Kathmandu

Not to be confused withKathmandu DistrictorKathmandu Valley.

This article is about the capital city of Nepal. For other uses, seeKathmandu (disambiguation).

Kathmandu काठमाडौँ Kasthamandap, Kantipur, Yen
Capital city
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Kathmandu's skyline withGaurishankarvisible Ghanta Ghar Dharahara Pashupatinath Temple Narayanhiti Palace Kathmandu Durbar Square
Flag Seal
Nickname(s): City of Temples मन्दिरहरूको शहर
Motto(s): Nepali:सांस्कृतिक सहर, काठमाडौं महानगर,lit. 'Cultural City, Kathmandu Metropolitan City'
Kathmandu Kathmandu Kathmandu
Coordinates:27.71°N 85.32°E/27.71; 85.32
Country	Nepal
Province	Bagmati
District	Kathmandu
Founded by	Manjushri
Named for	Kasthamandap
No. ofWards	32
Government
• Type	Mayor–council government
• Body	Kathmandu Metropolitan Government
•Mayor	Balen Shah(Ind.)
• Deputy mayor	Sunita Dangol(UML)
•Executive Officer	Pradeep Pariyar
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)
•Capital city	856,767
• Rank	1st
• Density	17,103/km2(44,300/sq mi)
•Metro	Approximately 4 million
• Metro rank	1st
Time zone	UTC+05:45(Nepal Standard Time)
Postal Code	44600
Area code	01
Website	www.kathmandu.gov.np

Kathmandu,officially theKathmandu Metropolitan City,is theseat of federal governmentand the most populous city inNepal.As of the2021 Nepal census,there were 845,767 inhabitants living in 105,649 households and approximately 4 million people in its surrounding agglomeration. It is located in theKathmandu Valley,a large valley surrounded by hills in the highplateausin central Nepal, at an altitude of 1,400 metres (4,600 feet).

The city is one of theoldest continuously inhabited places in the world,founded in the 2nd century AD. The valley was historically called theNepal Mandala(the name for the cosmic elements of water Dha mandala in Newari, and cosmos), and has been the home of theNewar people,a cosmopolitan urban civilization in theHimalayanfoothills. The city was the royal capital of theKingdom of Nepaland hosts palaces, mansions and gardens built by the Nepali aristocracy. It has been home to the headquarters of theSouth Asian Association for Regional CooperationSAARC) since 1985. Today, it is the seat of government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, established in 2008, and is part ofBagmati Province.

Kathmandu is and has been for many years the centre of Nepal'shistory,art,culture,andeconomy.It has a multi-ethnic population within aHinduandBuddhistmajority. 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 byTripAdvisor,and ranked first in Asia. The city is considered the gateway to theNepal Himalayasand is home to severalWorld Heritage Sites:theDurbar Square,Swayambhu Mahachaitya,BouddhaandPashupatinath.Kathmandu valleyis growing at 4 per cent per year according to theWorld Bankin 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.It is the largest metropolitan area located in theHimalayas.It is also home to a number of cultural heritage sites that have been identified as UNESCO World Heritage site.

Etymology

The indigenousNepal Bhasaterm for Kathmandu isYen.TheNepalinameKathmanducomes fromKasthamandap,a building that stood inKathmandu Durbar Squareand was completely destroyed by theApril 2015 Nepal Earthquake(it has since been reconstructed). InSanskrit,Kāṣṭha(Sanskrit:काष्ठ) means "wood" andMaṇḍapa(Sanskrit:मण्डप) means "pavilion". This public pavilion, also known asMaru Sattain 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 thepagodawas obtained from a single tree.

Thecolophonsof ancient manuscripts, dated as late as the 20th century, refer to Kathmandu asKāṣṭhamaṇḍap MahānagarinNepal Mandala.Mahānagar means "great city". The city is calledKāṣṭhamaṇḍapin a vow that Buddhist priests still recite to this day. Thus, Kathmandu is also known asKāṣṭhamaṇḍap.During medieval times, the city was sometimes calledKāntipur(Sanskrit:कान्तिपुर). This name is derived from two Sanskrit words –KāntiandPur.Kāntiis a word that stands for "beauty" and is mostly associated with light andPurmeans place, thus giving it the meaning, "City of light".

Among the indigenous Newar people, Kathmandu is known asYeṃ Dey(Newar:येँ देय्), and Patan and Bhaktapur are known asYala Dey(Newar:यल देय्) andKhwopa Dey(Newar:ख्वप देय्) respectively."Yen" is the shorter form ofYambu(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.

