Tibet that passed through Kathmandu enabled a fusion of artistic and architectural traditions from other cultures to be amalgamated with local art and architecture.^[55] The monuments of Kathmandu City have been influenced over the centuries by Hindu and Buddhist religious practices. The architectural treasure of the Kathmandu valley has been categorized under the well-known seven groups of heritage monuments and buildings. In 2006 UNESCO declared these seven groups of monuments as a World Heritage Site (WHS). The seven monuments zones cover an area of 189 hectares (470 acres), with the buffer zone extending to 2,394 hectares (5,920 acres). The Seven Monument Zones inscribed originally in 1979 and with a minor modification in 2006 are the Durbar squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.^[56][57]

Durbar Squares[edit]

The literal meaning of Durbar Square is a «place of palaces». There are three preserved Durbar Squares in Kathmandu valley and one unpreserved in Kirtipur. The Durbar Square of Kathmandu is in the old city and has heritage buildings representing four kingdoms (Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur); the earliest being the Licchavi dynasty. The complex has 50 temples and is distributed in two quadrangles of the Durbar Square. The outer quadrangle has the Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple; the inner quadrangle has the Hanuman Dhoka palace. The squares were severely damaged in the April 2015 earthquake.

Hanuman Dhoka is a complex of structures with the royal palace of the Malla kings and of the Shah dynasty. It is spread over five acres. The eastern wing, with ten courtyards, is the oldest part, dating to the mid-16th century. It was expanded by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century with many temples. The royal family lived in this palace until 1886 when they moved to Narayanhiti Palace. The stone inscription outside is in fifteen languages.

Kumari Ghar is a palace in the centre of the Kathmandu city, next to the Durbar square where a royal Kumari selected from several Kumaris resides. Kumari, or Kumari Devi, is the tradition of worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in South Asian countries. In Nepal the selection process is very rigorous. Previously, during the time of the monarchy, the queen and the priests used to appoint the proposed Kumari with delicate process of astrological examination and physical examination of 32 ‘gunas’. The china (Nepali: चिना), an ancient Hindu astrological report, of the Kumari and the reigning king, was ought to be similar. The Kumari is believed to be a bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju (the Nepali name for Durga) until she menstruates, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury also causes her to revert to common status. The current Kumari, Trishna Shakya, age three at the time of appointment, was installed in September 2017 succeeding Matina Shakya who was the first Kumari of Kathmandu after the end of the monarchy.^[58]

Kasthamandap is a three-storeyed temple enshrining an image of Gorakhnath. It was built in the 16th century in pagoda style. The name of Kathmandu is a derivative of the word Kasthamandap. It was built under the reign of King Laxmi Narsingha Malla. Kasthamandap stands at the intersection of two ancient trade routes linking India and Tibet at Maru square. It was originally built as a rest house for travellers.

Pashupatinath temple[edit]

The Pashupatinath Temple (Nepali: पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर) is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu.^[59] It served as the seat of national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, until Nepal was secularized. However, a significant part of the temple was destroyed by Mughal invaders in the 14th century and little or nothing remains of the original 5th-century temple exterior. The temple as it stands today was built in the 19th century, although the image of the bull and the black four-headed image of Pashupati are at least 300 years old.^[60] The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.^[60][61] Shivaratri, or the night of Lord Shiva, is the most important festival that takes place here, attracting thousands of devotees and sadhus.^{[citation needed]}

Believers in Pashupatinath (mainly Hindus) are allowed to enter the temple premises, but non-Hindu visitors are allowed to view the temple only from the across the Bagmati River.^[60] The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Brahmins from Karnataka in southern India since the time of Malla king Yaksha Malla.^[62] This tradition is believed to have been started at the request of Adi Shankaracharya who sought to unify the states of Bharatam, a region in south Asia believed to be ruled by a mythological king Bharat, by encouraging cultural exchange. This procedure is followed in other temples around India, which were sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya.

The temple is built in the pagoda style of architecture, with cubic constructions and carved wooden rafters (tundal) on which they rest, and two-level roofs made of copper and gold.

Boudhanath[edit]

Boudhanath (Nepali: बौद्ध स्तुप; also written as Bouddhanath, Bodhnath, Baudhanath or the Khāsa Chaitya), is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, along with the Swayambhunath. It is a very popular tourist site. Boudhanath is known as Khāsti by Newars and as Bauddha or Bodhnāth by speakers of Nepali.^[63] About 11 km (7 mi) from the centre and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.^[64] Boudhanath became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The base of the stupa has 108 small depictions of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. It is surrounded with a brick wall with 147 niches, each with four or five prayer wheels engraved with the mantra, Om mani padme hum.^[65] At the northern entrance where visitors must pass is a shrine dedicated to Ajima, the goddess of smallpox.^[65] Every year the stupa attracts many Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims who perform full body prostrations in the inner lower enclosure, walk around the stupa with prayer wheels, chant, and pray.^[65] Thousands of prayer flags are hoisted up from the top of the stupa downwards and dot the perimeter of the complex. The influx of many Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan gompas (monasteries) around Boudhanath.

Swayambhu[edit]

Swayambhunath (Nepali: स्वयम्भू स्तूप) is a Buddhist stupa atop a hillock at the northwestern part of the city. This is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. Although the site is considered Buddhist, it is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. The stupa consists of a dome at the base; above the dome, there is a cubic structure with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions.^{[clarification needed]} There are pentagonal toran above each of the four sides, with statues engraved on them. Behind and above the torana there are thirteen tiers. Above all the tiers, there is a small space above which lies a gajur.

Rani Pokhari[edit]

Ranipokhari (Nepali: रानी पोखरी, lit. ‘Queen’s Pond’) is a historic artificial pond nestled in the heart of Kathmandu. It was built by king Pratap Malla in 1670 AD for his beloved queen after she lost her son and could not recover from her loss.^[66] A large stone statue of an elephant in the south signifies the image of Pratap Malla and his two sons. Balgopaleshwor Temple stands still inside the temple above the pond. Rani Pokhari is opened once a year during the final day of Tihar i.e. Bhai Tika and Chhath festival. The world’s largest Chhath takes place every year in Ranipokhari. The pond is one of Kathmandu’s most famous landmarks and is known for its religious and aesthetic significance.However, Ranipokhari is now under development, which began in 2019 and is expected to be finished next year, according to reports.

Culture[edit]

Arts[edit]

Kathmandu valley the City of Newars is described as «an enormous treasure house of art and sculptures», which are made of wood, stone, metal, and terracotta, and found in profusion in temples, shrines, stupas, gompas, chaityas and palaces. The art objects are also seen in street corners, lanes, private courtyards and in open ground. Most art is in the form of icons of gods and goddesses. Kathmandu valley has had this art treasure for a very long time, but received worldwide recognition only after the country opened to the outside world in 1950.^[67]

The religious art of Nepal and Kathmandu in particular consists of an iconic symbolism of the Mother Goddesses such as: Bhavani, Durga, Gaja-Lakshmi, Hariti-Sitala, Mahsishamardini, Saptamatrika (seven mother goddesses), and Sri-Lakshmi (wealth-goddess). From the 3rd century BCE, apart from the Hindu gods and goddesses, Buddhist monuments from the Ashokan period (it is said that Ashoka visited Nepal in 250 BC) have embellished Nepal in general and the valley in particular. These art and architectural edifices encompass three major periods of evolution: the Licchavi or classical period (500 to 900 AD), the post-classical period (1000 to 1400 AD), with strong influence of the Palla art form; the Malla period (1400 onwards) that exhibited explicitly tantric influences coupled with the art of Tibetan Demonology.^[68]

A broad typology has been ascribed to the decorative designs and carvings created by the people of Nepal. These artists have maintained a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. The typology, based on the type of material used are: stone art, metal art, wood art, terracotta art, and painting.^[69]

Museums[edit]

Kathmandu is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Nepal and the Natural History Museum of Nepal. Nepal’s art and architecture is an amalgamation of two ancient religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. These are amply reflected in the many temples, shrines, stupas, monasteries, and palaces in the seven well-defined Monument Zones of the Kathmandu valley are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amalgamation is also reflected in the planning and exhibitions in museums and art galleries throughout Kathmandu and its sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. The museums display unique artefacts and paintings from the 5th century CE to the present day, including archaeological exportation.^[70]

Museums and art galleries in Kathmandu include:^[70]

• The National Museum
• The Natural History Museum
• Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex
• The Kaiser Library
• The National Art Gallery
• The NEF-ART (Nepal Fine Art) Gallery
• The Nepal Art Council Gallery
• Narayanhiti Palace Museum
• The Taragaon Museum

The National Museum is in the western part of Kathmandu, near the Swayambhunath stupa in a historical building constructed in the early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. It is the most important museum in the country, housing an extensive collection of weapons, art and antiquities of historic and cultural importance. The museum was established in 1928 as a collection house of war trophies and weapons, and the initial name of this museum was Chhauni Silkhana, meaning «the stone house of arms and ammunition». Given its focus, the museum contains many weapons, including locally made firearms used in wars, leather cannons from the 18th–19th century, and medieval and modern works in wood, bronze, stone and paintings.^[71]

The Natural History Museum is in the southern foothills of Swayambhunath hill and has a sizeable collection of different species of animals, butterflies, and plants. The museum is noted for its display of species, from prehistoric shells to stuffed animals.^[71]

The Tribhuvan Museum contains artifacts related to King Tribhuvan (1906–1955). It has a variety of pieces including his personal belongings, letters, and papers, memorabilia related to events he was involved in and a rare collection of photos and paintings of Royal family members. The Mahendra Museum is dedicated to the King Mahendra (1920–1972). Like the Tribhuvan Museum, it includes his personal belongings such as decorations, stamps, coins and personal notes and manuscripts, but it also has structural reconstructions of his cabinet room and office chamber. The Hanumandhoka Palace, a lavish medieval palace complex in the Durbar, contains three separate museums of historic importance. These museums include the Birendra museum, which contains items related to the second-last monarch, King Birendra.^[71]

The enclosed compound of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum is in the north-central part of Kathmandu. «Narayanhiti» (Nepali: नारायणहिटी) comes from Narayana (Nepali: नारायण), a form of the Hindu god Lord Vishnu, and Hiti (Nepali: हिटी), meaning «water spout» (the temple of lord Vishnu is opposite to the palace, and the water spout is east of the main entrance to the precinct). The current palace building was built in 1970 in front of the old palace, built in 1915, in the form of a contemporary pagoda. It was built on the occasion of the marriage of the then crown prince and heir apparent to the throne, Birendra. The southern gate of the palace is at the crossing of Prithvipath and Durbar Marg roads. The palace area covers 30 hectares (74 acres) and is fully secured with gates on all sides.^[72][73][74] This palace was the scene of the Nepali royal massacre. After the fall of the monarchy, it has been converted into a museum.

The Taragaon Museum presents the modern history of the Kathmandu valley.^[75] It seeks to document 50 years of research and cultural heritage conservation of the Kathmandu Valley, documenting what artists, photographers, architects, and anthropologists from abroad had contributed in the second half of the 20th century. The actual structure of the museum showcases restoration and rehabilitation efforts to preserve the built heritage of Kathmandu. It was designed by Carl Pruscha (master-planner of the Kathmandu Valley)^[76] in 1970 and constructed in 1971.^[77] Restoration works began in 2010 to rehabilitate the Taragaon hostel into the Taragaon Museum. The design uses local brick along with modern architectural design elements, as well as the use of circle, triangles and squares.^[76] The museum is within a short walk from the Boudhanath stupa, which itself can be seen from the museum tower.

Art galleries[edit]

Kathmandu is a centre for art in Nepal, displaying the work of contemporary artists in the country and also collections of historical artists. Patan in particular is an ancient city noted for its fine arts and crafts. Art in Kathmandu is vibrant, demonstrating a fusion of traditionalism and modern art, derived from a great number of national, Asian, and global influences. Nepali art is commonly divided into two areas: the idealistic traditional painting known as Paubhas in Nepal and perhaps more commonly known as Thangkas in Tibet, closely linked to the country’s religious history and on the other hand the contemporary western-style painting, including nature-based compositions or abstract artwork based on Tantric elements and social themes of which painters in Nepal are well noted for.^[71] Internationally, the British-based charity, the Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre is involved with promoting arts in Kathmandu.^[78]

Kathmandu houses many notable art galleries. The NAFA Gallery, operated by the Arts and crafts Department of the Nepal Academy is housed in Sita Bhavan, a neo-classical old Rana palace.^[71]

The Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery, inside the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition grounds, hosts the work of contemporary painters and sculptors, and regularly organizes exhibitions. It also runs morning and evening classes in the schools of art. Also of note is the Moti Azima Gallery, in a three-storied building in Bhimsenthan which contains an impressive collection of traditional utensils and handmade dolls and items typical of a medieval Newar house, giving an important insight into Nepali history. The J Art Gallery near the former royal palace in Durbarmarg displays the artwork of eminent, established Nepali painters. The Nepal Art Council Gallery, in the Babar Mahal, on the way to Tribhuvan International Airport contains artwork of both national and international artists and extensive halls regularly used for art exhibitions.^[71]

Literature[edit]

The National Library of Nepal is located in Patan. It is the largest library in the country with more than 70,000 books in English, Nepali, Sanskrit, Hindi, and Nepal Bhasa. The library is in possession of rare scholarly books in Sanskrit and English dating from the 17th century AD. Kathmandu also contains the Kaiser Library, in the Kaiser Mahal on the ground floor of the Ministry of Education building. This collection of around 45,000 books is derived from a personal collection of Kaiser Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana. It covers a wide range of subjects including history, law, art, religion, and philosophy, as well as a Sanskrit manual of Tantra, which is believed to be over 1,000 years old.^[71] The 2015 earthquake caused severe damage to the Ministry of Education building, and the contents of the Kaiser Library have been temporarily relocated.

The Asa Archives are also noteworthy. They specialize in medieval history and religious traditions of the Kathmandu valley. The archives, in Kulambhulu, have a collection of some 6,000 loose-leaf handwritten books and 1,000 palm-leaf manuscripts (mostly in Sanskrit or Nepal Bhasa) and a manuscript dated to 1464.^[71]

Cinema and theatre[edit]

Kathmandu is home to Nepali cinema and theatres. The city contains several theatres, including the National Dance Theatre in Kanti Path, the Ganga Theatre, the Himalayan Theatre and the Aarohan Theater Group founded in 1982. The M. Art Theater is based in the city. The Gurukul School of Theatre organizes the Kathmandu International Theater Festival, attracting artists from all over the world.^[79] A mini theatre has been opened at the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, established by the Durbar Conservation and Promotion Committee.

Kathmandu has a number of cinemas (old single screen establishments and some new multiplexes) showing Nepali, Bollywood and Hollywood films. Some old establishments include Vishwajyoti Cinema Hall, Jai Nepal Hall, Kumari Cinema Hall, Gopi Krishna Cinema Hall and Guna Cinema Hall. Kathmandu also houses some international standard cinema theatres and multiplexes, such as QFX Cinemas, Cine De Chef, Fcube Cinemas, Q’s Cinemas, Big Movies, BSR Movies and many more.

Music[edit]

Kathmandu is the center of music and dance in Nepal, and these art forms are integral to understanding the city. Musical performances are organized in cultural venues. Music is a part of the traditional aspect of Kathmandu. Gunla is the traditional music festival according to Nepal Sambat. Newar music originated in Kathmandu. Furthermore, music from all over Nepal can be found in Kathmandu.

A number of hippies visited Kathmandu during the 1970s and introduced Rock and Roll, rock, and jazz to the city. Kathmandu is noted internationally for its jazz festival, popularly known as Jazzmandu. It is the only jazz festival in the Himalayan region and was established in March 2002. The festival attracts musicians from countries worldwide, such as Australia, Denmark, United States, Benin, and India.^[80]

The city has been referenced in numerous songs, including works by Cat Stevens (‘Katmandu’, Mona Bone Jakon (1970), Bob Seger (‘Katmandu’, Beautiful Loser (1975)), Rush (‘A Passage to Bangkok’, Pulling into Kathmandu; 2112, 1976), John Lennon (‘Nobody Told Me’ (1984, posthumously)), Krematorij (‘Kathmandu’, Three Springs (2000)), Fito Páez (Tráfico por Katmandú – «Traffic through Kathmandu») and Cavalcade (‘Kathmandu Kid’) 2019.

Cuisine[edit]

The staple food of most people in Kathmandu is dal bhat. This consists of rice and lentil soup, generally served with vegetable curries, achar and sometimes Chutney. Momo, a type of Nepali version of Tibetan dumpling, has become prominent in Nepal with many street vendors and restaurants selling it. It is one of the most popular fast foods in Kathmandu. Various Nepali variants of momo including buff (i.e. buffalo) dumplings , chicken dumplings, and vegetarian momo are famous in Kathmandu.

Most of the cuisines found in Kathmandu are non-vegetarian. However, the practice of vegetarianism is not uncommon, and vegetarian cuisines can be found throughout the city. Consumption of beef is very uncommon and considered taboo in many places. Buff (meat of water buffalo) is very common. There is a strong tradition of buff consumption in Kathmandu, especially among Newars, which is not found in other parts of Nepal. Consumption of pork was considered taboo until a few decades ago. Due to the intermixing with Kirat cuisine from eastern Nepal, pork has found a place in Kathmandu dishes. A fringe population of devout Hindus and Muslims consider it taboo. The Muslims forbid eating buff as from Quran while Hindus eat all varieties except beef as they consider cow to be a goddess and symbol of purity. The chief lunch/snack for locals and visitors is mostly Momo or Chowmein.

Kathmandu had only one western-style restaurant in 1955.^[81] A large number of restaurants in Kathmandu have since opened, catering Nepali cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, Chinese cuisine and Indian cuisine in particular. Many other restaurants have opened to accommodate locals, expatriates, and tourists. The growth of tourism in Kathmandu has led to culinary creativity and the development of hybrid foods to accommodate for tourists such as American chop suey, which is a sweet-and-sour sauce with crispy noodles with a fried egg commonly added on top and other westernized adaptations of traditional cuisine.^[81] Continental cuisine can be found in selected places. International chain restaurants are rare, but some outlets of Pizza Hut and KFC have recently opened there. It also has several outlets of the international ice-cream chain Baskin-Robbins.^[82]

Kathmandu has a larger proportion of tea drinkers than coffee drinkers. Tea, locally known as Chiya, is widely served but is extremely weak by western standards. It is richer and contains tea leaves boiled with milk, sugar, and spices. Tea shops that specially serve tea with other snacks are widely available. Alcohol is widely drunk, and there are numerous local variants of alcoholic beverages. Drinking and driving is illegal, and authorities have a zero-tolerance policy.^[83] Ailaa and thwon (alcohol made from rice) are the alcoholic beverages of Kathmandu, found in all the local bhattis (alcohol serving eateries). Chhyaang, tongba (fermented millet or barley) and raksi are alcoholic beverages from other parts of Nepal which are found in Kathmandu. However, shops and bars in Kathmandu widely sell western and Nepali beers.

Festivals[edit]

Most of the fairs and festivals in Kathmandu originated in the Malla period or earlier. Traditionally, these festivals were celebrated by Newars. In recent years, these festivals have found wider participation from other Kathmanduites as well. As the capital of the Nepal, various national festivals are celebrated in Kathmandu. With mass migration to the city, the cultures of Khas from the west, Kirats from the east, Bon/Tibetan from the north, and Mithila from the south meet in the capital and mingle harmoniously. The festivities such as the Ghode (horse) Jatra, Indra Jatra, Dashain Durga Puja festivals, Shivratri and many more are observed by all Hindu and Buddhist communities of Kathmandu with devotional fervor and enthusiasm. Social regulation in the codes enacted incorporates Hindu traditions and ethics. These were followed by the Shah kings and previous kings, as devout Hindus and protectors of the Buddhist religion.

Cultural continuity has been maintained for centuries in the exclusive worship of goddesses and deities in Kathmandu and the rest of the country. These deities include the Ajima,^[84] Taleju (or Tulja Bhavani or Taleju Bhawani)^[85] and her other form : Digu Taleju (or Degu Taleju)^[86] and Kumari (the living goddess).^[87] The artistic edifices have now become places of worship in the everyday life of the people, therefore a roster is maintained to observe annual festivals. There are 133 festivals held in the year.^[88]

Some of the traditional festivals observed in Kathmandu, apart from those previously mentioned, are Bada Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Maghe Sankranti, Nag Panchami, Janai Purnima, Pancha Dan, Teej/Rishi Panchami, Pahan Charhe, Jana Baha Dyah Jatra (White Machchhendranath Jatra), and Matatirtha Aunsi.^[55]

Religions[edit]

Hinduism[edit]

Hinduism is one of the indigenous beliefs of the city. Assumedly, together with the kingdom of Licchhavi (c. 400 to 750), Hinduism and the endogam social stratification of the caste was established in Kathmandu Valley. The Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, and the Kasthamandap are of particular importance to Hindus. Other notable Hindu temples in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley include Bajrayogini Temple, Dakshinkali Temple, Guhyeshwari Temple, and the Shobha Bhagawati shrine.

