Why is Kathmandu so famous?

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الصورة عبر Wikimedia Commons

Against the backdrop of the great Himalayas, this tranquil valley called Kathmandu: Nepal's Sufi destination is where many travelers flock in search of extreme adventure. This city is a thriving center for all kinds of tourists. From adventure tourism to cultural tourism, Kathmandu has a lot to offer. Kathmandu is particularly famous for its religious monuments. Various temples, monasteries and stupas adorn the cityscape, especially Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan who are famous for their amazing and intricate religious artwork. Cultural tours are among the best things to do in the city. One can take cultural tours to various heritage sites such as Kathmandu Hanuman Duka, Patan and Bhaktapur and Buddhist stupa such as Bodhanath and Swayambunath. While in the city, you can visit many museums such as the Natural Art History Museum, Tarragwan Museum, National Gallery of Art, Tsar Library, Nepal Art Council Gallery and much more. Kathmandu also hosts the jazz festival known as Jazmandu during October/November. Be sure to visit it if the festival is ongoing during your visit to the city. For an unforgettable memory of a lifetime, take a stroll along the various amazing nature trails and witness the amazing beauty of nature.

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Show key points

  • Kathmandu is a diverse tourist destination offering adventure, culture, and religious exploration, nestled against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
  • The city is renowned for its spiritual landmarks such as Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan, which showcase intricate religious art.
  • Visitors can explore a rich array of heritage sites, monasteries, and museums, making cultural tours highly recommended.
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  • Kathmandu has a vibrant history dating back over 11,000 years, shaped by various rulers including the Lichavis, the Mallas, and the Gorkhas.
  • With a population of over 670,000, the city boasts a cosmopolitan mix of ethnicities, where Hinduism and Buddhism dominate religious life.
  • While Nepali is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making communication easy for travelers.
  • Major attractions include the Boudhanath Stupa, Garden of Dreams, British Cemetery, and the tranquil Buddha Nilkanth Temple.

History of Kathmandu

الصورة عبر wikitravel

From ancient times to the Middle Ages to modern times, the Kathmandu region has had a very long history. From the ruins and tools found in the Kathmandu Valley, it is noteworthy that the area was inhabited eleven thousand years ago. During the Middle Ages, Kathmandu was ruled by the Lichavi people who came from the plains of the Indian Ganges River after the defeat of the Keratas, a group of people of Mongolian origin. In the XIII century came the era of Mala. The Mala people are credited with bringing Hinduism to the region.

The Mala era ended after their defeat at the Battle of Kathmandu in 1768 against the Gorkha Kingdom. The kingdom of Ranas replaced Gorka in 1846. The area was under monarchy until 2008, when the monarchy was abolished that year, and a republic was formed to replace the previous monarchy.

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Kathmandu population

With a population of 671,846, Kathmandu has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere where people of different ethnicities live together. The main ethnic groups in Kathmandu are the Newar who make up 29.6% of the total population, the Sonoir, the Magar, the Gurong, the Tamang, the Khas Brahmins and the Chitris. Most people there practice Hinduism and Buddhism. And the people there are very friendly and hospitable.

Language in Kathmandu

Nepal has more than 93 languages, spoken by many in the Kathmandu region and within the city of Kathmandu. The main languages are Nepali and Nepalese Bahasa. Because Nepali is the country's official language, it is widely used. English is also widely spoken, especially in areas dominated by tourists.

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Culture of Kathmandu

الصورة عبر wikitravel

Most of the country's arts, literature, food, music and festivals revolve around religion, and Kathmandu is no exception. Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions. All major Hindu and Buddhist festivals in Kathmandu are celebrated lavishly and cheerfully. Kathmandu is famous for its centuries-old religious monuments. One can find temples, monasteries, shrines, Buddhist temples and palaces all over the city. Carved statues of Hindu gods can be found everywhere.

Apart from religious monuments, Kathmandu is also home to many modern museums and art galleries such as the National Museum, National Art Gallery, Natural History Museum, Tsar Library, Tarragon Museum, Nepal Art Council Gallery and much more. Traditionally, music has played an integral role in Nepalese life. Many musical performances are held in many theaters and cultural places in the city. The cuisine of the city is a melting pot of many cultures. The kitchen is greatly influenced by the Indian and Tibetan cooking method. Dal pate is a traditional dish consisting of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curries, sauces and various pickles. Momo (dumplings) is a very popular snack.

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Sights worth seeing

الصورة عبر Wikimedia Commons

• Stupa Buddha in Buddha (बौद्ध). One of the most sacred sites of Tibetan Buddhism. This huge stupa is one of the largest stupa in the world. It is located to the northeast of the Duarikas Hotel and just north of the airport area. This is another World Heritage Site. There is a "festival" every night of the full moon, a unique experience. 250 NPR 250 NKR (ticket offices are usually closed at night)

• Buddha Nilkanth Temple (Naranangdam), (6 km from Main Bus Park, Kathmandu). The statue of Bhagwan Vishnu in a sleeping position surrounded by water is an extraordinarily wonderful and tranquil experience.

• British Cemetery – A magnificent small historic cemetery located at the end of the narrow corridor that runs between the Indian and British embassies near Thamil. Keep walking and you will find it. The graves date back to the days of residence, and to the present day. A sad but wonderful cultural contrast with Pashupatinath Temple.

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• Freak Street - a historic street where Western hippies seeking enlightenment once resided. Now there are few restaurants and hotels.

• Garden of Dreams / Kaiser Mahal [2] - Relax in this beautiful and tranquil walled garden near Thamel and the former Royal Palace. Beautifully renovated in partnership with the Austrian government. There are currently two wings depicting two of the six annual seasons in the Hindu calendar. It has many expensive cafes and a bar. Nice restrooms. 200 Nepalese rupees.

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