History

Main articles:History of KathmanduandTimeline of Kathmandu

Manjushri,with his indestructible swordChandrahasa,the Buddhist deity said to have created the valley

Archaeological excavationsin 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.The excavation of Dhando Chaitya uncovered a brick with an inscription inBrahmi script.Archaeologists believe that it is two thousand years old.Stone inscriptionsare ubiquitous elements at the heritage sites and are key sources for the history ofNepal.

The earliest Western reference to Kathmandu appears in an account of Portuguese JesuitFather Joao Cabralwho passed through the Kathmandu Valley in the spring of 1628and was received graciously by the king of that time, probably King Lakshminarasimha Malla of Kathmandu on their way fromTibetto India.Father Cabral reported that they reached "Cadmendu", the capital of Nepal kingdom.

Ancient history

The ancient history of Kathmandu is described in its traditionalmythsandlegends.According to theSwayambhu Purana,present-day Kathmandu was once a huge and deep lake named "Nagdaha",as it was full of snakes. The lake was cut drained byBodhisattvaManjushriwith 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 namedBanasuraclosed the outlet, and the valley again turned into a lake.Krishnacame to Nepal, killed Banasura, and again drained out the water by cutting the edge of Chobhar hill with thisSudarshana Chakra.He brought some cowherds along with him and made Bhuktaman the king of Nepal.

Kotirudra Samhita ofShiva Purana,Chapter 11,Shloka18 refers to the place as Nayapala city, which was famous for itsPashupatiShivalinga. The name Nepal probably originates from this city Nayapala.

Very few historical records exists of the period before medievalLicchavi rulers.According toGopalraj Vansawali,a genealogy of Nepali monarchy, the rulers of Kathmandu Valley before the Licchavis wereGopalas,Mahispalas, Aabhirs,Kirat,and Somavanshi.The Kirata dynasty was established byYalamber.During the Kirata era, a settlement called Yambu existed in the northern half of old Kathmandu. In some of theSino-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 atSankhu.

Scan of map of Nepaul, present-day Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas in Nepal, reduced from original map byFrancis Buchanan-Hamiltonand Charles Crawford from surveys in 1802.

Licchavi era

The Licchavis fromVaisaliin modern-dayBihar,migrated north and defeated theKirats,establishing the Licchavi dynasty, circa 400 AD. During this era, following the genocide ofShakyasinLumbinibyVirudhaka,the survivors migrated north and entered the forest monastery, 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 ofNewar Buddhism,which is the only surviving Sanskrit-basedBuddhisttradition in the world.With their migration, Yambu was called Koligram and Yengal was called Dakshin Koligramduring most of the Licchavi era.

Eventually, the Licchavi rulerGunakamadevamerged Koligram and Dakshin Koligram, founding the city of Kathmandu.The city was designed in the shape ofChandrahrasa,the sword of Manjushri. The city was surrounded by eight barracks guarded byAjimas.One of these barracks is still in use atBhadrakali(in front ofSingha 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 travellerXuanzangdescribed Kailaskut Bhawan, the palace of the Licchavi kingAmshuverma.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,Aranikoled a group of his compatriot artists throughTibetand China.Bhrikuti,the princess of Nepal who married Tibetan monarchSongtsän Gampo,was instrumental in introducing Buddhism to Tibet.

Malla era

Skyline of Kathmandu,c. 1811

Kathmandu Durbar Square, 1852

View of the Kathmandu valley fromSwayambhunath,1863

The Licchavi era was followed by theMalla era.Rulers fromTirhut,upon being attacked by theDelhi 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 fromKhasandTurk Muslims.There was also a devastating earthquake which claimed the lives of a third of Kathmandu's population, including the kingAbhaya Malla.These disasters led to the destruction of most of the architecture of the Licchavi era (such as Mangriha andKailashkut 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 (calledguthis), 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 kingPratap Malla.Books have been found from this era that describe theirtantrictradition (e.g. Tantrakhyan), medicine (e.g. Haramekhala), religion (e.g. Mooldevshashidev), law, morals, and history. Amarkosh, a Sanskrit-Nepal Bhasa dictionary from 1381, was also found. Architecturally notable buildings from this era includeKathmandu Durbar Square,Patan Durbar Square,Bhaktapur Durbar Square,the former durbar ofKirtipur,Nyatapola,Kumbheshwar,the Krishna temple, and others.