The Bagmati River which flows through Kathmandu is considered a holy river both by Hindus and Buddhists, and many Hindu temples are on the banks of this river. The importance of the Bagmati also lies in the fact that Hindus are cremated on its banks, and Kirants are buried in the hills by its side. According to the Nepali Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati before cremation. The chief mourner (usually the first son) who lights the funeral pyre must take a holy riverwater bath immediately after cremation. Many relatives who join the funeral procession also take bath in the Bagmati or sprinkle the holy water on their bodies at the end of cremation as the Bagmati is believed to purify people spiritually.

Buddhism[edit]

Buddhism was brought into Kathmandu with the arrival of Buddhist monks during the time of Buddha (c. 563 – 483 BCE^[89]). They established a forest monastery in Sankhu. This monastery was renovated by Shakyas after they fled genocide from Virudhaka (r. 491–461 BCE).

During the Hindu Lichchavi era (c. 400 to 750), various monasteries and orders were created which successively led to the formation of Newar Buddhism, which is still practiced in the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Sanskrit.

Legendary Princess Bhrikuti (7th-century) and artist Araniko (1245–1306 CE) from that tradition of Kathmandu valley played a significant role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet and China. There are over 108 traditional monasteries (Bahals and Baháʼís) in Kathmandu based on Newar Buddhism. Since the 1960s, the permanent Tibetan Buddhist population of Kathmandu has risen significantly so that there are now over fifty Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the area. Also, with the modernization of Newar Buddhism, various Theravada Bihars have been established.

Kirat Mundhum[edit]

Kirant Mundhum is one of the indigenous animistic practices of Nepal. It is practiced by the Kirat people. Some animistic aspects of Kirant beliefs, such as ancestor worship (worship of Ajima) are also found in Newars of Kirant origin. Ancient religious sites believed to be worshipped by ancient Kirats, such as Pashupatinath, Wanga Akash Bhairabh (Yalambar) and Ajima are now worshipped by people of all Dharmic religions in Kathmandu. Kirats who have migrated from other parts of Nepal to Kathmandu practice Mundhum in the city.^[90]

Other religions[edit]

Sikhism is practiced primarily in Gurudwara at Kupundole. An earlier temple of Sikhism is also present in Kathmandu which is now defunct.

Jainism is practiced by a small community. A Jain temple is present in Gyaneshwar, where Jains practice their faith.

According to the records of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Nepal, there are approximately 300 followers of the Baháʼí Faith in Kathmandu valley. They have a national office in Shantinagar, Baneshwor. The Baháʼís also have classes for children at the National Centre and other localities in Kathmandu.

It is said^{[by whom?]} that in Kathmandu alone there are 170 Christian churches. Christian missionary hospitals, welfare organizations, and schools are also operating. Nepali citizens who served as soldiers in Indian and British armies, who had converted to Christianity while in service, on return to Nepal continue to practice their religion. They have contributed to the spread of Christianity and the building of churches in Nepal and in Kathmandu, in particular.^[91][92]

Education[edit]

The oldest modern school in Nepal, the Durbar High School, and the oldest college, the Tri-Chandra College, are both in Kathmandu. The largest (according to number of students and colleges), the oldest and most distinguished university in Nepal the Tribhuvan University, located in Kirtipur. The second largest university, Kathmandu University (KU), is in Dhulikhel, Kavre on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is the second oldest university in Nepal, established in November 1991.^[93] Not surprisingly the best schools and colleges of Nepal are located in Kathmandu and its adjoining cities. Every year thousands of students from all over Nepal arrive at Kathmandu to get admission in the various schools and colleges. One of the key concerns of educationists and concerned citizens is the massive outflux of students from Nepal to outside Nepal for studies. Every year thousands of students apply for No Objection Certificates for studying abroad. Consultancy firms specializing in preparing students to go abroad can be found in all prominent locations. The reason for such an outflux range from perceived low quality of education, political instability, fewer opportunities in the job market, opportunities for earning while learning abroad and better job prospects with an international degree.

Healthcare[edit]

Healthcare in Kathmandu is the most developed in Nepal, and the city and surrounding valley is home to some of the best hospitals and clinics in the country. Bir Hospital is the oldest, established in July 1889 by Bir Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana. Notable hospitals include Bir Hospital, Nepal Medical College (Jorpati) and Teaching Hospital, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine (Teaching Hospital), Patan Hospital, Kathmandu Model Hospital, Scheer Memorial Hospital, Om Hospital, Norvic Hospital, Grande International Hospital, Nobel Hospital and many more.

The city is supported by specialist hospitals/clinics such as Shahid Shukraraj Tropical Hospital, Shahid Gangalal Foundation, Kathmandu Veterinary Hospital, Nepal Eye Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, Nepal International Clinic (Travel and Mountain Medicine Center), Neuro Center, Spinal Rehabilitation center and Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital. Most of the general hospitals are in the city center, although several clinics are elsewhere in Kathmandu district.

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology is an Ophthalmological hospital in Kathmandu. It pioneered the production of low cost intraocular lenses (IOLs), which are used in cataract surgery.^[94] The team of Dr. Sanduk Ruit in Tilganga pioneered sutureless small-incision cataract surgery (SICS),^[95][96] a technique which has been used to treat 4 million of the world’s 20 million people with cataract blindness.

Medical colleges[edit]

Institute of Medicine, the central college of Tribhuvan University is the first medical college of Nepal and is in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. It was established in 1972 and started to impart medical education from 1978. Other major institutions include Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu Medical College, Nepal Medical College, KIST Medical College, Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) and Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), are also in or around Kathmandu.^[97]

Economy[edit]

The location and terrain of Kathmandu have played a significant role in the development of a stable economy which spans millennia. The city is in an ancient lake basin, with fertile soil and flat terrain. This geography helped form a society based on agriculture. This, combined with its location between India and China, helped establish Kathmandu as an important trading centre over the centuries. Kathmandu’s trade is an ancient profession that flourished along an offshoot of the Silk Road which linked India and Tibet. From centuries past, Lhasa Newar merchants of Kathmandu have conducted trade across the Himalaya and contributed to spreading art styles and Buddhism across Central Asia.^[98] Other traditional occupations are farming, metal casting, woodcarving, painting, weaving, and pottery.^[99]

Kathmandu is the most important industrial and commercial centre in Nepal. The Nepal Stock Exchange, the head office of the national bank, the chamber of commerce, as well as head offices of national and international banks, telecommunication companies, the electricity authority, and various other national and international organizations are in Kathmandu. The major economic hubs are the New Road, Durbar Marg, Ason and Putalisadak.^[99]

The economic output of the metropolitan area of around Rs. 550 billion approximately per year alone is worth more than one third of national GDP (nominal), while the per capita income of $2200 is approximately three times the national average.^[100] Kathmandu exports handicrafts, artworks, garments, carpets, pashmina, paper; trade accounts for 21% of its revenues.^[99][100] Manufacturing is also important and accounts for 19% of the revenue that Kathmandu generates. Garments and woolen carpets are the most notable manufactured products.^[100] Other economic sectors in Kathmandu include agriculture (9%), education (6%), transport (6%), and hotels and restaurants (5%).^[100] Kathmandu is famous for lokta paper and pashmina shawls.

Tourism[edit]

Tourism is considered another important industry in Nepal. This industry started around 1950, as the country’s political makeup changed and ended the country’s isolation from the rest of the world. In 1956, air transportation was established and the Tribhuvan Highway, between Kathmandu and Raxaul (at India’s border), was started. Separate organizations were created in Kathmandu to promote this activity; some of these include the Tourism Development Board, the Department of Tourism and the Civil Aviation Department. Furthermore, Nepal became a member of several international tourist associations. Establishing diplomatic relations with other nations further accentuated this activity. The hotel industry, travel agencies, training of tourist guides, and targeted publicity campaigns are the chief reasons for the remarkable growth of this industry in Nepal, and in Kathmandu in particular.^[101] Since then, tourism in Nepal has thrived. It is the country’s most important industry.^[102] Tourism is a major source of income for most of the people in the city, with several hundred thousand visitors annually. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit Kathmandu’s religious sites such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Changunarayan and Budhanilkantha. From a mere 6,179 tourists in 1961/62, the number increased to 491,504 in 1999/2000. In economic terms, the foreign exchange registered 3.8% of the GDP in 1995/96 but then started declining. Following the end of the Maoist insurgency, there was a significant rise in the number of tourist arrivals, with 509,956 tourists recorded in 2009. Since then, tourism has improved as the country transitioned into a republic. The high level of tourism is attributed to the natural grandeur of the Himalayas and the rich cultural heritage of the country.^[101]

The neighbourhood of Thamel is Kathmandu’s primary «traveller’s ghetto», packed with guest houses, restaurants, shops, and bookstores, catering to tourists. Another neighbourhood of growing popularity is Jhamel, a name for Jhamsikhel that was coined to rhyme with Thamel.^[103] Jhochhen Tol, also known as Freak Street, is Kathmandu’s original traveller’s haunt, made popular by the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s; it remains a popular alternative to Thamel. Ason is a bazaar and ceremonial square on the old trade route to Tibet, and provides a fine example of a traditional neighbourhood.

With the opening of the tourist industry after the change in the political scenario of Nepal in 1950, the hotel industry drastically improved.^[104] Now Kathmandu boasts several luxuries such as the Hyatt Regency, Dwarika’s, Hotel Yak & Yeti, The Everest Hotel, Hotel Radisson, Hotel De L’Annapurna, The Malla Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel (not operated by the Shangri-La Hotel Group) and Hotel Shanker. There are several four-star hotels such as Akama Hotel, Hotel Vaishali, Hotel Narayani, The Blue Star and Grand Hotel. The Garden Hotel, Hotel Ambassador, and Aloha Inn are among the three-star hotels in Kathmandu. Hotels like Hyatt Regency, De L’Annapurna, and Yak & Yeti are among the five-star hotels with casinos as well.^[105]

Transport[edit]

Road[edit]

The total length of roads in Nepal is recorded to be 17,182 km (10,676 mi), as of 2003–04. This fairly large network has helped the economic development of the country, particularly in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, vegetable farming, industry and also tourism.^[106] In view of the hilly terrain, transportation takes place in Kathmandu are mainly by road and air. Kathmandu is connected by the Tribhuvan Highway to the south connecting India, Prithvi Highway to the west and Araniko Highway to the north connecting China. The BP Highway connects Kathmandu to the eastern part of Nepal through Sindhuli.^[107] The fast-track is under construction which will be the shortest route to connect Terai with the valley.^[108]

Sajha Yatayat provides regular bus services throughout Kathmandu and the surrounding valley. Other bus companies including micro-bus companies operate several unscheduled routes. Trolleybusses used to operate on the route between Tripureshwor and Suryabinayak on a 13-kilometer route.

Air[edit]

The main international airport serving Kathmandu valley is the Tribhuvan International Airport, about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the city centre and is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.^[109] It has two terminals, one domestic and one international. At present, it connects 30 cities around the globe in Europe, Asia and the Middle East such as Istanbul, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Paro, Lhasa, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Since 2013, Turkish Airlines connects Istanbul to Kathmandu.^[110] Oman Air also connects Muscat to Kathmandu since 2010.^[111] Nepal Airlines started flying to Tokyo-Narita from 2 March 2020.^[112] Regionally, several Nepali airlines operate from the city, including Buddha Air, Nepal Airlines, Shree Airlines and Yeti Airlines to other major towns across Nepal.

Ropeways[edit]

Ropeways are another important transportation means in hilly terrain.^[113] A ropeway operated between Kathmandu and Hetauda over a length of 43 km (27 mi) which carried 25 tonnes of goods per hour. It has since been discontinued due to poor carrying capacity and maintenance issues. During the Rana period, a ropeway was constructed between Mathatirtha in Kathmandu to Dhorsing in Makawanpur of over 22 km (14 mi) in length, which carried a cargo of 8 tonnes per hour. At present, a cable car service is operated in Kathmandu in Chandragiri Hills.^[114]

Media[edit]

Kathmandu is the television hub of Nepal. Nepal Television, established in 1985, is the oldest and most-watched television channel in Nepal, as is government-owned NTV PLUS and also Kantipur Television, Image Channel, Sagarmatha Television, Himalaya TV, AP1 TV and other channels.

The headquarters of many of the country’s news outlets are also in the city including Kathmandu Tribune, the government-owned Gorkhapatra (the oldest national daily newspaper in Nepal), The Kathmandu Post, Nepali Times, Kantipur Publications and its paper Kantipur, Naya Patrika, The Himalayan Times, Karobar Economic Daily, Aarthik Abhiyan National Daily and Jana Aastha National Weekly.

Nepal Republic Media, the publisher of myRepublica, joined a publishing alliance with the International Herald Tribune (IHT), to publish the Asia Pacific Edition of IHT from Kathmandu from 20 July 2011. There is a state-run National News Agency (RSS).

Radio Nepal is a state-run organization that operates national and regional radio stations. These stations are: Hits FM, Radio Kantipur, HBC 94 FM, Radio Sagarmatha and Image FM. The BBC also has an FM broadcasting station in Kathmandu. Few Community radio stations such as Radio Pratibodh – 102.4 MHz, Radio Upatyaka – 87.6 MHz etc. also broadcast within the valley.

Sports[edit]

Cricket and Football are the most popular sports among the younger generation in Nepal and there are several stadiums in the city.^[115] The sport is governed by the National Sports Council from its headquarters in Kathmandu. The only international football stadium in the city is the Dasharath Rangasala, a multi-purpose stadium used mostly for football matches and cultural events, in the neighbourhood of Tripureshwor. It is the largest stadium in Nepal with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, built in 1956. Martyr’s Memorial League is also held in this ground every year. The stadium was renovated with Chinese aid before the 8th South Asian Games were held in Kathmandu and floodlights were installed. Kathmandu is home to the oldest football clubs of Nepal such as Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT), Sankata Club and New Road Team (NRT). Other prominent clubs include Manang Marsyangdi Club, Machhindra FC, Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) and Nepal Police Club.

Kathmandu is also home of some of the oldest cricket clubs in Nepal, such as Yengal Sports Club. Kathmandu Kings XI represents Kathmandu in the Everest Premier League.^[116]

International relations and organizations[edit]

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), in order to promote international relations, has established an International Relations Secretariat (IRC). KMC’s first international relationship was established in 1975 with the city of Eugene, Oregon, United States. This activity has been further enhanced by establishing formal relationships with 8 other cities: Matsumoto City (Nagano Prefecture, Japan), Rochester (New York State), Yangon (formerly Rangoon, Myanmar), Xi’an (Shaanxi, China), Minsk (Belarus), and Pyongyang (North Korea). KMC’s constant endeavour is to enhance its interaction with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, other international agencies and many other major cities of the world to achieve better urban management and developmental programs for Kathmandu.^[117] Kathmandu is home to several international and regional organizations, including the SAARC Secretariat and the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Twin towns – sister cities[edit]

Kathmandu is twinned with:^[118]

Proposed sister cities[edit]

• Bangkok, Thailand^[118]

Local Elections[edit]

Local Level Election 2074[edit]

• Total Population : 975,453
• Total Eligible Voters : 279,306
• Number of Wards : 32

Mayor/Chairperson

Party	Mayor/Chairperson	Number of Vote	Header text
[[]]			Elected
Nepali Congress			Runner up

Deputy Mayor/Chairperson

Party	Mayor/Chairperson	Number of Vote	Header text
CPN-UML			Elected
[[]]		Vote	Runner up

Local Level Election 2079[edit]

• Total Population :2,017,532
• Total Eligible Voters : 637,775
• Number of Wards : 32

Mayor/Chairperson

Party	Mayor/Chairperson	Number of Vote	Header text
Independent	Balendra Shah	61767 Vote	Elected
Nepali Congress	Srijana Singh	38341 Vote	Runner up

Deputy Mayor/Chairperson

Party	Mayor/Chairperson	Number of Vote	Header text
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist)	Sunita Dangol	68612 Vote	Elected
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist)	Rameshwore Shrestha	23806 Vote	Runner up

Notable people[edit]

Gallery[edit]

• 

• 

• 

  Entrance to a building in the Durbar Square

• 

  Ghanta Ghar and surrounding areas

• 

• 

See also[edit]

• Kathmandu District
• Kathmandu Valley

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

Kathmandu काठमाडौँ (Nepali) 𑐫𑐾𑑃 𑐡𑐾𑐫𑑂‎ / येँ देय् (Newar) Kantipur, Nepal Mandala, Yen
Capital city
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Clockwise from top: Kathmandu Skyline, Tundikhel, Pashupatinath Temple, Ghantaghar
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  Nepali: सांस्कृतिक सहर, काठमाडौं महानगर, lit. ‘Cultural City, Kathmandu Metropolitan City’
Kathmandu Kathmandu Kathmandu
Coordinates: 27°43′02″N 85°19′26″E / 27.7172°N 85.3240°ECoordinates: 27°43′02″N 85°19′26″E / 27.7172°N 85.3240°E
Country	Nepal
Province	Bagmati Province
District	Kathmandu
Founded by	Manjushri
No. of Wards	32
Government
• Type	Mayor–council government
• Body	Kathmandu Metropolitan Government
• Mayor	Balendra Shah (Ind.)
• Deputy mayor	Sunita Dangol (UML)
• Executive Officer	Basanta Adhikari [1]
Area
• Capital city	49.45 km2 (19.09 sq mi)
• Metro	899 km2 (347 sq mi)
Elevation	1,400 m (4,600 ft)
Population  (2021)[2]
• Capital city	845,767
• Rank	1st
• Density	17,103/km2 (44,300/sq mi)
• Metro	2.9 million
• Metro rank	1st
Time zone	UTC+05:45 (Nepal Standard Time)
Postal Code	446088
Area code	01
Website	www.kathmandu.gov.np

Kathmandu,^[a] officially Kathmandu Metropolitan City,^[b] is the capital and most populous city of Nepal with 845,767 inhabitants living in 105,649 households in 2021^[2] and 2.9 million people in its urban agglomeration. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, a large valley in the high plateaus in central Nepal, at an altitude of 1,400 metres (4,600 feet).

The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, founded in the 2nd century CE. The valley was historically called the «Nepal Mandala» and has been the home of the Newar people, a cosmopolitan urban civilization in the Himalayan foothills. The city was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal and hosts palaces, mansions and gardens built by the Nepali aristocracy. It has been home to the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since 1985. Today, it is the seat of government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, established in 2008, and is part of Bagmati Province.

Kathmandu is and has been for many years the centre of Nepal’s history, art, culture, and economy. It has a multi-ethnic population within a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Tourism is an important part of the economy in the city. In 2013, Kathmandu was ranked third among the top ten upcoming travel destinations in the world by TripAdvisor, and ranked first in Asia. The city is considered the gateway to the Nepal Himalayas and is home to several World Heritage Sites: the Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Kathmandu valley is growing at 4 percent per year according to the World Bank in 2010, making it one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in South Asia, and the first region in Nepal to face the unprecedented challenges of rapid urbanization and modernization at a metropolitan scale.^[4] It is the largest metropolitan area located in the Himalayas.

Etymology[edit]

The indigenous Nepal Bhasa term for Kathmandu is Yen. The Nepali name Kathmandu comes from Kasthamandap, which stood in Durbar Square, was completely destroyed by the earthquake of April 2015, but has since been reconstructed. In Sanskrit, Kāṣṭha (Sanskrit: काष्ठ) means «wood» and Maṇḍapa (Sanskrit: मण्डप) means «pavilion». This public pavilion, also known as Maru Satta in Newari, was rebuilt in 1596 by Biseth in the period of King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. The three-storey structure was made entirely of wood and used no iron nails nor supports. According to legends, all the timber used to build the pagoda was obtained from a single tree.^[5] The structure collapsed during a major earthquake in April 2015.

The colophons of ancient manuscripts, dated as late as the 20th century, refer to Kathmandu as Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap Mahānagar in Nepal Mandala. Mahānagar means «great city». The city is called Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap in a vow that Buddhist priests still recite to this day. Thus, Kathmandu is also known as Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap. During medieval times, the city was sometimes called Kāntipur (Sanskrit: कान्तिपुर). This name is derived from two Sanskrit words – Kānti and Pur. Kānti is a word that stands for «beauty» and is mostly associated with light and Pur means place, thus giving it the meaning, «City of light».

Among the indigenous Newar people, Kathmandu is known as Yeṃ Dey (Newar: येँ देय्), and Patan and Bhaktapur are known as Yala Dey (Newar: यल देय्) and Khwopa Dey (Newar: ख्वप देय्) respectively.^[6] «Yen» is the shorter form of Yambu (Newar: यम्बु), which originally referred to the northern half of Kathmandu. The older northern settlements were referred to as Yambi while the southern settlement was known as Yangala.^[7][8]

The spelling «Katmandu» was often used in older English-language text. More recently, however, the spelling «Kathmandu» has become more common in English.^[9]

History[edit]

Archaeological excavations in parts of Kathmandu have found evidence of ancient civilizations. The oldest of these findings is a statue, found in Maligaon, that was dated at 185 AD.^[10] The excavation of Dhando Chaitya uncovered a brick with an inscription in Brahmi script. Archaeologists believe it is two thousand years old.^[10] Stone inscriptions are a ubiquitous element at heritage sites and are key sources for the history of Nepal.

The earliest Western reference to Kathmandu appears in an account of Portuguese Jesuit Father Joao Cabral who passed through the Kathmandu Valley in the spring of 1628^[11] and was received graciously by the king of that time, probably King Lakshminarasimha Malla of Kathmandu on their way from Tibet to India.^[12] Father Cabral reported that they reached «Cadmendu», the capital of Nepal kingdom.^[13]

Ancient history[edit]

The ancient history of Kathmandu is described in its traditional myths and legends. According to Swayambhu Purana, present-day Kathmandu was once a huge and deep lake named «Nagdaha», as it was full of snakes. The lake was cut drained by Bodhisatwa Manjushree with his sword, and the water was evacuated out from there. He then established a city called Manjupattan, and made Dharmakar the ruler of the valley land. After some time, a demon named Banasur closed the outlet, and the valley again turned into a lake. Then Lord Krishna came to Nepal, killed Banasur, and again drained out the water by Cutting the edge of Chobhar hill with this Sudharshan Chakra. He brought some Gopals along with him and made Bhuktaman the king of Nepal.^[14][15][16]

Kotirudra Samhita of Shiva Purana, Chapter 11, Shloka 18 refers to the place as Nayapala city, which was famous for its Pashupati Shivalinga. The name Nepal probably originates from this city Nayapala.

Very few historical records exists of the period before medieval Licchavi rulers. According to Gopalraj Vansawali, a genealogy of Nepali monarchy, the rulers of Kathmandu Valley before the Licchavis were Gopalas, Mahispalas, Aabhirs, Kiratas, and Somavanshi.^[16][17] The Kirata dynasty was established by Yalamber. During the Kirata era, a settlement called Yambu existed in the northern half of old Kathmandu. In some of the Sino-Tibetan languages, Kathmandu is still called Yambu. Another smaller settlement called Yengal was present in the southern half of old Kathmandu, near Manjupattan. During the reign of the seventh Kirata ruler, Jitedasti, Buddhist monks entered Kathmandu valley and established a forest monastery at Sankhu.

Licchavi era[edit]

The Licchavis from the Indo-Gangetic plain migrated north and defeated the Kirats, establishing the Licchavi dynasty, circa 400 AD. During this era, following the genocide of Shakyas in Lumbini by Virudhaka, the survivors migrated north and entered the forest monastery lora masquerading as Koliyas. From Sankhu, they migrated to Yambu and Yengal (Lanjagwal and Manjupattan) and established the first permanent Buddhist monasteries of Kathmandu. This created the basis of Newar Buddhism, which is the only surviving Sanskrit-based Buddhist tradition in the world.^[19] With their migration, Yambu was called Koligram and Yengal was called Dakshin Koligram^[20] during most of the Licchavi era.^[21]

Eventually, the Licchavi ruler Gunakamadeva merged Koligram and Dakshin Koligram, founding the city of Kathmandu.^[21] The city was designed in the shape of Chandrahrasa, the sword of Manjushri. The city was surrounded by eight barracks guarded by Ajimas. One of these barracks is still in use at Bhadrakali (in front of Singha Durbar). The city served as an important transit point in the trade between India and Tibet, leading to tremendous growth in architecture. Descriptions of buildings such as Managriha, Kailaskut Bhawan, and Bhadradiwas Bhawan have been found in the surviving journals of travellers and monks who lived during this era. For example, the famous 7th-century Chinese traveller Xuanzang described Kailaskut Bhawan, the palace of the Licchavi king Amshuverma.^[22] The trade route also led to cultural exchange as well. The artistry of the Newar people—the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley—became highly sought after during this era, both within the Valley and throughout the greater Himalayas. Newar artists travelled extensively throughout Asia, creating religious art for their neighbours. For example, Araniko led a group of his compatriot artists through Tibet and China. Bhrikuti, the princess of Nepal who married Tibetan monarch Songtsän Gampo, was instrumental in introducing Buddhism to Tibet.

Malla era[edit]

The Licchavi era was followed by the Malla era. Rulers from Tirhut, upon being attacked by the Delhi Sultanate, fled north to the Kathmandu valley. They intermarried with Nepali royalty, and this led to the Malla era. The early years of the Malla era were turbulent, with raids and attacks from Khas and Turk Muslims. There was also a devastating earthquake which claimed the lives of a third of Kathmandu’s population, including the king Abhaya Malla. These disasters led to the destruction of most of the architecture of the Licchavi era (such as Mangriha and Kailashkut Bhawan), and the loss of literature collected in various monasteries within the city. Despite the initial hardships, Kathmandu rose to prominence again and, during most of the Malla era, dominated the trade between India and Tibet. Nepali currency became the standard currency in trans-Himalayan trade.

During the later part of the Malla era, Kathmandu Valley comprised four fortified cities: Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur. These served as the capitals of the Malla confederation of Nepal. These states competed with each other in the arts, architecture, esthetics, and trade, resulting in tremendous development. The kings of this period directly influenced or involved themselves in the construction of public buildings, squares, and temples, as well as the development of waterspouts, the institutionalisation of trusts (called guthis), the codification of laws, the writing of dramas, and the performance of plays in city squares. Evidence of an influx of ideas from India, Tibet, China, Persia, and Europe among other places can be found in a stone inscription from the time of king Pratap Malla. Books have been found from this era that describe their tantric tradition (e.g. Tantrakhyan), medicine (e.g. Haramekhala), religion (e.g. Mooldevshashidev), law, morals, and history. Amarkosh, a Sanskrit-Nepal Bhasa dictionary from 1381 AD, was also found. Architecturally notable buildings from this era include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the former durbar of Kirtipur, Nyatapola, Kumbheshwar, the Krishna temple, and others.

Medieval era[edit]

Early Shah rule[edit]

The Gorkha Kingdom ended the Malla confederation after the Battle of Kathmandu in 1768. This marked the beginning of the modern era in Kathmandu. The Battle of Kirtipur was the start of the Gorkha conquest of the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu was adopted as the capital of the Gorkha empire, and the empire itself was dubbed Nepal. During the early part of this era, Kathmandu maintained its distinctive culture. Buildings with characteristic Nepali architecture, such as the nine-story tower of Basantapur, were built during this era. However, trade declined because of continual war with neighbouring nations. Bhimsen Thapa supported France against Great Britain; this led to the development of modern military structures, such as modern barracks in Kathmandu. The nine-storey tower Dharahara was originally built during this era.

Rana rule[edit]

Rana rule over Nepal started with the Kot massacre of 1846, which occurred near Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. During this massacre, most of Nepal’s high-ranking officials were massacred by Jung Bahadur Rana and his supporters. Another massacre, the Bhandarkhal Massacre, was also conducted by Kunwar and his supporters in Kathmandu. During the Rana regime, Kathmandu’s alliance shifted from anti-British to pro-British; this led to the construction of the first buildings in the style of Western European architecture. The most well-known of these buildings include Singha Durbar, Garden of Dreams, Shital Niwas, and the old Narayanhiti palace. The first modern commercial road in the Kathmandu Valley, the New Road, was also built during this era. Trichandra College (the first college of Nepal), Durbar High School (the first modern school of Nepal), and Bir Hospital (the first hospital of Nepal) were built in Kathmandu during this era. Education was only accessible to the privileged class. Rana rule was marked by despotism, economic exploitation and religious persecution.^[23][24]

Geography[edit]

Kathmandu is in the northwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley to the north of the Bagmati River and covers an area of 50.7 km² (19.6 sq mi). The average elevation is 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level.^[25] The city is bounded by several other municipalities of the Kathmandu valley: south of the Bagmati by Lalitpur Metropolitan City (Patan), with which it forms one urban area surrounded by a ring road, to the southwest by Kirtipur and to the east by Madyapur Thimi. To the north the urban area extends into several municipalities; Nagarjun, Tarakeshwor, Tokha, Budhanilkantha, Gokarneshwor and Kageshwori Manohara. However, the urban agglomeration extends well beyond the neighbouring municipalities, e.g. to Bhaktapur, and nearly covers the entire Kathmandu Valley.

Kathmandu is dissected by eight rivers, the main river of the valley, the Bagmati and its tributaries, of which the Bishnumati, Dhobi Khola, Manohara Khola, Hanumante Khola, and Tukucha Khola are predominant. The mountains from where these rivers originate are in the elevation range of 1,500–3,000 metres (4,900–9,800 ft), and have passes which provide access to and from Kathmandu and its valley.^[26][27][28] An ancient canal once flowed from Nagarjuna hill through Balaju to Kathmandu; this canal is now extinct.

The city of Kathmandu and the surrounding valley are in the Deciduous Monsoon Forest Zone (altitude range of 1,200–2,100 metres (3,900–6,900 ft)), one of five vegetation zones defined for Nepal. The dominant tree species in this zone are oak, elm, beech, maple and others, with coniferous trees at higher altitude.^[29]

• 

  Urban expansion in Kathmandu, 2015.

• 

  The green, vegetated slopes that surround the Kathmandu metro area (light grey, image centre) include both forest reserves and national parks

Kathmandu administration[edit]

Kathmandu and adjacent cities are composed of neighbourhoods, which are utilized quite extensively and more familiar among locals. However, administratively the city is divided into 32 wards, numbered from 1 to 32. Earlier, there were 35 wards which made it the metropolitan city with the largest number of the wards. Balendra Shah (Balen) has been elected as the new mayor of Kathmandu

Climate[edit]

Kathmandu
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D 14 19 2 19 21 5 34 25 8 61 28 12 124 29 16 236 29 19 363 28 20 331 29 20 200 28 19 51 27 13 8.3 24 8 13 20 4 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D 0.6 66 36 0.7 70 41 1.3 77 46 2.4 82 54 4.9 84 61 9.3 84 66 14 82 68 13 84 68 7.9 82 66 2 81 55 0.3 75 46 0.5 68 39 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation totals in inches

Under Köppen’s climate classification, portions of the city with lower elevations (1300-1400m) which is 88 percent of total have a humid subtropical climate (Cwa), while portions of the city with higher elevations generally have a subtropical highland climate (Cwb). In the Kathmandu Valley, which is representative of its valley’s climate, the average summer temperature varies from 28 to 30 °C (82 to 86 °F). The average winter temperature is 10.1 °C (50.2 °F).
Five major climatic regions are found in Nepal. Of these, High hills of Kathmandu Valley including Chandragiri hill is in the Warm Temperate Zone (elevation ranging from 1,200 to 2,300 metres (3,900 to 7,500 ft)), where the climate is fairly temperate, atypical for the region. This zone is followed by the Cool Temperate Zone with elevation varying between 2,100 and 3,300 metres (6,900 and 10,800 ft).

The city generally has a climate with warm days followed by cool nights and mornings. Unpredictable weather is expected, given that temperatures can drop to 1 °C (34 °F) or less during the winter. During a 2013 cold front, the winter temperatures of Kathmandu dropped to −4 °C (25 °F), and the lowest temperature was recorded on 10 January 2013, at −9.2 °C (15.4 °F). Rainfall is mostly monsoon-based (about 65% of the total concentrated during the monsoon months of June to September), and decreases substantially (100 to 200 cm (39 to 79 in)) from eastern Nepal to western Nepal. Rainfall has been recorded at about 1,400 millimetres (55.1 in) for the Kathmandu valley, and averages 1,407 millimetres (55.4 in) for the city of Kathmandu. On average humidity is 75%.^[26][30][31] The chart below is based on data from the Nepal Bureau of Standards & Meteorology, Weather Meteorology for 2005. The chart provides minimum and maximum temperatures during each month. The annual amount of precipitation was 1,124 millimetres (44.3 in) for 2005, as per monthly data included in the table above.^[31] The decade of 2000–2010 saw highly variable and unprecedented precipitation anomalies in Kathmandu. This was mostly due to the annual variation of the southwest monsoon.^{[citation needed]} For example, 2001 recorded only 356 mm (14 in) of precipitation due to an extraordinarily weak monsoon season. In contrast, 2003 was the wettest year ever in Kathmandu, totaling over 2,900 mm (114 in) of precipitation due to an exceptionally strong monsoon season.

Air quality[edit]

Air pollution is a major issue in the Kathmandu Valley.^[36][37][38] According to the 2016 World Health Organization’s Ambient Air Pollution Database,^[39] the annual average PM2.5 (particulate matter) concentration in 2013 was 49 μg/m³, which is 4.9 times higher than recommended by the World Health Organization.^[40][41] Starting in early 2017, the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of the United States in Kathmandu have monitored and publicly share real-time air quality data. In Nepal and Kathmandu, the annual premature deaths due to air pollution reached 37,399 and 9,943 respectively, according to a Republica news report published on 23 November 2019. This indicates, around a quarter of the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu.^[42][43]

Government and public services[edit]

Civic administration[edit]

Kathmandu Municipal Corporation (KMC) is the chief nodal agency for the administration of Kathmandu. The Municipality of Kathmandu was upgraded to a metropolitan city in 1995.

Metropolitan Kathmandu is divided into five sectors: the Central Sector, the East Sector, the North Sector, the City Core and the West Sector. For civic administration, the city is further divided into 35 administrative wards. The Council administers the Metropolitan area of Kathmandu city through its 177 elected representatives and 20 nominated members. It holds biannual meetings to review, process and approve the annual budget and make major policy decisions.^[26][44] The ward’s profile documents for the 35 wards prepared by the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council is detailed and provides information for each ward on population, the structure and condition of houses, the type of roads, educational, health and financial institutions, entertainment facilities, parking space, security provisions, etc. It also includes lists of development projects completed, on-going and planned, along with informative data about the cultural heritage, festivals, historical sites and the local inhabitants. Ward 16 is the largest, with an area of 437.4 ha; ward 26 is the smallest, with an area of 4 ha.^[45]

Kathmandu is the headquarters of the surrounding Kathmandu District.

Law and order[edit]

The Metropolitan Police is the main law enforcement agency in the city. It is headed by a commissioner of police. The Metropolitan Police is a division of the Nepal Police, and the administrative control lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Fire service[edit]

The fire service, known as the Barun Yantra Karyalaya (Nepali: वारुण यन्त्र कार्यालय), opened its first station in Kathmandu in 1937 with a single-vehicle.^[46] An iron tower was erected to monitor the city and watch for a fire. As a precautionary measure, firemen were sent to the areas which were designated as accident-prone areas.^[46] In 1944, the fire service was extended to the neighbouring cities of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. In 1966, a fire service was established in Kathmandu central airport.^[46] In 1975, a West German government donation added seven fire engines to Kathmandu’s fire service.^[46] The fire service in the city is also overlooked by an international non-governmental organization, the Firefighters Volunteer Association of Nepal (FAN), which was established in 2000 with the purpose of raising public awareness about fire and improving safety.^[46]

Electricity and water supply[edit]

Electricity in Kathmandu is regulated and distributed by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Water supply and sanitation facilities are provided by the Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL). There is a severe shortage of water for household purposes such as drinking, bathing, cooking and washing and irrigation. People have been using bottled mineral water, water from tank trucks and from the ancient dhunge dharas (Nepali: ढुङ्गे धारा) for all the purposes related to water. The city water shortage should be solved by the completion of the much plagued Melamchi Water Supply Project by the end of 2019. Despite continued efforts by governmental bodies, Kathmandu is the one of the most polluted cities in Nepal, largely due to overpopulation.^[47][48]

Waste management[edit]

Waste management may be through composting in municipal waste management units, and at houses with home composting units. Both systems are common and established in India and neighbouring countries.^[49]

Demographics[edit]

Kathmandu’s urban cosmopolitan character has made it the most populous city in Nepal. According to the National Population Census of 2011, the total population of Kathmandu city was 975,543 in 254,292 households with an annual growth rate of 6.12% with respect to the population figure of 2001.^[50] 70% of the total population residing in Kathmandu are aged between 15 and 59.

In one decade, the population increased from 427,045 in 1991 to 671,805 in 2001. The population was projected to reach 915,071 in 2011 and 1,319,597 by 2021. To keep up this population growth, the KMC-controlled area of 5,076.6 hectares (12,545 acres) expanded to 8,214 hectares (20,300 acres) in 2001. With this new area, the population density which was 85 in 1991 remained 85 in 2001; it is likely to jump to 111 in 2011 and 161 in 2021.^[51]

Languages[edit]

As of the 2011 census, Nepali is the most common mother tongue in Kathmandu, with 62% of the population speaking it as their mother tongue. Newar is spoken by 19%, and the other languages spoken in the city include Tamang (6%), Maithili (3%), Bhojpuri (2%), Gurung (2%), Magar (2%) and Sherpa (1%) as their first language. English is also spoken by many.^[52]

Ethnic groups[edit]

The largest ethnic group is the native Newars, whose various caste groups combined have a population of 24.7%. Almost equal in population is the Bahuns with 24.5%, while the Chhetri population is 18%. Other groups in Kathmandu include the Janajatis, including the Tamang (7.8%), Magar (3.8%), Gurung (2.6%), Rai (2.1%) and Muslim (1.8%).^[53] More recently, other hill ethnic groups and caste groups from Terai have come to represent a substantial proportion of the city’s population, and there are around 12,000 Marwadis, mainly merchants.

Broad Caste and Ethnicity category (2011 Census)

Broad Ethnic Category	Sub Category[54]	Linguistic Family	Population Percentage
Khas (Hill/Pahari Caste Groups)	Khas Brahmin, Chhetri, Kami, Thakuri, Damai Sarki,Sanyasi/Dasnami	Indo-Aryan	46.3%
Newar (Kathmandu Valley Caste Groups)	Newari Brahmin, Shrestha, Tamrakar, Newar Buddhist, Maharjan, Rajkarnikar etc	Indo-Aryan And Sino-Tibetan	24.7%
Janajati (Hill Tribal Groups)	Magar,Tamang,Gurung, Sherpa,Rai,Limbu etc	Sino-Tibetan	19.2%
Madeshi (Terai Caste Groups)	Yadav, Maithil Brahmins, Chamar, Kushwaha, Musahar, Kurmi, Dhanuk etc	Indo-Aryan	4.1%
Muslim	—	Indo-Aryan	1.8%
Marwadi, Bengalis	—	Indo-Aryan	1.6%
Adibasi (Terai Indigenous Groups)	Tharu, Rajbanshi, Tajpuriya etc	Indo-Aryan And Sino-Tibetan	1.5%
Others	—	Indo-Aryan	1.5%

Architecture and cityscape[edit]

Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site (WHS) Seven Monuments and Buildings • Kathmandu Durbar Square in 1920 • • Kathmandu Durbar Square in 2007 • • Pashupatinath • Changunarayan • • Swayambhunath • Boudhanath • • Patan Durbar Square • • Bhaktapur Durbar Square •
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The ancient trade route between India and Tibet that passed through Kathmandu enabled a fusion of artistic and architectural traditions from other cultures to be amalgamated with local art and architecture.^[55] The monuments of Kathmandu City have been influenced over the centuries by Hindu and Buddhist religious practices. The architectural treasure of the Kathmandu valley has been categorized under the well-known seven groups of heritage monuments and buildings. In 2006 UNESCO declared these seven groups of monuments as a World Heritage Site (WHS). The seven monuments zones cover an area of 189 hectares (470 acres), with the buffer zone extending to 2,394 hectares (5,920 acres). The Seven Monument Zones inscribed originally in 1979 and with a minor modification in 2006 are the Durbar squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.^[56][57]

Durbar Squares[edit]

The literal meaning of Durbar Square is a «place of palaces». There are three preserved Durbar Squares in Kathmandu valley and one unpreserved in Kirtipur. The Durbar Square of Kathmandu is in the old city and has heritage buildings representing four kingdoms (Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur); the earliest being the Licchavi dynasty. The complex has 50 temples and is distributed in two quadrangles of the Durbar Square. The outer quadrangle has the Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple; the inner quadrangle has the Hanuman Dhoka palace. The squares were severely damaged in the April 2015 earthquake.

Hanuman Dhoka is a complex of structures with the royal palace of the Malla kings and of the Shah dynasty. It is spread over five acres. The eastern wing, with ten courtyards, is the oldest part, dating to the mid-16th century. It was expanded by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century with many temples. The royal family lived in this palace until 1886 when they moved to Narayanhiti Palace. The stone inscription outside is in fifteen languages.

Kumari Ghar is a palace in the centre of the Kathmandu city, next to the Durbar square where a royal Kumari selected from several Kumaris resides. Kumari, or Kumari Devi, is the tradition of worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in South Asian countries. In Nepal the selection process is very rigorous. Previously, during the time of the monarchy, the queen and the priests used to appoint the proposed Kumari with delicate process of astrological examination and physical examination of 32 ‘gunas’. The china (Nepali: चिना), an ancient Hindu astrological report, of the Kumari and the reigning king, was ought to be similar. The Kumari is believed to be a bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju (the Nepali name for Durga) until she menstruates, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury also causes her to revert to common status. The current Kumari, Trishna Shakya, age three at the time of appointment, was installed in September 2017 succeeding Matina Shakya who was the first Kumari of Kathmandu after the end of the monarchy.^[58]

Kasthamandap is a three-storeyed temple enshrining an image of Gorakhnath. It was built in the 16th century in pagoda style. The name of Kathmandu is a derivative of the word Kasthamandap. It was built under the reign of King Laxmi Narsingha Malla. Kasthamandap stands at the intersection of two ancient trade routes linking India and Tibet at Maru square. It was originally built as a rest house for travellers.