Medieval era

The now demolished old royal palace in 1920

Early Shah rule

TheGorkha Kingdomended the Malla confederation after theBattle of Kathmanduin 1768. This marked the beginning of the modern era in Kathmandu. TheBattle of Kirtipurwas the start of theGorkha conquestof the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu was adopted as the capital of theGorkhaempire, 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 Thapasupported France against Great Britain; this led to the development of modern military structures, such as modern barracks in Kathmandu. The nine-storey towerDharaharawas originally built during this era.

Rana rule

Rana rule over Nepal started with theKot massacreof 1846, which occurred near Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. During this massacre, most of Nepal's high-ranking officials were massacred byJung Bahadur Ranaand his supporters. Another massacre, theBhandarkhal 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, theNew Road,was also built during this era.Trichandra College(the first college of Nepal),Durbar High School(the first modern school of Nepal), andBir 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.

Geography

Kathmandu is in the northwestern part of theKathmandu Valleyto the north of theBagmati Riverand covers an area of 50.7 km²(19.6 sq mi). The average elevation is 1,400 metres (4,600 ft)above sea level.The city is bounded by several other municipalities of the Kathmandu valley: south of the Bagmati byLalitpur Metropolitan City(Patan), with which it forms one urban area surrounded by aring road,to the southwest byKirtipurand to the east byMadyapur Thimi.To the north the urban area extends into several municipalities;Nagarjun,Tarakeshwor,Tokha,Budhanilkantha,GokarneshworandKageshwori Manohara.However, the urban agglomeration extends well beyond the neighbouring municipalities, e.g. toBhaktapur,and nearly covers the entireKathmandu Valley.

Panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley fromSwayambhu

Kathmandu is dissected by eight rivers, the main river of the valley, theBagmatiand its tributaries, of which theBishnumati,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.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 theDeciduous 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 areoak,elm,beech,mapleand others, withconiferoustrees at higher altitude.

• 
  Haphazard settlement seen near Swoyambhu, 2015.
• 
  The green, vegetated slopes that surround the Kathmandu metro area (light grey, image centre) include both forest reserves and national parks
• 
  Araniko Highwayconnects Kathmandu to Bhaktapur and onwards to theChinese border.
• 
  Northeastern Kathmandu withGaurishankarin background.

Kathmandu administration

Kathmandu and adjacent cities are composed ofneighbourhoods,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.

Climate

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

UnderKöppen's climate classification,portions of the city with lower elevations (1300-1400m) which is 88 per cent of total have ahumid subtropical climate(Cwa), while portions of the city with higher elevations generally have asubtropical 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 theWarmTemperate 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 theCool Temperate Zonewith 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 0 °C (32 °F) or less during the winter.The lowest ever temperature of −3.5 °C was recorded in 1978.While snowfall is generally confined to the hills surrounding the city,there have been a few instances of snowfall in city, most notably in 1945 and 2007.

Rainfall is mostly monsoon-based (about 65% of the total concentrated during themonsoonmonths of June to September), and decreases substantially (100 to 200 cm (39 to 79 in)) from eastern Nepal to western Nepal. The average annual rainfall for the city is around 1400 mm (55 in).On averagehumidityis 75%.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.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.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.