Pashupatinath temple[edit]

The Pashupatinath Temple (Nepali: पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर) is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu.^[59] It served as the seat of national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, until Nepal was secularized. However, a significant part of the temple was destroyed by Mughal invaders in the 14th century and little or nothing remains of the original 5th-century temple exterior. The temple as it stands today was built in the 19th century, although the image of the bull and the black four-headed image of Pashupati are at least 300 years old.^[60] The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.^[60][61] Shivaratri, or the night of Lord Shiva, is the most important festival that takes place here, attracting thousands of devotees and sadhus.^{[citation needed]}

Believers in Pashupatinath (mainly Hindus) are allowed to enter the temple premises, but non-Hindu visitors are allowed to view the temple only from the across the Bagmati River.^[60] The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Brahmins from Karnataka in southern India since the time of Malla king Yaksha Malla.^[62] This tradition is believed to have been started at the request of Adi Shankaracharya who sought to unify the states of Bharatam, a region in south Asia believed to be ruled by a mythological king Bharat, by encouraging cultural exchange. This procedure is followed in other temples around India, which were sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya.

The temple is built in the pagoda style of architecture, with cubic constructions and carved wooden rafters (tundal) on which they rest, and two-level roofs made of copper and gold.

Boudhanath[edit]

Boudhanath (Nepali: बौद्ध स्तुप; also written as Bouddhanath, Bodhnath, Baudhanath or the Khāsa Chaitya), is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, along with the Swayambhunath. It is a very popular tourist site. Boudhanath is known as Khāsti by Newars and as Bauddha or Bodhnāth by speakers of Nepali.^[63] About 11 km (7 mi) from the centre and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.^[64] Boudhanath became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

The base of the stupa has 108 small depictions of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. It is surrounded with a brick wall with 147 niches, each with four or five prayer wheels engraved with the mantra, Om mani padme hum.^[65] At the northern entrance where visitors must pass is a shrine dedicated to Ajima, the goddess of smallpox.^[65] Every year the stupa attracts many Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims who perform full body prostrations in the inner lower enclosure, walk around the stupa with prayer wheels, chant, and pray.^[65] Thousands of prayer flags are hoisted up from the top of the stupa downwards and dot the perimeter of the complex. The influx of many Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan gompas (monasteries) around Boudhanath.

Swayambhu[edit]

Swayambhunath (Nepali: स्वयम्भू स्तूप) is a Buddhist stupa atop a hillock at the northwestern part of the city. This is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. Although the site is considered Buddhist, it is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. The stupa consists of a dome at the base; above the dome, there is a cubic structure with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions.^{[clarification needed]} There are pentagonal toran above each of the four sides, with statues engraved on them. Behind and above the torana there are thirteen tiers. Above all the tiers, there is a small space above which lies a gajur.

Rani Pokhari[edit]

Ranipokhari (Nepali: रानी पोखरी, lit. ‘Queen’s Pond’) is a historic artificial pond nestled in the heart of Kathmandu. It was built by king Pratap Malla in 1670 AD for his beloved queen after she lost her son and could not recover from her loss.^[66] A large stone statue of an elephant in the south signifies the image of Pratap Malla and his two sons. Balgopaleshwor Temple stands still inside the temple above the pond. Rani Pokhari is opened once a year during the final day of Tihar i.e. Bhai Tika and Chhath festival. The world’s largest Chhath takes place every year in Ranipokhari. The pond is one of Kathmandu’s most famous landmarks and is known for its religious and aesthetic significance.However, Ranipokhari is now under development, which began in 2019 and is expected to be finished next year, according to reports.

Culture[edit]

Arts[edit]

Kathmandu valley the City of Newars is described as «an enormous treasure house of art and sculptures», which are made of wood, stone, metal, and terracotta, and found in profusion in temples, shrines, stupas, gompas, chaityas and palaces. The art objects are also seen in street corners, lanes, private courtyards and in open ground. Most art is in the form of icons of gods and goddesses. Kathmandu valley has had this art treasure for a very long time, but received worldwide recognition only after the country opened to the outside world in 1950.^[67]

The religious art of Nepal and Kathmandu in particular consists of an iconic symbolism of the Mother Goddesses such as: Bhavani, Durga, Gaja-Lakshmi, Hariti-Sitala, Mahsishamardini, Saptamatrika (seven mother goddesses), and Sri-Lakshmi (wealth-goddess). From the 3rd century BCE, apart from the Hindu gods and goddesses, Buddhist monuments from the Ashokan period (it is said that Ashoka visited Nepal in 250 BC) have embellished Nepal in general and the valley in particular. These art and architectural edifices encompass three major periods of evolution: the Licchavi or classical period (500 to 900 AD), the post-classical period (1000 to 1400 AD), with strong influence of the Palla art form; the Malla period (1400 onwards) that exhibited explicitly tantric influences coupled with the art of Tibetan Demonology.^[68]

A broad typology has been ascribed to the decorative designs and carvings created by the people of Nepal. These artists have maintained a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. The typology, based on the type of material used are: stone art, metal art, wood art, terracotta art, and painting.^[69]

Museums[edit]

Kathmandu is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Nepal and the Natural History Museum of Nepal. Nepal’s art and architecture is an amalgamation of two ancient religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. These are amply reflected in the many temples, shrines, stupas, monasteries, and palaces in the seven well-defined Monument Zones of the Kathmandu valley are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amalgamation is also reflected in the planning and exhibitions in museums and art galleries throughout Kathmandu and its sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. The museums display unique artefacts and paintings from the 5th century CE to the present day, including archaeological exportation.^[70]

Museums and art galleries in Kathmandu include:^[70]

• The National Museum
• The Natural History Museum
• Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex
• The Kaiser Library
• The National Art Gallery
• The NEF-ART (Nepal Fine Art) Gallery
• The Nepal Art Council Gallery
• Narayanhiti Palace Museum
• The Taragaon Museum

The National Museum is in the western part of Kathmandu, near the Swayambhunath stupa in a historical building constructed in the early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. It is the most important museum in the country, housing an extensive collection of weapons, art and antiquities of historic and cultural importance. The museum was established in 1928 as a collection house of war trophies and weapons, and the initial name of this museum was Chhauni Silkhana, meaning «the stone house of arms and ammunition». Given its focus, the museum contains many weapons, including locally made firearms used in wars, leather cannons from the 18th–19th century, and medieval and modern works in wood, bronze, stone and paintings.^[71]

The Natural History Museum is in the southern foothills of Swayambhunath hill and has a sizeable collection of different species of animals, butterflies, and plants. The museum is noted for its display of species, from prehistoric shells to stuffed animals.^[71]

The Tribhuvan Museum contains artifacts related to King Tribhuvan (1906–1955). It has a variety of pieces including his personal belongings, letters, and papers, memorabilia related to events he was involved in and a rare collection of photos and paintings of Royal family members. The Mahendra Museum is dedicated to the King Mahendra (1920–1972). Like the Tribhuvan Museum, it includes his personal belongings such as decorations, stamps, coins and personal notes and manuscripts, but it also has structural reconstructions of his cabinet room and office chamber. The Hanumandhoka Palace, a lavish medieval palace complex in the Durbar, contains three separate museums of historic importance. These museums include the Birendra museum, which contains items related to the second-last monarch, King Birendra.^[71]

The enclosed compound of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum is in the north-central part of Kathmandu. «Narayanhiti» (Nepali: नारायणहिटी) comes from Narayana (Nepali: नारायण), a form of the Hindu god Lord Vishnu, and Hiti (Nepali: हिटी), meaning «water spout» (the temple of lord Vishnu is opposite to the palace, and the water spout is east of the main entrance to the precinct). The current palace building was built in 1970 in front of the old palace, built in 1915, in the form of a contemporary pagoda. It was built on the occasion of the marriage of the then crown prince and heir apparent to the throne, Birendra. The southern gate of the palace is at the crossing of Prithvipath and Durbar Marg roads. The palace area covers 30 hectares (74 acres) and is fully secured with gates on all sides.^[72][73][74] This palace was the scene of the Nepali royal massacre. After the fall of the monarchy, it has been converted into a museum.

The Taragaon Museum presents the modern history of the Kathmandu valley.^[75] It seeks to document 50 years of research and cultural heritage conservation of the Kathmandu Valley, documenting what artists, photographers, architects, and anthropologists from abroad had contributed in the second half of the 20th century. The actual structure of the museum showcases restoration and rehabilitation efforts to preserve the built heritage of Kathmandu. It was designed by Carl Pruscha (master-planner of the Kathmandu Valley)^[76] in 1970 and constructed in 1971.^[77] Restoration works began in 2010 to rehabilitate the Taragaon hostel into the Taragaon Museum. The design uses local brick along with modern architectural design elements, as well as the use of circle, triangles and squares.^[76] The museum is within a short walk from the Boudhanath stupa, which itself can be seen from the museum tower.

Art galleries[edit]

Kathmandu is a centre for art in Nepal, displaying the work of contemporary artists in the country and also collections of historical artists. Patan in particular is an ancient city noted for its fine arts and crafts. Art in Kathmandu is vibrant, demonstrating a fusion of traditionalism and modern art, derived from a great number of national, Asian, and global influences. Nepali art is commonly divided into two areas: the idealistic traditional painting known as Paubhas in Nepal and perhaps more commonly known as Thangkas in Tibet, closely linked to the country’s religious history and on the other hand the contemporary western-style painting, including nature-based compositions or abstract artwork based on Tantric elements and social themes of which painters in Nepal are well noted for.^[71] Internationally, the British-based charity, the Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre is involved with promoting arts in Kathmandu.^[78]

Kathmandu houses many notable art galleries. The NAFA Gallery, operated by the Arts and crafts Department of the Nepal Academy is housed in Sita Bhavan, a neo-classical old Rana palace.^[71]

The Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery, inside the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition grounds, hosts the work of contemporary painters and sculptors, and regularly organizes exhibitions. It also runs morning and evening classes in the schools of art. Also of note is the Moti Azima Gallery, in a three-storied building in Bhimsenthan which contains an impressive collection of traditional utensils and handmade dolls and items typical of a medieval Newar house, giving an important insight into Nepali history. The J Art Gallery near the former royal palace in Durbarmarg displays the artwork of eminent, established Nepali painters. The Nepal Art Council Gallery, in the Babar Mahal, on the way to Tribhuvan International Airport contains artwork of both national and international artists and extensive halls regularly used for art exhibitions.^[71]

Literature[edit]

The National Library of Nepal is located in Patan. It is the largest library in the country with more than 70,000 books in English, Nepali, Sanskrit, Hindi, and Nepal Bhasa. The library is in possession of rare scholarly books in Sanskrit and English dating from the 17th century AD. Kathmandu also contains the Kaiser Library, in the Kaiser Mahal on the ground floor of the Ministry of Education building. This collection of around 45,000 books is derived from a personal collection of Kaiser Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana. It covers a wide range of subjects including history, law, art, religion, and philosophy, as well as a Sanskrit manual of Tantra, which is believed to be over 1,000 years old.^[71] The 2015 earthquake caused severe damage to the Ministry of Education building, and the contents of the Kaiser Library have been temporarily relocated.

The Asa Archives are also noteworthy. They specialize in medieval history and religious traditions of the Kathmandu valley. The archives, in Kulambhulu, have a collection of some 6,000 loose-leaf handwritten books and 1,000 palm-leaf manuscripts (mostly in Sanskrit or Nepal Bhasa) and a manuscript dated to 1464.^[71]

Cinema and theatre[edit]

Kathmandu is home to Nepali cinema and theatres. The city contains several theatres, including the National Dance Theatre in Kanti Path, the Ganga Theatre, the Himalayan Theatre and the Aarohan Theater Group founded in 1982. The M. Art Theater is based in the city. The Gurukul School of Theatre organizes the Kathmandu International Theater Festival, attracting artists from all over the world.^[79] A mini theatre has been opened at the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, established by the Durbar Conservation and Promotion Committee.

Kathmandu has a number of cinemas (old single screen establishments and some new multiplexes) showing Nepali, Bollywood and Hollywood films. Some old establishments include Vishwajyoti Cinema Hall, Jai Nepal Hall, Kumari Cinema Hall, Gopi Krishna Cinema Hall and Guna Cinema Hall. Kathmandu also houses some international standard cinema theatres and multiplexes, such as QFX Cinemas, Cine De Chef, Fcube Cinemas, Q’s Cinemas, Big Movies, BSR Movies and many more.

Music[edit]

Kathmandu is the center of music and dance in Nepal, and these art forms are integral to understanding the city. Musical performances are organized in cultural venues. Music is a part of the traditional aspect of Kathmandu. Gunla is the traditional music festival according to Nepal Sambat. Newar music originated in Kathmandu. Furthermore, music from all over Nepal can be found in Kathmandu.

A number of hippies visited Kathmandu during the 1970s and introduced Rock and Roll, rock, and jazz to the city. Kathmandu is noted internationally for its jazz festival, popularly known as Jazzmandu. It is the only jazz festival in the Himalayan region and was established in March 2002. The festival attracts musicians from countries worldwide, such as Australia, Denmark, United States, Benin, and India.^[80]

The city has been referenced in numerous songs, including works by Cat Stevens (‘Katmandu’, Mona Bone Jakon (1970), Bob Seger (‘Katmandu’, Beautiful Loser (1975)), Rush (‘A Passage to Bangkok’, Pulling into Kathmandu; 2112, 1976), John Lennon (‘Nobody Told Me’ (1984, posthumously)), Krematorij (‘Kathmandu’, Three Springs (2000)), Fito Páez (Tráfico por Katmandú – «Traffic through Kathmandu») and Cavalcade (‘Kathmandu Kid’) 2019.

Cuisine[edit]

The staple food of most people in Kathmandu is dal bhat. This consists of rice and lentil soup, generally served with vegetable curries, achar and sometimes Chutney. Momo, a type of Nepali version of Tibetan dumpling, has become prominent in Nepal with many street vendors and restaurants selling it. It is one of the most popular fast foods in Kathmandu. Various Nepali variants of momo including buff (i.e. buffalo) dumplings , chicken dumplings, and vegetarian momo are famous in Kathmandu.

Most of the cuisines found in Kathmandu are non-vegetarian. However, the practice of vegetarianism is not uncommon, and vegetarian cuisines can be found throughout the city. Consumption of beef is very uncommon and considered taboo in many places. Buff (meat of water buffalo) is very common. There is a strong tradition of buff consumption in Kathmandu, especially among Newars, which is not found in other parts of Nepal. Consumption of pork was considered taboo until a few decades ago. Due to the intermixing with Kirat cuisine from eastern Nepal, pork has found a place in Kathmandu dishes. A fringe population of devout Hindus and Muslims consider it taboo. The Muslims forbid eating buff as from Quran while Hindus eat all varieties except beef as they consider cow to be a goddess and symbol of purity. The chief lunch/snack for locals and visitors is mostly Momo or Chowmein.

Kathmandu had only one western-style restaurant in 1955.^[81] A large number of restaurants in Kathmandu have since opened, catering Nepali cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, Chinese cuisine and Indian cuisine in particular. Many other restaurants have opened to accommodate locals, expatriates, and tourists. The growth of tourism in Kathmandu has led to culinary creativity and the development of hybrid foods to accommodate for tourists such as American chop suey, which is a sweet-and-sour sauce with crispy noodles with a fried egg commonly added on top and other westernized adaptations of traditional cuisine.^[81] Continental cuisine can be found in selected places. International chain restaurants are rare, but some outlets of Pizza Hut and KFC have recently opened there. It also has several outlets of the international ice-cream chain Baskin-Robbins.^[82]

Kathmandu has a larger proportion of tea drinkers than coffee drinkers. Tea, locally known as Chiya, is widely served but is extremely weak by western standards. It is richer and contains tea leaves boiled with milk, sugar, and spices. Tea shops that specially serve tea with other snacks are widely available. Alcohol is widely drunk, and there are numerous local variants of alcoholic beverages. Drinking and driving is illegal, and authorities have a zero-tolerance policy.^[83] Ailaa and thwon (alcohol made from rice) are the alcoholic beverages of Kathmandu, found in all the local bhattis (alcohol serving eateries). Chhyaang, tongba (fermented millet or barley) and raksi are alcoholic beverages from other parts of Nepal which are found in Kathmandu. However, shops and bars in Kathmandu widely sell western and Nepali beers.

Festivals[edit]

Most of the fairs and festivals in Kathmandu originated in the Malla period or earlier. Traditionally, these festivals were celebrated by Newars. In recent years, these festivals have found wider participation from other Kathmanduites as well. As the capital of the Nepal, various national festivals are celebrated in Kathmandu. With mass migration to the city, the cultures of Khas from the west, Kirats from the east, Bon/Tibetan from the north, and Mithila from the south meet in the capital and mingle harmoniously. The festivities such as the Ghode (horse) Jatra, Indra Jatra, Dashain Durga Puja festivals, Shivratri and many more are observed by all Hindu and Buddhist communities of Kathmandu with devotional fervor and enthusiasm. Social regulation in the codes enacted incorporates Hindu traditions and ethics. These were followed by the Shah kings and previous kings, as devout Hindus and protectors of the Buddhist religion.

Cultural continuity has been maintained for centuries in the exclusive worship of goddesses and deities in Kathmandu and the rest of the country. These deities include the Ajima,^[84] Taleju (or Tulja Bhavani or Taleju Bhawani)^[85] and her other form : Digu Taleju (or Degu Taleju)^[86] and Kumari (the living goddess).^[87] The artistic edifices have now become places of worship in the everyday life of the people, therefore a roster is maintained to observe annual festivals. There are 133 festivals held in the year.^[88]

Some of the traditional festivals observed in Kathmandu, apart from those previously mentioned, are Bada Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Maghe Sankranti, Nag Panchami, Janai Purnima, Pancha Dan, Teej/Rishi Panchami, Pahan Charhe, Jana Baha Dyah Jatra (White Machchhendranath Jatra), and Matatirtha Aunsi.^[55]

Religions[edit]

Hinduism[edit]

Hinduism is one of the indigenous beliefs of the city. Assumedly, together with the kingdom of Licchhavi (c. 400 to 750), Hinduism and the endogam social stratification of the caste was established in Kathmandu Valley. The Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, and the Kasthamandap are of particular importance to Hindus. Other notable Hindu temples in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley include Bajrayogini Temple, Dakshinkali Temple, Guhyeshwari Temple, and the Shobha Bhagawati shrine.

The Bagmati River which flows through Kathmandu is considered a holy river both by Hindus and Buddhists, and many Hindu temples are on the banks of this river. The importance of the Bagmati also lies in the fact that Hindus are cremated on its banks, and Kirants are buried in the hills by its side. According to the Nepali Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati before cremation. The chief mourner (usually the first son) who lights the funeral pyre must take a holy riverwater bath immediately after cremation. Many relatives who join the funeral procession also take bath in the Bagmati or sprinkle the holy water on their bodies at the end of cremation as the Bagmati is believed to purify people spiritually.

Buddhism[edit]

Buddhism was brought into Kathmandu with the arrival of Buddhist monks during the time of Buddha (c. 563 – 483 BCE^[89]). They established a forest monastery in Sankhu. This monastery was renovated by Shakyas after they fled genocide from Virudhaka (r. 491–461 BCE).

During the Hindu Lichchavi era (c. 400 to 750), various monasteries and orders were created which successively led to the formation of Newar Buddhism, which is still practiced in the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Sanskrit.

Legendary Princess Bhrikuti (7th-century) and artist Araniko (1245–1306 CE) from that tradition of Kathmandu valley played a significant role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet and China. There are over 108 traditional monasteries (Bahals and Baháʼís) in Kathmandu based on Newar Buddhism. Since the 1960s, the permanent Tibetan Buddhist population of Kathmandu has risen significantly so that there are now over fifty Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the area. Also, with the modernization of Newar Buddhism, various Theravada Bihars have been established.

Kirat Mundhum[edit]

Kirant Mundhum is one of the indigenous animistic practices of Nepal. It is practiced by the Kirat people. Some animistic aspects of Kirant beliefs, such as ancestor worship (worship of Ajima) are also found in Newars of Kirant origin. Ancient religious sites believed to be worshipped by ancient Kirats, such as Pashupatinath, Wanga Akash Bhairabh (Yalambar) and Ajima are now worshipped by people of all Dharmic religions in Kathmandu. Kirats who have migrated from other parts of Nepal to Kathmandu practice Mundhum in the city.^[90]

Other religions[edit]

Sikhism is practiced primarily in Gurudwara at Kupundole. An earlier temple of Sikhism is also present in Kathmandu which is now defunct.

Jainism is practiced by a small community. A Jain temple is present in Gyaneshwar, where Jains practice their faith.

According to the records of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of Nepal, there are approximately 300 followers of the Baháʼí Faith in Kathmandu valley. They have a national office in Shantinagar, Baneshwor. The Baháʼís also have classes for children at the National Centre and other localities in Kathmandu.

It is said^{[by whom?]} that in Kathmandu alone there are 170 Christian churches. Christian missionary hospitals, welfare organizations, and schools are also operating. Nepali citizens who served as soldiers in Indian and British armies, who had converted to Christianity while in service, on return to Nepal continue to practice their religion. They have contributed to the spread of Christianity and the building of churches in Nepal and in Kathmandu, in particular.^[91][92]

Education[edit]

The oldest modern school in Nepal, the Durbar High School, and the oldest college, the Tri-Chandra College, are both in Kathmandu. The largest (according to number of students and colleges), the oldest and most distinguished university in Nepal the Tribhuvan University, located in Kirtipur. The second largest university, Kathmandu University (KU), is in Dhulikhel, Kavre on the outskirts of Kathmandu. It is the second oldest university in Nepal, established in November 1991.^[93] Not surprisingly the best schools and colleges of Nepal are located in Kathmandu and its adjoining cities. Every year thousands of students from all over Nepal arrive at Kathmandu to get admission in the various schools and colleges. One of the key concerns of educationists and concerned citizens is the massive outflux of students from Nepal to outside Nepal for studies. Every year thousands of students apply for No Objection Certificates for studying abroad. Consultancy firms specializing in preparing students to go abroad can be found in all prominent locations. The reason for such an outflux range from perceived low quality of education, political instability, fewer opportunities in the job market, opportunities for earning while learning abroad and better job prospects with an international degree.

Healthcare[edit]

Healthcare in Kathmandu is the most developed in Nepal, and the city and surrounding valley is home to some of the best hospitals and clinics in the country. Bir Hospital is the oldest, established in July 1889 by Bir Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana. Notable hospitals include Bir Hospital, Nepal Medical College (Jorpati) and Teaching Hospital, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine (Teaching Hospital), Patan Hospital, Kathmandu Model Hospital, Scheer Memorial Hospital, Om Hospital, Norvic Hospital, Grande International Hospital, Nobel Hospital and many more.

The city is supported by specialist hospitals/clinics such as Shahid Shukraraj Tropical Hospital, Shahid Gangalal Foundation, Kathmandu Veterinary Hospital, Nepal Eye Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, Nepal International Clinic (Travel and Mountain Medicine Center), Neuro Center, Spinal Rehabilitation center and Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital. Most of the general hospitals are in the city center, although several clinics are elsewhere in Kathmandu district.

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology is an Ophthalmological hospital in Kathmandu. It pioneered the production of low cost intraocular lenses (IOLs), which are used in cataract surgery.^[94] The team of Dr. Sanduk Ruit in Tilganga pioneered sutureless small-incision cataract surgery (SICS),^[95][96] a technique which has been used to treat 4 million of the world’s 20 million people with cataract blindness.

Medical colleges[edit]

Institute of Medicine, the central college of Tribhuvan University is the first medical college of Nepal and is in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. It was established in 1972 and started to impart medical education from 1978. Other major institutions include Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Kathmandu Medical College, Nepal Medical College, KIST Medical College, Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) and Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), are also in or around Kathmandu.^[97]

Economy[edit]

The location and terrain of Kathmandu have played a significant role in the development of a stable economy which spans millennia. The city is in an ancient lake basin, with fertile soil and flat terrain. This geography helped form a society based on agriculture. This, combined with its location between India and China, helped establish Kathmandu as an important trading centre over the centuries. Kathmandu’s trade is an ancient profession that flourished along an offshoot of the Silk Road which linked India and Tibet. From centuries past, Lhasa Newar merchants of Kathmandu have conducted trade across the Himalaya and contributed to spreading art styles and Buddhism across Central Asia.^[98] Other traditional occupations are farming, metal casting, woodcarving, painting, weaving, and pottery.^[99]

Kathmandu is the most important industrial and commercial centre in Nepal. The Nepal Stock Exchange, the head office of the national bank, the chamber of commerce, as well as head offices of national and international banks, telecommunication companies, the electricity authority, and various other national and international organizations are in Kathmandu. The major economic hubs are the New Road, Durbar Marg, Ason and Putalisadak.^[99]

The economic output of the metropolitan area of around Rs. 550 billion approximately per year alone is worth more than one third of national GDP (nominal), while the per capita income of $2200 is approximately three times the national average.^[100] Kathmandu exports handicrafts, artworks, garments, carpets, pashmina, paper; trade accounts for 21% of its revenues.^[99][100] Manufacturing is also important and accounts for 19% of the revenue that Kathmandu generates. Garments and woolen carpets are the most notable manufactured products.^[100] Other economic sectors in Kathmandu include agriculture (9%), education (6%), transport (6%), and hotels and restaurants (5%).^[100] Kathmandu is famous for lokta paper and pashmina shawls.

Tourism[edit]

Tourism is considered another important industry in Nepal. This industry started around 1950, as the country’s political makeup changed and ended the country’s isolation from the rest of the world. In 1956, air transportation was established and the Tribhuvan Highway, between Kathmandu and Raxaul (at India’s border), was started. Separate organizations were created in Kathmandu to promote this activity; some of these include the Tourism Development Board, the Department of Tourism and the Civil Aviation Department. Furthermore, Nepal became a member of several international tourist associations. Establishing diplomatic relations with other nations further accentuated this activity. The hotel industry, travel agencies, training of tourist guides, and targeted publicity campaigns are the chief reasons for the remarkable growth of this industry in Nepal, and in Kathmandu in particular.^[101] Since then, tourism in Nepal has thrived. It is the country’s most important industry.^[102] Tourism is a major source of income for most of the people in the city, with several hundred thousand visitors annually. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit Kathmandu’s religious sites such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Changunarayan and Budhanilkantha. From a mere 6,179 tourists in 1961/62, the number increased to 491,504 in 1999/2000. In economic terms, the foreign exchange registered 3.8% of the GDP in 1995/96 but then started declining. Following the end of the Maoist insurgency, there was a significant rise in the number of tourist arrivals, with 509,956 tourists recorded in 2009. Since then, tourism has improved as the country transitioned into a republic. The high level of tourism is attributed to the natural grandeur of the Himalayas and the rich cultural heritage of the country.^[101]

The neighbourhood of Thamel is Kathmandu’s primary «traveller’s ghetto», packed with guest houses, restaurants, shops, and bookstores, catering to tourists. Another neighbourhood of growing popularity is Jhamel, a name for Jhamsikhel that was coined to rhyme with Thamel.^[103] Jhochhen Tol, also known as Freak Street, is Kathmandu’s original traveller’s haunt, made popular by the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s; it remains a popular alternative to Thamel. Ason is a bazaar and ceremonial square on the old trade route to Tibet, and provides a fine example of a traditional neighbourhood.

With the opening of the tourist industry after the change in the political scenario of Nepal in 1950, the hotel industry drastically improved.^[104] Now Kathmandu boasts several luxuries such as the Hyatt Regency, Dwarika’s, Hotel Yak & Yeti, The Everest Hotel, Hotel Radisson, Hotel De L’Annapurna, The Malla Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel (not operated by the Shangri-La Hotel Group) and Hotel Shanker. There are several four-star hotels such as Akama Hotel, Hotel Vaishali, Hotel Narayani, The Blue Star and Grand Hotel. The Garden Hotel, Hotel Ambassador, and Aloha Inn are among the three-star hotels in Kathmandu. Hotels like Hyatt Regency, De L’Annapurna, and Yak & Yeti are among the five-star hotels with casinos as well.^[105]

Transport[edit]

Road[edit]

The total length of roads in Nepal is recorded to be 17,182 km (10,676 mi), as of 2003–04. This fairly large network has helped the economic development of the country, particularly in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, vegetable farming, industry and also tourism.^[106] In view of the hilly terrain, transportation takes place in Kathmandu are mainly by road and air. Kathmandu is connected by the Tribhuvan Highway to the south connecting India, Prithvi Highway to the west and Araniko Highway to the north connecting China. The BP Highway connects Kathmandu to the eastern part of Nepal through Sindhuli.^[107] The fast-track is under construction which will be the shortest route to connect Terai with the valley.^[108]

Sajha Yatayat provides regular bus services throughout Kathmandu and the surrounding valley. Other bus companies including micro-bus companies operate several unscheduled routes. Trolleybusses used to operate on the route between Tripureshwor and Suryabinayak on a 13-kilometer route.

Air[edit]

The main international airport serving Kathmandu valley is the Tribhuvan International Airport, about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the city centre and is operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.^[109] It has two terminals, one domestic and one international. At present, it connects 30 cities around the globe in Europe, Asia and the Middle East such as Istanbul, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Paro, Lhasa, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Since 2013, Turkish Airlines connects Istanbul to Kathmandu.^[110] Oman Air also connects Muscat to Kathmandu since 2010.^[111] Nepal Airlines started flying to Tokyo-Narita from 2 March 2020.^[112] Regionally, several Nepali airlines operate from the city, including Buddha Air, Nepal Airlines, Shree Airlines and Yeti Airlines to other major towns across Nepal.

Ropeways[edit]

Ropeways are another important transportation means in hilly terrain.^[113] A ropeway operated between Kathmandu and Hetauda over a length of 43 km (27 mi) which carried 25 tonnes of goods per hour. It has since been discontinued due to poor carrying capacity and maintenance issues. During the Rana period, a ropeway was constructed between Mathatirtha in Kathmandu to Dhorsing in Makawanpur of over 22 km (14 mi) in length, which carried a cargo of 8 tonnes per hour. At present, a cable car service is operated in Kathmandu in Chandragiri Hills.^[114]

Media[edit]

Kathmandu is the television hub of Nepal. Nepal Television, established in 1985, is the oldest and most-watched television channel in Nepal, as is government-owned NTV PLUS and also Kantipur Television, Image Channel, Sagarmatha Television, Himalaya TV, AP1 TV and other channels.

The headquarters of many of the country’s news outlets are also in the city including Kathmandu Tribune, the government-owned Gorkhapatra (the oldest national daily newspaper in Nepal), The Kathmandu Post, Nepali Times, Kantipur Publications and its paper Kantipur, Naya Patrika, The Himalayan Times, Karobar Economic Daily, Aarthik Abhiyan National Daily and Jana Aastha National Weekly.

Nepal Republic Media, the publisher of myRepublica, joined a publishing alliance with the International Herald Tribune (IHT), to publish the Asia Pacific Edition of IHT from Kathmandu from 20 July 2011. There is a state-run National News Agency (RSS).

Radio Nepal is a state-run organization that operates national and regional radio stations. These stations are: Hits FM, Radio Kantipur, HBC 94 FM, Radio Sagarmatha and Image FM. The BBC also has an FM broadcasting station in Kathmandu. Few Community radio stations such as Radio Pratibodh – 102.4 MHz, Radio Upatyaka – 87.6 MHz etc. also broadcast within the valley.

Sports[edit]

Cricket and Football are the most popular sports among the younger generation in Nepal and there are several stadiums in the city.^[115] The sport is governed by the National Sports Council from its headquarters in Kathmandu. The only international football stadium in the city is the Dasharath Rangasala, a multi-purpose stadium used mostly for football matches and cultural events, in the neighbourhood of Tripureshwor. It is the largest stadium in Nepal with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, built in 1956. Martyr’s Memorial League is also held in this ground every year. The stadium was renovated with Chinese aid before the 8th South Asian Games were held in Kathmandu and floodlights were installed. Kathmandu is home to the oldest football clubs of Nepal such as Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT), Sankata Club and New Road Team (NRT). Other prominent clubs include Manang Marsyangdi Club, Machhindra FC, Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) and Nepal Police Club.

Kathmandu is also home of some of the oldest cricket clubs in Nepal, such as Yengal Sports Club. Kathmandu Kings XI represents Kathmandu in the Everest Premier League.^[116]

International relations and organizations[edit]

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), in order to promote international relations, has established an International Relations Secretariat (IRC). KMC’s first international relationship was established in 1975 with the city of Eugene, Oregon, United States. This activity has been further enhanced by establishing formal relationships with 8 other cities: Matsumoto City (Nagano Prefecture, Japan), Rochester (New York State), Yangon (formerly Rangoon, Myanmar), Xi’an (Shaanxi, China), Minsk (Belarus), and Pyongyang (North Korea). KMC’s constant endeavour is to enhance its interaction with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, other international agencies and many other major cities of the world to achieve better urban management and developmental programs for Kathmandu.^[117] Kathmandu is home to several international and regional organizations, including the SAARC Secretariat and the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Twin towns – sister cities[edit]

Kathmandu is twinned with:^[118]

Proposed sister cities[edit]

• Bangkok, Thailand^[118]

Local Elections[edit]

Local Level Election 2074[edit]

• Total Population : 975,453
• Total Eligible Voters : 279,306
• Number of Wards : 32

Mayor/Chairperson

Party	Mayor/Chairperson	Number of Vote	Header text
[[]]			Elected
Nepali Congress			Runner up

Deputy Mayor/Chairperson

Party	Mayor/Chairperson	Number of Vote	Header text
CPN-UML			Elected
[[]]		Vote	Runner up

Local Level Election 2079[edit]

• Total Population :2,017,532
• Total Eligible Voters : 637,775
• Number of Wards : 32

Mayor/Chairperson

Party	Mayor/Chairperson	Number of Vote	Header text
Independent	Balendra Shah	61767 Vote	Elected
Nepali Congress	Srijana Singh	38341 Vote	Runner up

Deputy Mayor/Chairperson

Party	Mayor/Chairperson	Number of Vote	Header text
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist)	Sunita Dangol	68612 Vote	Elected
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist)	Rameshwore Shrestha	23806 Vote	Runner up

Notable people[edit]

Gallery[edit]

• 

• 

• 

  Entrance to a building in the Durbar Square

• 

  Ghanta Ghar and surrounding areas

• 

• 

See also[edit]

• Kathmandu District
• Kathmandu Valley

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

Катманду (Kathmandu) — столица Непала (с 1769 г.; до 16 в. называлась Кантипур). Расположен в межгорной котловине Гималаев, на р. Багхмати (бассейн Ганга), на высоте 1360 м. Население 1,2 млн. человек (2002 г., с пригородами).

Климат муссонный, горный, тропический, средняя температура июля +24, 5 °C, средняя температура января +18, 3 °C; в год выпадает около 1, 4 тыс. мм осадков. Влажность 70-80%. Город сильно пострадал от землетрясений в 1833 г. и 1934 г.

Катманду является историческим, экономическим, политическим и культурным центром Непала. Важный транспортный узел, здесь сходятся три основных шоссейных дороги — Трибхуван раджпатх (идет на юг, в Индию), Притхви раджпатх (следует на запад, в г. Покхара), Арникораджмарг (на север, в Кодари). Международный аэропорт Трибхуван (воздушное сообщение с городами Непала, а также с Индией, Бангладеш, Бирмой, Таиландом).

В городе и пригородах сосредоточены многочисленные кустарные художественные ремесленные мастерские (изготовление предметов прикладного искусства, ювелирных изделий и т. п.) и отдельные предприятия (кожевенно-обувные, текстильные, ремонтно-механические, гончарные, кирпично-черепичный завод и др.). Предприятия пищевой промышленности.

В Катманду находятся университет им. Трибхувана и прикрепленные к нему Тричандра-колледж, Национальный колледж Непала, Санскритский колледж, Королевская академия Непала, Национальная, Центральная и др. библиотеки, Национальный музей Непала.

Краткая история Катманду

Основание Катманду (до 16 в. — Кантипур) приписывается непальскому правителю Гунакамадеве (8 в.), перенесшему сюда столицу своего государства из Лалитпура (Патана). Город сохранял значение политического центра Непальской долины во время правления династии ранних Малла (13-15 вв.). После распада государства ранних Малла Катманду в 1482-1769 гг. — центр одноименного удельного княжества. С 1769 г., с момента воссоздания Притхви Нараяном централизованного непальского государства, Катманду — столица Непала.

В Катманду мирно сосуществуют традиции индуизма и буддизма. Облик Катманду удивительным образом сохранился с 17-18-х веков, когда долина Катманду активно застраивалась во время правления династии Малла.

Что посмотреть в Катманду

Центр Катманду — площадь Тундикхел, близ которой находится королевский дворец Нараянхити Дарбар (неоклассика, начало 20 в.). К западу — самая оживленная улица — Нью роуд. Старые кварталы с узкими улочками по сути оставшегося средневековым города застроены 2-3-этажными домами в национальном стиле. Над старыми постройками возвышаются современные здания.

Сердце Катманду и его исторический центр — площадь Дарбар (Дворцовая площадь), где сосредоточены главные индуистские святыни Непала и где проходят главные индуистские праздники, такие как Дасан. Именно здесь, на пересечении важных торговых путей, в 12 в. была построена деревянная пагода Катх Мандир (Кастамандап; перестроена в 1596 г.), давшая название городу.

На площади — более 50 храмов и монументов: храм Шивы, Парвати, комплекс дворцов и храмов «Хануман Дхока» (15-18 вв.), украшенный статуей Ханумана (1672 г.). По обеим сторонам дворцовых ворот установлены каменные статуи львов. На одной из внутренних площадей комплекса дворца — площади Назала — во времена династии Рана проводились церемонии коронации. Эта традиция продолжается и в наши дни.

Среди других архитектурных памятников столицы: дворец Сингха Дарбар (неоклассика, начало 20 в.), башня Бхимсена (1834 г.), Памятник борцам революции 1951 г.

Похожий по силуэту на мечеть храм Калмочан (Kalmochan), также известен как Сатья Нарайан (Satya Narayan), расположен на берегу реки Багхмати. Храм был построен в период с 1852 по 1873 г. первым правителем династии Рана Джанг Бахадуром Рана в память о войнах княжества Горкха с Тибетом и Британией и несет на себе явное влияние могольского стиля соседней Индии.

Кроме огромного числа крупных храмов, по числу которых Катманду несомненно занимает первое место в мире, по городу разбросано невообразимое количество маленьких уличных храмов и святилищ.

Непал — также единственная страна в мире, где существует культ «живой богини» — кумари. Кумари живет во дворце на площади Дарбар (Дворцовой площади). Это ничем не примечательный с виду деревянный домик с внутренним двором. В центральном окне второго этажа иногда появляется кумари — маленькая очень красивая и очень нарядно одетая девочка, воплощающая в себе высшую степень чистоты и невинности.

Стать кумари — большая честь и для самой девочки, и для всей ее семьи. Кумари выбирают по весьма сложным критериям из девочек в возрасте 3-4 лет из касты кшатриев. В бахале — домике на площади Дарбар — девочка проводит практически все свое время. Она покидает свое жилище только ради религиозного праздника Индраятра, в котором ей предписано участвовать. Она остается богиней до тех пор, пока по любой причине не потеряет хотя бы одну каплю крови. После этого Кумари становится обыкновенной девушкой, и специально обученные служители объявляют поиск новой Кумари. В бахале селится преемница, а бывшую богиню отправляют в родительский дом. Жениться на бывших кумари никто не хочет, так как считается, что это принесет мужу раннюю смерть. Существует несколько кумари в разных городах. Кумари в Катманду — королевская кумари. Кумари строго запрещено фотографировать.

Еще одно из многочисленных мест поклонения находится к северо-востоку от Катманду — это храм и монастырь «Намо Будда», где по преданию Будда накормил своей плотью голодную тигрицу, чтобы она смогла выкормить своих тигрят. В Катманду есть гостиницы всех категорий: от 5-звездочных отелей до маленьких постоялых дворов с живописными садиками на крышах, маленькими комнатками, минимальными удобствами и очень низкими ценами.

В 8 км севернее Катманду, у подножья холма Шивапури, находится знаменитая статуя Вишну, лежащего на змее Шеше. Статуя расположена посреди пруда и кажется лежащей на воде. Исторические памятники в долине Катманду включены в Список всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО в 1979 г.

Ступа Сваямбхунатх

Ступа Сваямбхунатх (3 в. до н. э., перестроена в 8-9 вв.) с каменными буддийскими рельефами 6-8 вв. — одно из самых известных в мире буддийских культовых сооружений, место паломничества. Сваямбхунатх находится в 3 км к западу от Катманду, на холме, примерно на 77 м выше дна долины Катманду.

Эта ступа стала визитной карточкой Катманду и Непала. Ступа представляет собой кирпично-глиняную полусферу, поддерживающую высокий конический купол, увенчанный покрытым медью шпилем. На четырех сторонах основания купола изображены всевидящие глаза Будды. На склоне холма расположено также большое количество небольших пагод и храмов.

Древние рукописи свидетельствуют о том, что это место в 3 в. до н. э. посещал царь Ашока, а король Манадэва лично руководил строительством храма в 460 г. н. э., а к 13 в. Сваямбхунатх превратился в крупный буддийский центр. В 1346 г. вторгшиеся в Непал полчища монголов разрушили ступу, пытаясь найти в ней золото. В период правления королей династии Малла ступа и весь храмовый комплекс претерпели значительные изменения и реконструкцию.

В 17 в. при короле Пратап Малла была сооружена Большая лестница, ведущая на вершину холма, очень длинная (в 300 крутых каменных ступеней) и достаточно крутая, сверху лестница кажется почти отвесной. Подъем по лестнице сопровождается просмотром большого количества важных достопримечательностей — различных статуй, отпечатков ног святых, рельефов с изображениями жития Будды.

У самого подножья ступы Сваямбунатх лежит огромный дордже (санскр. ваджра), важнейший символ буддизма Ваджраяны, описывающий быстрое просветление. Этот дордже был создан тоже во время правления короля Пратапа Малла, который также построил два шикхара (храм в индийском стиле) неподалеку от большой ступы. Храмовый комплекс, расположенный вокруг ступы, во многом отличается наличием индуистской символики. В расположенном рядом со ступой храме находится красивейшая статуя Авалокитешвары (высотой 6 метров).

С вершины холма открывается незабываемый вид на город и долину, а в ясную погоду отсюда можно увидеть величественные вершины Лангтанга и Ганеш Химал. Сваямбхунатх еще называют «храмом обезьян» или «обезьяньим храмом» из-за многочисленных стай обезьян, поселившихся на холме.

Другой маршрут паломничества проходит вокруг всего холма. В последние годы здесь были сооружены четыре новых ступы (чортена) и установлено множество стен с молитвенными колесами. В окрестностях Сваямбхунатха расположено также множество монастырей.

Ступа Боднатх

Одна из крупнейших в Непале буддийских святынь — ступа Боднатх (3 в. до н. э., перестроена в 8-9 вв.) — находится в 10 км к северо-востоку от Катманду, немного севернее международного аэропорта Трибхуван.

Огромная ступа Бодханат — самая большая ступа в Непале и одна из самых больших в мире. Со всех сторон, как крепостными стенами, ступа окружена тибетскими монастырями. Боднатх всегда ассоциировался с тибетским буддизмом и Лхасой. Именно ступа Боднатх встречала тибетцев перед входом в Катманду, шедших по важнейшему торговому пути, который связывал Лхасу со столицей Непала.

Со второй половины 20 в. Боднатх превратился в религиозный и культурный центр тибетского населения Непала. Большинство тибетцев, проживающих здесь, являются беженцами, покинувшими Тибет после неудавшегося восстания против китайского вторжения в 1959 г.

Современные ученые до сих пор не пришли к единодушному заключению относительно возраста ступы. По некоторым предположениям первая ступа на этом месте была воздвигнута после 600 г. н. э., после того как тибетский король Сонцэн Гампо принял буддизм благодаря обеим своим женам — непальской принцессе Бирикути и китайской принцессе Венченг. Скорее всего, настоящая ступа была построена после того, как первая была сильно повреждена в результате захвата Непала монголами в 14 в.

Основание ступы Боднатх выполнено в форме трехуровневой мандалы, символизирующей землю. Над основанием возвышается куполообразная часть ступы, символизирующая воду. Шпиль, вознесшийся над куполом, символизирует огонь. Зонтик, установленный на шпиле, символизирует воздух. Над зонтиком возвышается наконечник, обозначающий эфир.

Всевидящие глаза Будды, изображенные на каждой из четырех сторон прямоугольного основания шпиля ступы, бдительно взирают в направлении четырех сторон света. Шпиль состоит из 13 ступеней, представляющих собой 13 этапов на пути к освобождению от сансары. Вокруг основания купола ступы расположены 108 изображений Дхьяни-Будды Амитабхи. В кирпичной стене, окружающей все сооружение, находятся 147 ниш, внутри которых установлены 4 или 5 молитвенных колеса. На каждом из колес написана мантра.

По случаю важных событий, на ступе происходят фантастические церемонии, сопровождающиеся зажиганием тысяч светильников, расставленных по периметру каждого из уровней, и ступа загорается мириадами огней.

Пашупатинатх

Храмовый комплекс Пашупатинатх (Pashupatinath), заложенный в 13 в., расположен в 5 км к востоку от Катманду на берегу священной реки Багхмати. Здесь находится один из важнейших храмов Шивы, известный как «Золотой храм», который собирает паломников со всего Непала и Индии. Рядом с этим храмом находится храм Гухешвари, посвященный Богине-Матери.

В Пашупатинатхе собираются «садху», — странствующие почитатели Шивы. Здесь всегда многолюдно, особенно в дни религиозных праздников. Пашупати — одна из инкарнаций Шивы как покровителя животных. В этой форме он выступает как покровитель Непала, поэтому здесь придается особое значение празднику в честь Шивы и в нем принимает участие и король Непала. В сам храм пускают только индусов. Туристы не имеют права войти в храм, им позволяют лишь подойти к воротам.

Источник информации: Сайт «Турнавигатор«

Телеграм-бот: @tournavigator_bot для туристов и путешественников.

Катманду
Флаг
Сверху по часовой стрелке: панорама города, здание парламента Непала, Ранипохари , площадь Катманду Дурбар , храм Пашупатинатх и Будханатх.
Администрация
Страна	Непал
Область, край	Центр
Зонированный	Багмати
Округ	Катманду
Мэр	Бидья Сундар Шакья
Демография
Хороший	Катмандес
Население	1,442,271 жилая  . (2019)
Плотность	28 464 чел. /  Км 2
География
Контакты	27 ° 42 ′ 12 ″ северной широты, 85 ° 19 ′ 05 ″ восточной долготы
Высота	1355  кв.м.
Область	5067  га  = 50,67  км 2
Место расположения
Геолокация на карте: Непал Катманду

Катманду (в непальских  : काठमाडौं ( kāṭhamāḍauṁ ), काठमान्डु ( kāṭhamānḍu ), в nepalbhasha  : येंदेय् ( yēndēy )), очень редко пишется Катманду , Катманду или Катманду , иногда называют Kantipur от имени древнего города-государства , или даже иен — особенно неварами  — это политическая и религиозная столица Непала, среди которых он также является крупнейшим городом и столицей одноименного района . Первые жители Катманду были неварами и говорили на непалбхасе, который является широко используемым языком среди различных этнических общин, проживающих в Катманду.

Город возвышается на 1350 метров над уровнем моря в месте слияния двух рек: Багмати и Бишнумати . Он окружен вершиной гор средних размеров (максимум 3000 метров) в предгорьях Гималаев  ; Это объясняет, почему мы говорим о долине Катманду (административно известной как область Багмати , «  Багмати анчал  »), которая также включает Патан и Бхактапур и населен примерно 1,5 миллионами жителей. Катманду не имеет сети подземных трубопроводов и недостаточное водоснабжение. Сегодня из-за политического контекста окружающая среда не является приоритетом для непальцев; что делает его одним из самых загрязненных городов Азии.

У города был период большой известности в Европе. В 1960-х годах это было излюбленное место хиппи , отправившихся в Катманду .

Согласно местным летописям, город Катманду был основан в X — ^м  веке королем Gunakamadeva.

Нынешняя структура города восходит к XVI — ^го  века .

История

Долина Катманду, возможно, была заселена еще в 900 году до нашей эры, но самые старые артефакты, обнаруженные в долине, датируются примерно 100 годом до нашей эры. Самая старая известная надпись датируется 185 годом нашей эры. Самому старому зданию в дупле этой долины с достоверностью датируется почти тысяча лет. Говорят , что VI — ^го  века  до нашей эры. В нашей эры , то Будда и его ученики говорят, что провели время в современном Patan регионе , хотя нет никаких доказательств этого. Четыре ступы вокруг города Патан были возведены Чарумати , дочь Ашоки Великого , короля Мавераннахра , в III — ^м  веке  до нашей эры. Н.э. , согласно древней истории, присутствующей в долине. Как и в случае с легендами о пришествии Будды, нет никаких доказательств, подтверждающих визит Ашоки, но четыре ступы в Патане, вероятно, датируются этим веком.

В Kirats самые ранние известные правители долины Катманду. Считается, что остатки их дворца находятся в Патане недалеко от Хираньяварна Махавихара (называемого «Патукодон»). Династия Личчавов, чьи древнейшие надписи датируются 464 годом, пришла на смену Киратам; он имел тесные связи с индийской династией Гуптов .

С XII — ^го  века Маллом династия правила Kantipur . В XVII — ^го  века, Притхви Нараян Шах завоевал долину, установил Shah династию и объединил королевство Непала . Сегодня в Катманду большая часть древней архитектуры восходит к эпохе Малла.

Город Катманду назван в честь здания, расположенного на площади Дурбар, которое называется Kaasthamandap в честь санскрита , Kaasth (काष्ठ), «лес» и Mandap (मंडप / मण्डप), «защищенное убежище». Этот уникальный храм, также известный как Мару Сатал, был построен в 1596 году королем Лакшми Нарсингх Малла. Во всем здании нет ни железных гвоздей, ни какой-либо опоры. Он полностью построен из дерева. Легенда гласит, что древесина, из которой он построен, происходит только из одного дерева.

География

Долина Катманду состоит из трех основных городов: самого Катманду, Патана и Бхактапура . Патан и Катманду сливаются, разделенные только рекой Багмати, а Бхактапур поднимается ближе к предгорьям на восток.

Сам Катманду является резиденцией большинства правительственных учреждений, посольств, корпоративных домов и бывшего королевского дворца Нараянхити . Последний представляет собой большое здание к востоку от Тамеля , туристического заповедника страны. И во главе Дурбар Марг , улицы, заполненной очень разными магазины.

Тамель состоит из двух параллельных улиц к западу от дворца. Здесь располагаются разные резиденции, принадлежащие разным знаменитостям.

Большинство улиц Катманду имеют названия на непальском языке ( nepâlbhâshâ ), подтверждающие его принадлежность к богатой неварианской культуре и наследию, которое осталось от нее.

«Старый город» примечателен своими многочисленными храмами и дворцами для буддистов и индуистов , большинство из которых датируются XVII — ^го  века. Многие из этих памятников были повреждены землетрясениями и загрязнением окружающей среды.

Наследство

• В долине Катманду находятся семь объектов всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО  : центр трех бывших королевских столиц: Катманду, Хануман Дхока, Патан и Бхактапур; две самые важные буддийские ступы: Сваямбунатх и Бодханатх и две знаменитые индуистские гробницы: храм Пашупатинатх и Чангу Нараян . С 2003 года это место было признано ЮНЕСКО «находящимся под угрозой исчезновения» из-за опасений по поводу продолжающейся утраты аутентичности и выдающейся универсальной ценности культурных ценностей.
• Башня Бхимсен в Сундхаре (разрушена землетрясением25 апреля 2015 г.)
• В ступы Ашоки , в четырех кардинальных точек Patan
• Рани Покхари , искусственный водоем , к северу от парка Ратна.
  
• Университет Три-Чандра и его башня
• Кайзер библиотека , первая современная библиотека Катманду находится в «Кайзер — Махала».
• Maitighar Mandala , празднуя СААРК является национальным памятником
• Gate Мучеников , в Тундикхел, дань уважения к четырем мужчинам , которые ценою своей жизни, выступают против диктаторского режима в Рана династии .

Катманду пользуется популярностью у западных туристов с 1960-х годов. В то время это была конечная остановка на «  дороге в Катманду  ». Затем многие хиппи поселились на улице Фрик-стрит или в окрестностях ( Йохен Толе ). С 2000-х годов туристов привлекают в основном треккинг и непальская культура.

Погода

	Январь	Февраль	маршировать	апреля	Может	июнь	июль	август	сентябрь	Октябрь	Ноябрь	Декабрь
Средняя температура (° C)	10.1	11,7	15,9	19,6	21,9	23,6	23,6	23,4	22,1	19,4	14,6	10.9
Средняя минимальная температура (° C)	3.1	4.2	8.1	12.2	15,8	19,1	20	19,7	18,1	13,8	7,6	3.2
Максимальная температура (° C)	17,1	19,3	23,7	27	28 год	28,1	27,2	27,2	26,2	25	21,7	18,6
Средняя температура (° F)	50,2	53,1	60,6	67,3	71,4	74,5	74,5	74,1	71,8	66,9	58,3	51,6
Средняя минимальная температура (° F)	37,6	39,6	46,6	54,0	60,4	66,4	68,0	67,5	64,6	56,8	45,7	37,8
Максимальная температура (° F)	62,8	66,7	74,7	80,6	82,4	82,6	81,0	81,0	79,2	77,0	71,1	65,5
Осадки (мм)	16	20	34	55	116	252	379	334	212	68	7	12

Транспорт

Международный аэропорт Tribhuvan находится примерно 6  км от центра города и предлагает внутренние и международные рейсы.

Три маршрута начинаются из Катманду; Шоссе Трибхуван (юг) и дорога Притхви (запад) выходят из долины с запада. Их разделяет перекресток Наубизе (20  км от Катманду). Дорога «Аранико» идет на север. Четвертая магистраль BP находится в стадии строительства и направится на восток.

Администрация

Город разделен на 35 районов, расположенных в 5 географических секторах:

• Центральный сектор: палаты 1, 5, 11, 31, 32 и 33.
• Восточный сектор: палаты 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 34 и 35.
• Северный сектор: палаты 2, 3, 4, 16 и 29.
• Сердце города: микрорайоны 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 12, 20, 21, 22 и 23. Это самый густонаселенный район. Он объединяет большинство исторических и культурных памятников города.
• Западный сектор: палаты 13, 14 и 15.

Среда

Загрязнение атмосферы

Городской мегаполис Катманду страдает от опасного роста загрязнения воздуха . В Гималаях на север и Mhabharat к югу образует барьер вокруг долины Катманду , что предотвращает дисперсию загрязненного воздуха из долины. Сезонные пики загрязнения показывают значения, близкие к промышленным зонам в других странах.

Географическое положение Катманду влияет на концентрацию загрязнения воздуха, особенно в зимние месяцы, когда потоки воздуха в горах и долинах влияют на движение загрязненного воздуха . Зимой загрязнение воздуха переносится из долины Катманду в течение дня, а затем обратно в долину ночью из-за горных бризов. Это приводит к очень высокому уровню загрязняющих частиц, взвешенных в ночное время.

Теперь В Катманду уровень PM 10 (частицы размером десять микрометров и легко могут попасть в человеческое тело при вдыхании) составляет в среднем 148 микрограммов на кубический метр или даже 198 мкг в районе Катманду. Это намного выше, чем международный стандарт допусков, который составляет около 72 микрограммов на кубический метр.

В Катманду уровень ТЧ 10 утроился за последнее десятилетие. В зимние месяцы уровень загрязнения теперь сопоставим с некоторыми из самых загрязненных городов мира.

Загрязнение Катманду аналогично загрязнению Сеула в начале 1980- х годов во время быстрой индустриализации Южной Кореи. Но в отличие от Сеула, Непал никогда не имел настоящей индустриализации и даже страдает от крайней нищеты, к которой добавились социальные волнения.

В Катманду основными источниками загрязнения воздуха являются выбросы транспортных средств и пары из множества незаконных печей для обжига кирпича, разбросанных по долине.

По данным индекса экологической эффективности из Йельского университета , Непал считается в 2014 году в качестве второй наиболее загрязненной страной на планете за Бангладеш .

Сейсмический риск

Город и его долина расположены в зоне интенсивной сейсмической активности , на границе Индийской и Евразийской плит . Однако конструкции не рассчитаны на то, чтобы выдерживать сильные ускорения, вызванные сильными землетрясениями, характерными для этого региона.

Город сильно пострадал от нескольких землетрясений в 1934 году, а также в апреле и мае 2015 года . Эти два события привели к гибели нескольких тысяч человек и разрушению многих зданий, в том числе исторических.

Личности

• Сангина Байдья  : непальский тхэквондист.
• Дичен Лахман  : австралийско-непальская актриса.
• Борис Лиссаневич (1905-1985), русский классический танцор.
• Пракаш Неупане  : непальский рэпер и певец.
• Саши Равал  : непальский музыкант и певец.
• Манджушри Тхапа  : непальская писательница.
• Джигме Кесар Вангчук , король Бутана с 2006 года.
• Здесь умер писатель и поэт Париджат (1937-1992).

Художественное вдохновение

• Рене Барджавель сделал Катманду героем одного из своих романов, Les Chemins de Katmandou ( 1969 ). Эта книга основана на фильме « Les Chemins de Katmandou» режиссера Андре Кайятта на музыку Сержа Генсбура .

• Катманду — это название нескольких песен: Кота Стивенса в его альбоме Mona Bone Jakon (1970), Боба Сигера в его альбоме Beautiful Loser (1975) и группы Krematorij в их альбоме Three Springs (2000). Фито Паес также написал песню о Катманду под названием Tráfico por Katmandú («Движение в Катманду» на французском языке).

• Катманду 1969 — двойной компакт-диск, изданный в 2009 году фирмой Frémeaux & Associés (Гран-при Академии Шарля Кро). Это запись музыкального путешествия, совершенного журналистом Франсуа Жуффа во время праздника Индраджатра маленькой живой Богини вСентябрь 1969. Этот бокс-сет включает музыкальные и устные свидетельства того периода, когда молодой французский консул столкнулся с проблемой наркотиков, потребляемых битниками и хиппи. Эта музыка, уже выпущенная на пластинке Vogue в 1970 году, оказала влияние на Джимми Пейджа и Роберта Планта , гитариста и певца Led Zeppelin , когда они сочинили Kasmir , произведение, положившее начало моде мировой поп-музыки .

Города-побратимы с Катманду

Галерея

Щелкните миниатюру, чтобы увеличить ее.

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  Скульптура на улице

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  Площадь Таити

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  Площадь Дурбар в Катманду около 1920 года (Хануман Дока)

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  Гашиш-магазин 1973 г.

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  Храм Шивы Парвати на площади Дурбар

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  Торговец овощами на площади Дурбар

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Приложения

Библиография

• (ru) Шапхалия Аматия, Сохранение памятников в Непале: мой опыт работы с объектами всемирного наследия в долине Катманду , Vajra Publications совместно с Eco Himal, Катманду, 2007, 257 с. ( ISBN  978-9937-506-01-4 )
• (ru) Хизер Хиндман, Посредничество в глобальном масштабе: формы и последствия экспатриации в Катманду , Stanford University Press, Беркли, 2013 г., 277 с. ( ISBN  978-0-8047-8651-5 )
• Анник Холле, Город богов, город людей: пространственные организации, морфология городов и социальные связи в Катманду, Непал , Университет Париж 1, 1997, 550 стр. (Диссертация по географии)
• Анник Холле (текст) и Жак Раймон (фотография), Катманду, город тысячи лиц , Éditions de La Flandonnière, 2010, 144 стр. ( ISBN  978-2918098089 )
• (ru) Марк Лихтенштейн, Здесь, в Катманду: современность на глобальной периферии , Мартин Чаутари Пресс, Катманду, 2010, 402 с. ( ISBN  978-993-781946-6 )
• (ru) Энн М. Радемахер, Правление реки: городская экология и политические преобразования в Катманду , Duke University Press, Дарем, Лондон, 2011, 245 с. ( ISBN  978-0-8223-5080-4 )
• Патрисия Робертс (текст) и Томас Л. Келли (фото), Катманду: город на краю света , Библиотека искусств, Париж, Лозанна, 1989, 197 стр. ( ISBN  2-85047-040-6 )
• (ru) Жан-Кристоф Рикманс, Беспризорные дети Катманду: исследование, подходы и комментарии о повседневной жизни беспризорных детей в столице Непала , НПО CPCS (Непал) и CPCS INT (Бельгия), Катманду, 2007 г., 176 с. ( ISBN  978-99946-2-383-9 )

Фильмография

• (ru) Маленький свет , фильм Джулии Йезбик, Королевский антропологический институт, Лондон, 2004 г., 32 мин (DVD)

Внешние ссылки

• Авторитетные записи  :

  • Виртуальный международный авторитетный файл
  • Национальная библиотека Франции ( данные )
  • Библиотека Конгресса
  • Gemeinsame Normdatei
  • Национальная библиотека Израиля
  • Чешская национальная библиотека
  • WorldCat Id
  • WorldCat
• Примечания в общих словарях или энциклопедиях  : Brockhaus Enzyklopädie  • Dizionario di Storia  • Enciclopedia De Agostini  • Encyclopædia Universalis  • Treccani Encyclopedia  • Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana  • Larousse Encyclopedia  • Proleksis enciklopedija
• (ru) Официальный сайт

Примечания и ссылки

Если вы готовитесь к поездке и ищете место, где можно купить всевозможное туристическое снаряжение (а оно здесь в три раза дешевле, чем в Беларуси), не нужно мусорить – просто выйдите на любую улицу, оглянитесь, и вы обязательно увидите как минимум два магазина с необходимыми вещами. Не забывайте торговаться!

Катманду на карте

Сад мечты (Кайзер Махал, Тридеви Марг) с его цветочными садами, большим центральным прудом, фонтанами и павильонами идеально подходит для отдыха от шумного города. Приезжайте сюда на пикник – так делают все местные жители – или почитать книгу. Кстати, здесь есть бесплатный wi-fi. Входной билет стоит около 1,5 евро.  Возможно, наиболее популярный среди туристов бар Rum Doodle (Бхупи Роуд, Катманду) может похвастаться как место отдыха некоторых из самых серьезных альпинистов, включая первого покорителя Эвереста сэра Эдмунда Хиллари. Это неправда, но экспедиции скалолазов до сих пор оставляют свои подписи на картонных следах снежного человека, украшающих потолок и стены. Несмотря на акции, цены здесь составляют от 3 евро за блюдо, а пицца особенно хороша.

ВРЕМЯ ВИДЕО

Не забывайте, что четко отметить праздник начала весны Холи могут не только в Индии, но и в Непале. Фестиваль всегда приходится на полнолуние. Ближайшие – 2-3 марта 2018 года и 21-22 марта 2019 года. Изобилие красок, смеющиеся люди, повышенный интерес к вам как к иностранцу (иностранцам), музыка еще громче, чем обычно, и уличная еда, льющаяся прямо из угла изобилия. Катманду и близлежащие города состоят из районов, которые являются довольно распространенными и более знакомыми для местных жителей. Однако административно город разделен на 32 района, пронумерованных от 1 до 32. Раньше в городе было 35 районов, что делает его мегаполисом с наибольшим их количеством.

События Катманду

На восточной окраине Катманду расположена ступа в форме полусферы. Не заметить его невозможно – настолько поразительны его размеры. Ступа окружена жилым районом, сувенирными магазинами и монастырями тибетских лам.
В хостеле One96 (Paknajol Marg 43/33 | Thamel) царит непринужденная атмосфера, которая заманит вас сюда – не задерживайтесь в баре на крыше целый день! Ужин здесь похож на семейную прогулку. Кухня вегетарианская, а в хостеле есть домашнее животное – мурлыкающий кот. Атмосфера аутентична и выполнена в традиционном непальском стиле.

Галерея

Avalon House (Lekhnath Marg Thamel) – это непринужденная обстановка с несколькими общими зонами, где гости могут пообщаться. Номера простые, но приятные, и в каждом из них есть ванная комната с горячей водой. В отеле есть красивая терраса на крыше с видом на Катманду. В хорошую погоду отсюда можно увидеть Храм обезьян и заснеженные вершины Гималаев. Здесь также подается завтрак. Номер для двух человек от 16 евро.  Чтобы отведать огромную порцию Дал Бата, загляните в ресторан Thakali Kitchen (Тхамель, Катманду), широко известный среди местных жителей. Порции здесь огромные, обслуживание дружелюбное, а карри вкусное. Стоимость одной тарелки начинается от 1 евро. Кстати, по традиции вы всегда можете попросить бесплатное пополнение любого ингредиента блюда (в современных терминах – всего, кроме мяса и карри, которые вы можете получить, но на вас посмотрят недоброжелательно) до бесконечности. Но обычно в первый раз порции настолько большие, что вы легко можете сделать заказ на двоих человек.

Уроки фридайвинга. Как провести зиму в египетском Дахабе.

Самый простой способ добраться до Катманду – это стыковочные рейсы из Дели, Пекина или Стамбула. Более экзотический и необычный вариант, подходящий для опытных путешественников, – прилететь в Индию, а затем на автобусе или машине добраться до столицы Непала.  Sam’s Bar (Thamel 44600) – отличное место, чтобы завести новых друзей или встретиться со старыми. Самый оживленный бар в этом районе, где персонал, в соответствии с непальскими традициями, не спешит вас обслужить. Иностранцев в этом районе очень мало, если вообще есть. И они открыты почти до 4 утра.

Дух города

Различные индийские, пакистанские, афганские и непальские ремесла можно найти в Rajdhiani Handicraft (JP Road, рядом с кафе Road House) и Himalayan Craft Corner (J.P Road, Chhetrapati, Thamel). Хотя цены здесь выше, чем в других местах, зайдите хотя бы для того, чтобы удивиться ассортименту.
В колофонах древних рукописей, датируемых 20-м веком, Катманду пишется как Kāṣṭhamaṇḍap Mahānagar в Непальской Мандале. Mahānagar означает “великий город”. Город назван Канхаманап по обету, который буддийские священники произносят и сегодня. Поэтому Катманду также известен как Канхаманап. В средние века город иногда назывался Кантипур (санскр. कान्तिपुर). Это имя образовано от двух санскритских слов – Канти и Пур. Канти – слово, означающее “красота” и ассоциирующееся в основном со светом, а “Пур” означает место, что дает ему значение “Город света”.

А теперь о главном

Если вы готовитесь к походу и ищете место, где можно купить всевозможное туристическое снаряжение (а оно здесь в три раза дешевле, чем в Беларуси), не стоит медлить – выйдите на любую улицу, оглянитесь, и вы увидите как минимум два магазина с необходимыми вещами. Не забывайте торговаться.  Еще один хостел для вечеринок – Monkey Temple Backpackers (дом № 279/14, Paknajol Marga, Paknajol). В круглогодичном баре на крыше постоянно царит оживленная атмосфера. Владельцы проделали хорошую работу по оформлению и созданию уютной атмосферы, чувствуйте себя комфортно и наслаждайтесь!

Опыт. Месяц на юге Италии с удаленной работой и детьми

Единственный минус климата – муссоны, которые приходят летом и приносят с собой проливные дожди. Но горные хребты останавливают поток ветра, порывистый в этих широтах зимой, поэтому благодаря благоприятному расположению Катманду сильные порывы не ощущаются.С происхождением Непала связано множество легенд, пропитанных духом таинственности. Считается, что там, где сейчас находится Непал, около ста тысяч лет назад было глубокое озеро. И однажды сюда пришли боги (буддисты утверждают, что это были духи), прорубили острым оружием дыру в том месте, где было озеро, и вся вода ушла.

Kathmandu by Katerina Bondar

Тхукпа – непальский горячий суп с лапшой, кусочками мяса и овощами. Это горячее блюдо очень популярно в холодное время года и в горных районах страны. Часто момо добавляют как дополнительное блюдо. Тщательно приправленный насыщенный бульон придает супу очень приятный аромат. Различные мясные дополнения отражают фауну Непала и могут варьироваться от яка, козлятины и баранины до курицы.
Барная индустрия в Катманду выделяется тем, что в большинстве баров звучит живая музыка. Вы можете просто переходить из одного места в другое. Хотя местные группы не претендуют на роль рок-звезд, они играют и поют от всей души. Кстати, по закону ночные заведения должны закрываться до 10 вечера, но об этом уже давно подумали, так что не волнуйтесь.

Погода в Катманду

Шелк, атлас, шифон станут идеальным подарком для ценителей красоты и Востока. Рынки и магазины полны традиционных сари, брюк, одежды из хлопка. Лучшие места для покупки тканей – Нью-Роуд, Путалисадак и рынок Асан. Самый удобный вид транспорта – такси, но и самый дорогой. В основном они представлены Suzuki Maruti и Hundai Accent. Обычно посадка в такси стоит 7 рупий, а затем за каждые 200 метров вы платите еще 2 рупии. Часто таксисты называют фиксированную цену, но если вы не уверены в приблизительной цене, воспользуйтесь таксометром. За установленную цену принято торговаться, так как водители всегда переплачивают, особенно в туристическом районе Тхамель. Ночные тарифы на 50 процентов дороже. Тарифы действительны с 8:00 до 6:00 утра.

Путевая информация

Катманду давно является центром истории, искусства, культуры и экономики. Здесь проживает многонациональное население, исповедующее индуизм и буддизм. Религиозные и культурные фестивали составляют большую часть жизни жителей Катманду. Специи популярны в непальской кухне, поэтому магазины и торговые центры полны всевозможных пряностей: имбирь, пажитник, белый перец, анис, мускатный орех, шафран, кориандр и десятки ароматических порошков, мало известных туристам. Специи можно купить на рынке Асан.

Фотографии из Катманду

На той же площади находится особое место – дворец Кумари Баал, богато украшенное резьбой трехэтажное строение, построенное в 1757 году, в котором живет “живая богиня” Кумари, молодая девушка, выбранная из долины Катманду. Традиция выбирать живую богиню зародилась в 17 веке, и кандидатки на эту роль в возрасте 3-5 лет проходят тестирование по 32 критериям. Наибольшее внимание уделяется внешнему виду кандидатов. Иностранцам вход во дворец запрещен, но иногда в окне можно увидеть скучающую богиню, что считается очень благоприятным знаком.
Основу жизни каждого непальца составляет сытное и простое блюдо под названием Дал Бхат, которое состоит из риса в центре огромной тарелки и тушеной чечевицы рядом с ним. Остальное зависит от фантазии хозяйки. Но обычно блюдо включает в себя картофельное карри, соленые огурцы, кусочки курицы или рыбы, йогурт и чатни. Вариаций этого блюда бесчисленное множество, но не знать это блюдо просто невозможно, это легенда Непала.

Спорт

Вряд ли все величие Тамила привлечет вас в торговые центры, но на всякий случай помните, что CTC Mall (Bagdurbar-11, Sundhara) – один из крупнейших торговых центров в столице. Здесь полно бутиков местных и иностранных брендов, один из крупнейших в Непале салонов мобильных телефонов и кинотеатр Cine De Cafe для любителей английского кино. В эпоху Молла (12-18 век) долина Катманду подверглась многим испытаниям. Таким образом, район подвергся нападению кхасов и мусульман. Большая часть всего населения погибла в результате нескольких землетрясений. Все эти события привели к утрате многих архитектурных памятников и древних зданий, построенных во времена династии Ликчави.

КЛИМАТ, КЛИМАТ, РЕЛИГИЯ

Природная красота, идеальные климатические условия, чистый горный воздух, доброжелательные люди, великолепная архитектура, храмы – все это привлекает туристов в этот уникальный регион. Теперь вы знаете, где находится Катманду.  Роскошный вариант в непальском стиле – 5-звездочный отель Gokarna Forest Hotel (Thali, Катманду 20498), расположенный в старом роскошном здании времен правителей Малла и Рана в древнем лесу Гокарна с видом на величественные Гималаи. Проживание включает спа-процедуры, гольф, верховую езду в сельской местности, бассейн, зону барбекю, прокат велосипедов, тренажерный зал, ежедневные занятия йогой – и это только начало! Номера “кинг” – от 130 евро за двоих человек.

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Вкусные момо, непальские кузены фрикаделек, часто готовятся на пару или жарятся в масле. Есть овощные момо, момо с мясом, с сыром, с картофелем. Они подаются с горячим обжигающим соусом и йогуртом. Местные жители не могут ошибиться в выборе лучшего места, поэтому отправляйтесь в Momo Magic (Chakrapath, Maharajgunj) за момо, где вас будут ждать сочные пельмени, приготовленные на месте, вместе с острым чатни.
Одними из самых популярных товаров являются поделки местных ремесленников, которые известны своим качеством и мастерством. Удивительные деревянные поделки, металлические фигурки богов, уникальные гончарные изделия, поющие чаши, изделия из бамбука и многое другое можно найти повсюду в туристических районах города, таких как Тхамель, Патан и площадь Дурбар.

РАСПОЛОЖЕНИЕ

Среди знаменитых народов Невара Катманду известен как Йехаса (Непал Бхаса : येँ देश), а Патан и Бхактапур известны как Яла Деша (непальская бхаса : यल देश) и Хвопа Деша (непальская бхаса : ख्वप देश) соответственно. “Джена” – это сокращенная форма слова Ямбу (непальская бхаса : यम्बु), которое использовалось для обозначения северной половины Катманду. Старые северные поселения назывались Ямби, а южные – Янгала. Столица горного Непала, Катманду, является не только экономическим центром, но и культурной и исторической Меккой страны. Город расположен в северо-западном регионе долины Катманду на высоте 1350 м над уровнем моря и занимает площадь 50,67 км².

Катманду на карте

Неплохо готовят Дал Бат также в Himali Kitchen (Thamel, Kathmandu), где кроме него вы найдете разнообразные местные блюда и напитки по очень дешевым ценам. Сегодня культурное наследие Катманду, как и Непала в целом, тщательно охраняется государством. Столица, безусловно, наиболее посещаема туристами, поэтому туристическая инфраструктура здесь наиболее развита по сравнению с другими менее известными городами.

Дух города

Правление Ранов над Непалом началось с резни в Коте, которая произошла возле Хануман Дхок Дурбар. Во время этой резни Джанг Бахадур Рана и его последователи убили большинство высокопоставленных чиновников Непала. Другая резня, резня в Бхандархале, также была совершена Кунваром и его последователями в Катманду. Во время режима Рана альянс в Катманду изменился с антибританского на пробританский; это привело к строительству первого здания в стиле западноевропейской архитектуры. Самые известные из них – Сингха Дурбар, Сад мечты, Шитал Нивас и старый дворец Нараянхити. В это время была построена первая современная коммерческая дорога в долине Катманду – Нью-Роуд. В это время в Катманду были построены колледж Тричандра (первый колледж в Непале), средняя школа Дурбар (первая современная школа в Непале) и больница Бир (первая больница в Непале). Правление Ранов закончилось деспотизмом, эксплуатацией и религиозными преследованиями.
У вас много неточностей.
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Электричество часто отключают, да. Но это скорее НЕ несколько часов в день, в остальное время это так.
Горячая вода почти везде из газовых баллонов, поэтому чаще всего она есть.
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Здоровье

Интересной уличной закуской является Дахи Пури – тонкое сильно прожаренное тесто с начинкой из картофеля, нута и йогурта. Состав почти такой же, как у самосы, но вкус совершенно другой благодаря специям и соусам. Ищите неприметный ларек с надписью Khichapokhari Youth Club (Khechapukhu Sadak), попросите местных жителей помочь вам найти его. В городе Катманду и в самой долине Катманду находится множество важных исторических и культурных объектов, которые даже внесены в список ЮНЕСКО. Главными среди этих объектов являются так называемые ступы – буддийские и индуистские храмовые комплексы. Среди наиболее ценных – ступы Боднатх, Сваямбхунатх и Пашупатинатх. Ступа Сваямбхунатх была сильно повреждена во время землетрясения, произошедшего в Непале в 2015 году. Храмовый комплекс был почти полностью разрушен. В Непале также есть такие памятники, как вышеупомянутая площадь Дурбар и храм Кастхамандап.

Религии

Дворцовая площадь, как ее иначе называют, расположена в центральной, исторической части города. В нем расположены дворцовые и храмовые комплексы – своего рода многоступенчатые пирамиды. Памятники и пагоды сменяют друг друга, отражая жизнь правителей на протяжении веков. Туристы часто селятся в районе Тамель, где есть инфраструктура для отдыха: магазины, кафе, бары, рестораны с живой музыкой, гостиницы. Здесь чувствуется тот же неповторимый непальский колорит.

Тур: удивительное путешествие по Брестской области

Монастырь Копан (муниципальный округ Будханилканта, 18) – это община буддийских монахов, основанная в начале 1970-х годов. В монастыре постоянно проживает 360 монахов, и это классное место, куда можно прийти на утренние и вечерние службы с красивыми песнопениями и питьем чая с молоком. Монастырь также предлагает ежедневные и длительные курсы медитации и йоги и проживание в отеле с панорамным видом на долину Катманду. Восьмидневный курс медитации стоит около 70 евро. Двухнедельный курс стоит около 100 евро.
Mitini Cafe & Shop (152 Rani Devi Marg, Lazimpat) – это уютное маленькое кафе под управлением S.E.A. Центр и управляется OYORI ASIA, корейской организацией, работающей с женщинами-мигрантами. Прибыль от кафе идет на программы, поддерживающие развитие женщин в Непале. Обязательно попробуйте чай масала – традиционный непальский напиток, приготовленный из молока, специй и масла яка.

Как добраться

Сад мечты (Kaiser Mahal, Tridevi Marg) с его цветочными садами, большим центральным прудом, фонтанами и беседками – идеальное место, чтобы отдохнуть от шумного города. Приезжайте сюда на пикник – так делают все местные жители – или почитать книгу. Кстати, здесь есть бесплатный wi-fi. Проезд стоит около €1,5.Именно в этом регионе наблюдается высокая концентрация различных форм сельскохозяйственной промышленности, таких как мельницы, джутовые фабрики, сахарные заводы и так далее. На северной границе Террая находится Сивалик, живописное холмистое образование, так сказать, самое начало Гималаев. Если пройти дальше на север, то можно увидеть Махабхарат – среднюю ступень Гималаев, высота которой составляет три тысячи метров. Удивительно, но на небольшой территории Непала находятся восемь из четырнадцати точек мира, высота которых превышает восемь тысяч метров. Из-за обилия горных хребтов в этом районе в Непале регулярно происходят разрушительные землетрясения, приводящие к большим человеческим жертвам.

Ссылки

Sam’s Bar (Thamel 44600) – отличное место, чтобы завести новых друзей или встретиться со старыми. Самый крутой бар в этом районе, где персонал не торопится обслуживать вас, как это принято в Непале. Иностранцев в этом районе очень мало, если вообще есть. Он расположен на восточной окраине Катманду и представляет собой ступу в форме полусферы. Не заметить его невозможно – настолько поразительны его размеры. Ступа окружена спальным корпусом, сувенирными магазинами и монастырями тибетских лам.

О Катманду, Непал

Богатая история Катманду насчитывает более 2000 лет. Многочисленные раскопки ученых подтверждают существование древних цивилизаций. В качестве примера можно привести раскопки, датируемые 185 годом нашей эры, и каменные статуи с древними надписями, датируемыми более 2000 лет назад.

Знаете как для меня возникла эта тема ? Помните мы с вами интересовались еще одним красивым и каким то очень далеким  названием ? Результатом этого был пост — «… в далекой бухте Тимбукту«. Так вот КАТМАНДУ для меня было тем же ужасно далеким и загадочным. Вот я и решил узнать хотя бы с помощью интернета поближе об этом слове. Чтобы в следующий раз иметь какое то более реальное представление о нем , а не только вот такое:

Мы не гуляли по вселенной

слушайте песню вот тут

А на самом деле то:

Катманду — столица и самый крупный город Непала с населением свыше 850 тыс. человек. Он расположен в долине Катманду на высоте около 1300 м над уровнем моря. Сама долина с трёх сторон окружена горными массивами хребта Махабхарат, основная водная артерия долины — река Багмати, протекающая через всю долину с севера на юг и через сам город. Для непальцев Багмати считается священной рекой, так как она не только берёт начало в горах неподалёку от долины Катманду, но и затем впадает в Ганг.

Долина Катманду и сам город, занимающий её центр, лежат в умеренной климатической зоне, но тем не менее влияние муссона заметно и здесь. В летние месяцы с мая по сентябрь длится сезон дождей, за время которого выпадает до 80% всех годовых осадков. В Катманду в среднем за время муссона выпадает 1125 мм осадков, в то время как всего в год выпадает около 1440 мм. При этом в сезон дождей средняя температура днём колеблется около 27-28^oС, а ночью не опускается ниже 19-20^oС. Поэтому наиболее благоприятны для посещения Катманду являются весенние и осенние месяцы, когда нет изнуряющей жары (средняя температура днём 23-25^oС), светит яркое солнце, и осадков выпадает не много. Зимние месяцы также достаточно комфортны для посещения (средняя температура днём 18-20^oС), однако ночью бывают заморозки, а с гор во второй половине дня спускается низкая облачность и туманы. В целом, в долине Катманду климатические условия являются одними из наиболее комфортных в стране, и в сочетании с естественной защитой в виде горных хребтов, сделали этот район наиболее густонаселённой частью Непала.

 Есть разные этимологические истолкования слова «Непал». Поскольку эту страну населяют многие народы, то у разных народов есть свои объяснительные версии. Всего таких версий уже свыше двадцати.

·  По тибетской версии, Непал означает «дом шерсти» ( НЕ — дом, ПАЛ – шерсть ). Народ лепча расшифровывает Непал как «священная пещера», а лимбу — как «ровная земля».

·  Если опираться на древний санскрит, то объяснение уже другое – «земля у подножия гор»». А если принять неварское и киратское ( кираты — древнейшие жители Непала ) истолкование, то Непал – «срединная земля» ( НЕ – середина, ПАЛ – земля ).

·  Многие учёные полагают, что страна получила своё название от её древних жителей. Имеется в виду скотоводческое племя «НИП » или «НЕП» , отсюда и НЕПАЛ.  ( НИП – скотовод, АЛ – край). Возможно, что современные невары являются потомками этого племени. Ведь не зря топоним созвучен с этнонимом : Непал – невар.

·  Конечно же есть и красивые народные объяснения названия, в которых выражались мечты и чаяния людей. Самая распространённая легенда рассказывает о том, что когда-то этой страной правил отшельник по имени – НЕ. Он был очень справедливый человек и поэтому страну стали именовать НЕПАЛ, что значит «Край, где справедливо правил Не».

Согласно легенде, Катманду основал непальский монарх Гунакамадева, который именно сюда в VIII в. перенес из Лалитпура свою столицу. Через долину реки Багмати проходит один из древних путей, связывающих Тибет с Индией. Катманду сразу же приобрел значение важного торгового пункта. Это стимулировало развитие столицы.

В течение трех веков с момента основания Катманду был прибежищем религиозных эмигрантов из Индии. Сюда, подальше от притеснений индуистов, бежали многие буддисты. Необходимо отметить, что история повторилась в XIV-XVII вв., только теперь подальше от мусульманского ига в непальскую столицу устремились последователи индуизма. Среди них преобладали представители высоких каст, занявшие видные места в структуре общества.

На протяжении столетий город играл серьезную роль прежде всего как центр религиозной и политической жизни Гималаев. Это состояние дел сохранилось вплоть до падения так называемой династии ранних Малла, правившей в Непале в XIII-XV вв. В 1482 г., после того как гималайское государство распалось на ряд княжеств, Катманду стал столицей одного из них.

Необходимо отметить, что свое нынешнее наименование город получил только в XVI в. До этого он назывался Кантипур.

В 1769 г. правитель соседнего с долиной Багмати воинственного княжества Горкха Притхви Нараян Шах сумел добиться объединения Непала. Катманду стал столицей государства и своего статуса больше не терял. В 1816 г., после окончания англо-непальской войны, завершившейся подписанием Сегаулий-ского договора, в столице гималайского государства появилась резиденция Великобритании. Однако Непал сохранил свой суверенитет. Зависимость от Англии носила достаточно номинальный характер.

После этого длительное время непальские премьер-министры и монархи проводили политику самоизоляции страны. До середины прошлого века в столице Непала смогло побывать весьма небольшое количество европейцев. Ситуация изменилась лишь после окончания Второй мировой войны.

Весьма серьезно на развитии города сказались землетрясения 1833 и 1934 гг. В результате каждого из этих катаклизмов погибли тысячи людей, были разрушены многие строения.

Во второй половине XX в. столица Непала пережила ряд непривычных для патриархального государства политических потрясений. Улицы Катманду стали ареной выступлений стремившихся к демократии широких масс. Это привело в 1990 г. к принятию ныне действующей конституции.

Историческим центром Катманду, как и многих других непальских городов, является площадь Дурбар, а по-нашему дворцовая. На ней расположено несколько дворцов, храмов, пагод и других памятников архитектуры, образующих сложный и запутанный узор на площади. Одним из самых известных дворцов, расположенных на площади, является Хануман Дхока, в его название иногда используют для обозначения площади в целом, поэтому может возникнуть путаница. Дворец включает в себя запутанную сеть беспорядочно соединенных двориков, пагод, гробниц, многочисленных колонн и статуй. В углах дворца стоят четыре высокие башни, построенные по заказу правителя ремесленниками из разных городов долины Катманду. Все они производят сильное впечатление, но башня Базантапур, построенная жителями самого Катманду, всё равно оказалась самой высокой. На башню можно подняться и насладиться панорамой крыш старого города, а в хорошую погоду видно горы, окружающие долину Катманду. Главный вход во дворец, золотые ворота, охраняет статуя Ханумана, бога-обезьяны, откуда и происходит название дворца. В самом дворце сейчас расположено несколько музеев, в том числе музей династии, нумизматический музей и Трибхуванский музей. А некоторые дворы и сейчас играют важную роль в культурной жизни страны, например, Насал Чоук (чоук — двор) используется для коронации правителей, а Мул Чоук для жертвоприношений во время праздника Дасайн. На площади расположен также храм Таледжу, построенный в XVI веке правителем Махендрой из династии Малла. Напротив входа во дворец Хануман Дхока стоит Кришна Мандир, пример одной из немногих восьмиугольных пагод в Непале.

Неварский город 

Водоснабжение в неварском городе так и осталось на уровне XVII века. Нередко можно встретить священные бассейнны Нараяна и каменные купальни, отдельно — мужские, отдельно — женские, куда приходят также стирать белье. Купаются обычно в одежде.

Повсюду в Катманду отдельно стоящие храмы, большие и маленькие, старые и новые, украшенные неварской резьбой или цветными фотографиями. Проходящие мимо всегда обходят храмы по часовой стрелке, делают ритуальные поклоны и звенят в колокольчики (иногда это огромные колокола со звоном на весь город. Вначале мы думали, что звон призывает на какие-либо церемонии, потом поняли, что это звонят часто случайные прохожие, обходя вокруг храм или кумирню. Нередко мы сами били в колокола)

На главной торговой улице Катманду Индра Чуок расположен трёхэтажный храм Акаш Бхайрав, посвящённый богу неба. Его изображение вывешивается на храме во время празднования Индра Ятра, праздника в честь бога дождя. На Махендра Бахал, между улицами Индра Чоук и Асан, находится храм света — Махендра Нат. Эта красивая пагода отличается интересной двухъярусной бронзовой крышей. Во дворе стоят жертвенные статуи, а на алтаре изображено божество Махендра, или иначе Падмапани Авалокитешвор, обожествляемое и индуистами, и буддистами.

Район Тундикхель, граничащий с одной стороны со старым городом, представляет собой зелёную зону, предназначенную для проведения праздников, парадов, фестивалей и спортивных соревнований. С одного края Тундикхеля находятся парк Ратна, театр на открытом воздухе и павильон Королевской Армиии Непала, с другого — военный Штаб и стадион Дашарат (Дашарат Рангашала). На западе Тундикхеля расположен храм Махакал. В Тундикхеле можно также осмотреть 60-метровую башню Дхарахара, построенную премьер-министром Бхимсеном Тхапой в 1832 г. У подножия башни в это же время были сооружены золотые фонтаны. В восточной части Тундикхеля находится храм богини Бхадракали. Он известен также под именем храма Лумархи и является одним из важнейших храмов Бхагавати в Катманду. Между башней Дхарахара и храмом Бхадракали расположены мемориальные ворота мучеников, украшенные статуями короля Трибхувана и четырёх мучеников.

Одной из достопримечательностей Катманду считается дворец Сингха, построенный в неоклассическом стиле во времена правления династии Рана. Сейчас там расположен секретариат правительства. Известен также дворец Нарайянхити, который в настоящее время является резиденцией короля Непала. На территории дворца расположен легендарный источник Нарайянхити. На этом, пожалуй, можно окончить перечисление достопримечательностей центральной части Катманду, хотя каждая улочка здесь хранит свои памятники архитектуры и искусства.

В 8 км к северу от Катманду, у подножия горы Сивапури, находится известное место паломничества индуистов, Будханилканта. Там, в центре небольшого пруда, расположена колоссальная статуя Вишну, отдыхающего на ложе из змей. Кажется, что статуя плывёт по воде. Это один из шедевров каменной скульптуры V века периода Личчави. Водный сад Баладжу расположен на расстоянии около 5 км к северо-западу от Катманду, у подножия горы Нагаджун. Парк в Баладжу, Баладжу Уддьян или парк Махендра, известен своими 22 фонтанами в форме крокодильих голов, построенными в середине XVIII века. Внутри сада находится статуя отдыхающего Вишну — копия статуи из Буддхаликанта.

Любители познавательного отдыха найдут много интересного не только в многочисленных дворцах и храмах, но и в музеях Катманду. Национальный Музей содержит замечательную коллекцию оружия, а также археологических находок древнего, средневекового и современного Непала. Музей естественной истории, единственный музей такого рода в Непале, содержит уникальные коллекции бабочек, рыб, рептилий, птиц, млекопитающих, растений и различных окаменелостей, собранных по всей стране. В музее можно ознакомится с научной работой, ведущейся по изучению альпийской флоры и фауны, высокогорных птиц. Оба музея расположены западнее дворцовой площади, неподалёку от священного холма Сваямбу, где расположена одна из известнейших ступ Непала.

Буддистский храмовый комплекс Сваямбунатх расположен на западной окраине Катманду, в трёх километрах от туристического квартала Тамель, на вершине холма Сваямбу. Само слово «Сваямбунатх» (Swayambhunath) означает «создавший сам себя из ничего миллион миллионов лет назад для всех и навсегда». Центром комплекса и основной достопримечательностью считается белая ступа, стоящая на вершине холма. Снизу к ней ведёт 365 ступеней по числу дней в году. Согласно буддистским верованиям, ступа Сваямбунатх построена в самом благоприятном, с точки зрения астральных сил, месте долины Катманду. Поэтому считается, что произнесенные здесь мантры и молитвы имеют в «тринадцать миллиардов раз» большую силу. На склонах холма построено множество небольших пагод и храмов, своё святилище есть и у индуистов, также почитающих Сваямбунатх. Но над всеми постройками возвышается ступа в центре с высоким коническим куполом, увенчанным покрытым медью шпилем. Основание шпиля, как обычно, с четырёх сторон украшают всевидящие глаза Будды со знаком, обозначающим единицу, по середине. Вокруг холма раскинулась обезьянья роща, в которой прижилось огромное количество полудиких обезьян, подкармливаемых монахами, паломниками и туристами.

На востоке Катманду расположена ещё одна известная и к тому же крупнейшая в Непале ступа — Бодднатх. В отличие от ступы Сваямбунатх она расположена не на холме, а в жилом квартале, но, благодаря своим размерам, видна издалека и определяет жизнь не только окружающей её площади, но и всего квартала, заполненного тибетскими монастырями, гомпами и сувенирными лавками. Белая ступа, возвышающаяся над площадью и украшенная традиционными разноцветными флажками, придаёт окружающему миру атмосферу праздника, а мантры, молитвенные барабаны и всевидящие глаза Будды — атмосферу таинственности. Основание ступы Боддататх выполнено в форме трёхуровневой мандалы, символизирующей землю. Над основанием возвышается куполообразная часть ступы, символизирующая воду. Шпиль, вознёсшийся над куполом, символизирует огонь. Зонтик, установленный на шпиле, символизирует воздух. Над зонтиком возвышается наконечник, обозначающий эфир. Всевидящие глаза Будды, изображённые на каждой из четырёх сторон прямоугольного основания шпиля ступы, бдительно взирают в направлении четырёх сторон света. Шпиль состоит из тринадцати ступеней, представляющих собой тринадцать этапов на пути к освобождению от сансары. Вокруг ступы построено несколько десятков монастырей, представляющих практически все традиции и направления тибетского буддизма. Ведь именно ступа Будданатх встречала тибетцев перед входом в Катманду, шедших по важнейшему торговому пути, который связывал Лхасу со столицей Непала. Тибетские торговцы останавливались здесь, чтобы совершить молитвы по поводу успешного окончания трудного и опасного перехода через Гималаи.

На пути к ступе Бодднатх расположена ещё одна небольшая ступа — Чабахил, ещё более древняя. Она была построена Чарумати, дочерью индийского императора Ашоки, в III веке до н.э., после её свадьбы с местным принцем Девапала. Именно поэтому Чабахил называют также Девапатан. Вокруг ступы находится несколько древних статуй.

На восточной окраине Катманду расположена ещё одна достопримечательность столицы — крупный индуистский храмовый комплекс Пашупатинатх. Храмовый комплекс расположен на обоих берегах священной для индуистов реки Багмати. Он посвящён Шиве в обличии Пашупати, царя животных, или иначе господина живых существ. Главный храм Пашупатинатха, считающийся шедевром индуистской архитектуры, был построен в XIX веке. Каждый день сюда приходят тысячи паломников-индуистов из Непала и Индии. Основные храмы и постройки комплекса расположены на западном берегу Багмати, вход сюда разрешён только индусам. Однако архитектуру храмов и погребальные обряды, особенно привлекающие туристов, можно наблюдать с восточного берега, открытого для всех желающих. Многие храмы Пашупатинатха расположены в парке, где есть специальные дорожки для туристов. Обезьяны и другие животные чувствуют себя в этом парке достаточно вольготно, находясь под покровительством Пашупати. Также в парке и возле храмов можно встретить многочисленных садху, странствующих почитателей Шивы, практикующих йогу и исполняющих разнообразные обеты. Обычно они выглядят очень колоритно и позволяют фотографировать себя за деньги. Вблизи Пашупатинатха находится ещё один исторический и священный храм — Гухешвари. Он сооружен в честь богини Сати (Парвати) — супруги Шивы. Однако внутри храма нет ни одного изображения богини. Вход также разрешён только индуистам.

В пригороде Катманду также найдутся интересные места для посещения, например, охтничьи владения королевской семьи, известные также как сафари-парк Гокарна. Они расположены примерно в 10 км к северо-востоку от Катманду на берегу реки Багмати. Множество диких животных, таких как пятнистый олень, можно увидеть во время прогулки на слонах. В северной части Гокарны, на пути в Сундариджал, находится пагода Гокарнешвор Махадев, стоящая на краю ущелья Багмати. А в 9 км к юго-востоку от Катманду расположено ущелье Чобар. Это место известно живописным ущельем, через которое протекают все воды долины Катманду. По легенде, это ущелье прорубил бодхисатва Манджушри, чтобы осушить долину Катманду, которая в то время была озером. На вершине холма находится небольшой, но колоритный храм Адинат. С вершины открывается необыкновенный вид на покрытые снегом вершины. Сразу за ущельем Чобхар находится храм Джал Винайяк. Образ божества высечен на массивной скале, распространяясь за пределя храма. Изображение в Джал Винайяк отличается от других изображений Ганеша. Многие места неподалёку от Катманду благодаря живописным видам прекрасно подходят для пикников и пеших прогулок.

Природа

С северо-запада на юго-восток Непала и Непальского Тибетапротягиваются 2 полосы гор, разделенных системой долин и котловин. Северную полосу образуют южные склоны центральной части Гималаев (Большие Гималаи). На северной — Тибето китайской и восточной границах Непала расположены Джомолунгма (8848 м) и Канченджанга (8585 м), Макалу (8470 м), Дхаулагири (8221 м) и Аннапурна. На территории Непала находится 240 пиков высотой более 6000 м, в том числе 8 превышают 8000 м. В центральной части гор — альпийский рельеф, мощное современное и многочисленные следы древнего оледенения; характерны огромные оползни и обвалы, глубокие, часто сквозные ущелья рек. Передовые хребты Малых Гималаев и Предгималаев значительно ниже (Махабхарат, высотой до 2959 м; Сивалик, до 2277 м) и сильно расчленены долинами.

Экономика

Не имеющий выхода к морю, значительных минеральных ресурсов, развитой транспортной инфраструктуры, Непал остается одной из самых беднейших и отсталых стран мира. В 1997-98 гг. ВВП Непала на душу населения в 2006 1 500 долл.

Непал — сельскохозяйственная страна. В сельском и лесном хозяйстве занято около 76% экономически активного населения и создается около 41,5% ВВП. На юге и в долинах центральной части Непала возделывают — зерновые (рис, пшеницу, кукурузу, просо, ячмень), зернобобовые. В тераях — сахарный тростник, джут, масличные, табак, чайный куст, пряности. На экспорт страна поставляет на мировые рынки рис и джут. Культивируют также овощи, овес, пряности и ряд плодовых культур. В джунглях экономический интерес представляют деревья твердых пород, а также бамбук и ротанговая пальма. Среди межгорных котловин наиболее развитым земледелием выделяются долины Катманду и Покхара. На нижних склонах хребтов и в долинах активно практикуется террасирование в целях расширения пахотной площади. В северных высокогорных районах Непальского Тибета разводят яков, цзо (гибрид яка и коровы), овец, коз, в центральных и южных районах — крупный рогатый скот (буйволов, зебу). Минеральные месторождения в Непале невелики, рассеяны по всей стране и только начинают разрабатываться. Ведется разработка кустарными способами месторождений (в основном местного значения) железной руды, меди, цинка, свинца, слюды, селитры, мрамора, золота, доломита, известняка. Развита обрабатывающая промышленность, ведется переработка сельскохозяйственного сырья на мелких предприятиях. Производство хлопчатобумажных, джутовых и другие текстильных изделий, сахара, спичек, табачных изделий, ковров и обуви. Главные индустриальные центры страны — Биратнагар и Биргандж.

Лесозаготовки.

Почти вся древесина экспортируется в Индию. Традиционное ремесленное производство. Большое значение для экономики страны сохраняет иностранный туризм. Развитие туризма (и в частности альпинизма) находится под особым вниманием правительства Непала. Обслуживание западных альпинистов стало источником устойчивой занятости жителей альпийских селений Гималаев, особенно шерпов. Основные статьи экспорта Непала: шерстяные ковры, джутовые и хлопчатобумажные изделия, рис, масличное и кожевенное сырье, лекарственные травы, специи, изделия художественных промыслов. Импорт: транспортное оборудование, нефтепродукты, химикаты и лекарства, машины и оборудование, станки, автомобили и запасные части к ним, электрооборудование, стройматериалы, продукты питания (из Индии). Основные внешнеторговые партнеры: Индия, Германия, Япония, США, Китай, Швейцария, Бельгия. В 1998 длина дорожной сети страны превысила 11,2 тыс. км дорог. На территорию Непала заходят с Гангской равнины три железнодорожных линии, но ни одна из них не достигает его горных районов. Длина железных дорог 101 км (1996). Воздушные трассы, многие из которых обслуживаются частными компаниями, связывают Катманду с несколькими городами в разных частях страны. Непал соединен также авиарейсами с Индией, Бангладеш, Пакистаном, Таиландом, Гонконг и Москвой. Денежная единица — непальская рупия, равная 100 пайсам.

6 вещей, которые стоит сделать в Катманду

1. Подняться по 365 ступеням (по числу дней в году), ведущим к самой яркой и ценной достопримечательности — буддистской ступе Сваямбунатх (Swayambhunath). Само слово «Сваямбунатх» (Swayambhunath) означает «создавший сам себя». Расположена она на западной окраине Катманду, на вершине холма, который возвышается над городом.
2. Прикоснуться к уникальному памятнику, включённому в список Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО. Это четырёхгранный золотой куб, на котором изображены «всевидящие глаза Будды», смотрящие на четыре стороны света. Находится он неподалеку со ступой Сваямбунатх.
3. Во время ежегодного фестиваля Дасан посетить закрытый для любых посещений храм Таледжу (Taleju), поражающий своим великолепием и торжественностью.
4. В баре Rum Doodle в Катманду получить возможность питаться бесплатно всю жизнь. Для этого всего-то надо достичь вершины Эвереста!
5. Получить благословение местных отшельников — красную точку на лбу, называемую тикка, взамен за небольшое пожертвование.
6. Поглазеть издалека на Мачапучару — священную гору непальцев, куда запрещены восхождения, потому что там лежит и курит трубку сам бог Шива. В доказательство этого вокруг Мачапучары почти всегда стоят облака — «табачный дым».

Вот что  ВОТ ТУТ пишут туристы:

Основная туристическая жизни сконцентрирована в Тамеле на его узких улица работает очень много небольших магазинов продающих все, от продуктов питания -торты, пирожные свежевыжатые соки, спорт инвентаря, туристические путевки в заповедники и полёты на д горами, камни и ювелирные изделия, полиграфия и религиозные книги, до разных восточных подделок.

Этот город можно назвать раем для любителей сувениров. Такого обилия разного выбора не видел, ни где, даже в Индии. Даже у моей жены инстинкт шопоголика, напрочь, заглушил признаки отвращения к азиатским странам. Пришлось покупать дополнительный рюкзак что бы всё увезти.

Так по тихонькую вышли к одной из площадей. ко всем историческим достопримечательностям, включая площади, вход платный. Мы же решили сэкономить, и я с помощью навигатора начал искать обходные пути. Как оказалось это не так то легко, почти около любого закалка стоит полицейский и отправляет к кассе. Но мы все таки не заплатили

почти в каждом храме, можно смело сказать, что и на каждом доме встречается такая резьба по дереву, поражаешься сколько потрачено труда на эту красоту

На следующий день взялись за выполнение программы минимум. отправились к двум основным ступам Сваямбунатх и Бодхнатх.

Комплекс Бодхнатх

ну и куда без сувенирный лавок, религиозной атрибутики, они по всюду

Ступа находится на высокой горе, чтобы подняться на неё, надо преодолеть 365 ступеней, по числу дней в году.Хорошая разминка перед треком

прямо на месте делают ручные подделки из камня

Сваямбунатх почитается также индуистами, у которых имеется небольшое святилище около ступы.

.

В Катманду с похода мы вернулись на неделю раньше запланированного.Устав от непальского колорита, решили не задерживаться тут на долго. Купили на следующий день новые авиабилеты в Индию. И в перёд к новым ощущениям

[источники]

источники

http://www.leavenworthfesthalle.org

http://artex.com.ua/nepal-korolevstvo-nepal/katmandu:16-7653-2/

http://www.svali.ru/catalog~66~44454~index.htm

http://kathmandu.ru/

источник некоторых фото — http://shafir.livejournal.com/tag/%D0%9A%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%83
а так же большая часть последний фото принадлежит Владимиру Пинчуку — http://forum.sony-club.ru/showthread.php?t=60166&page=5

А про Непал за все это время у нас с вами был всего лишь один пост — Собиратели дикого меда в Непале

Оригинал статьи находится на сайте ИнфоГлаз.рф Ссылка на статью, с которой сделана эта копия — http://infoglaz.ru/?p=20457