Climate data for Kathmandu (1991–2020, extremes 1968–present)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	27.4 (81.3)	29.2 (84.6)	31.6 (88.9)	35.6 (96.1)	36.6 (97.9)	35.2 (95.4)	34.6 (94.3)	32.6 (90.7)	33.2 (91.8)	31.9 (89.4)	30.0 (86.0)	25.2 (77.4)	36.6 (97.9)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	19.2 (66.6)	22.1 (71.8)	26.0 (78.8)	28.6 (83.5)	29.2 (84.6)	29.5 (85.1)	28.7 (83.7)	29.0 (84.2)	28.6 (83.5)	27.2 (81.0)	23.6 (74.5)	20.2 (68.4)	26.0 (78.8)
Daily mean °C (°F)	11.0 (51.8)	13.7 (56.7)	17.4 (63.3)	20.5 (68.9)	22.7 (72.9)	24.4 (75.9)	24.5 (76.1)	24.6 (76.3)	23.7 (74.7)	20.6 (69.1)	16.0 (60.8)	12.2 (54.0)	19.3 (66.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	2.8 (37.0)	5.3 (41.5)	8.8 (47.8)	12.3 (54.1)	16.1 (61.0)	19.3 (66.7)	20.3 (68.5)	20.2 (68.4)	18.8 (65.8)	13.9 (57.0)	8.4 (47.1)	4.2 (39.6)	12.5 (54.5)
Record low °C (°F)	−3.5 (25.7)	−2.4 (27.7)	0.5 (32.9)	3.5 (38.3)	8.7 (47.7)	11.1 (52.0)	13.1 (55.6)	13.0 (55.4)	11.8 (53.2)	5.8 (42.4)	1.3 (34.3)	−1.9 (28.6)	−3.5 (25.7)
Averageprecipitationmm (inches)	15.2 (0.60)	23.6 (0.93)	38.0 (1.50)	62.9 (2.48)	128.8 (5.07)	241.4 (9.50)	384.1 (15.12)	342.7 (13.49)	207.8 (8.18)	43.3 (1.70)	6.4 (0.25)	7.8 (0.31)	1,502 (59.13)
Average precipitation days(≥ 1.0 mm)	1.9	2.6	3.9	6.6	11.9	16.9	23.1	22.7	14.6	3.8	0.5	0.7	109.4
Averagerelative humidity(%)	79	71	61	53	57	73	81	83	82	79	85	80	74
Mean monthlysunshine hours	210	209	236	230	244	175	130	160	156	233	228	211	2,422
Source 1:World Meteorological Organization
Source 2: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology,Deutscher Wetterdienst(sun, 1961–1990)

Air quality

Air pollution is a major issue in the Kathmandu Valley.According to the 2016 World Health Organization's Ambient Air Pollution Database,the annual averagePM2.5(particulate matter) concentration in 2013 was 49 μg/m³,which is 4.9 times higher than recommended by theWorld Health Organization.Starting in early 2017,

View of Pollution in Kathmandu Valley and Mountain range as seen from Champa devi.

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.

Government and public services

Civic administration

Office of thePrime Minister of NepalinSingha Durbar,Kathmandu

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 32 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.The ward's profile documents for the 32 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.

Kathmandu is the headquarters of the surroundingKathmandu District.

Law and order

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

Consulate ofthe Netherlands.Kathmandu hosts28 diplomatic missions

Fire service

The fire service, known as theBarun Yantra Karyalaya(Nepali:वारुण यन्त्र कार्यालय), opened its first station in Kathmandu in 1937 with a single-vehicle.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.In 1944, the fire service was extended to the neighbouring cities of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. In 1966, a fire service was established inKathmandu central airport.In 1975, a West German government donation added seven fire engines to Kathmandu's fire service.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.

Electricity and water supply

Public baths, Kathmandu. 1979

Electricity in Kathmandu is regulated and distributed by theNepal 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 ancientdhunge dharas(Nepali:ढुङ्गे धारा) for all the purposes related to water. The city water shortage should be solved by the completion of the much plaguedMelamchi Water Supply Projectby the end of 2019. Despite continued efforts by governmental bodies, Kathmandu is one of the most polluted cities in Nepal, largely due to overpopulation.

Waste management

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.

Demographics

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 2001.70% 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.

Languages

Nepali (62%)

Newari (19%)

Tamang (6%)

Maithili (3%)

Gurung (2%)

Magar (2%)

Others (6%)

As of the 2011 census,Nepaliis the most common mother tongue in Kathmandu, with 62% of the population speaking it as their mother tongue.Newariis spoken by 19%, and the other languages spoken in the city includeTamang(6%),Maithili(3%),Bhojpuri(2%),Gurung(2%),Magar(2%) andSherpa(1%) as their first language. English is also spoken by many.

Ethnic groups

Ethnic groups in Kathmandu

Newar(24.7%)

Hill Brahman(24.5%)

Chhetri(18%)

Tamang(7.8%)

Magar(3.8%)

Others (21.2%)

The largest group is the nativeNewars,whose various sub-groups combine to make up 24.7% of the population. Almost equal in number is theBahuns,also known as Hill-Brahmin or Khas Brahmin, representing 24.5% of the population. They are part of the broader Khas community, as are theChhetri,the third largest group, who account for 18% of the population. Other groups in Kathmandu include the Janajatis, comprising theTamang(7.8%),Magar(3.8%),Gurung(2.6%), andRai(2.1%). NepaleseMuslimsrepresent 1.8% of the population.More recently, otherMadeshigroups fromTeraihave 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	Linguistic Family	Population Percentage
Khas Aryan(Hill/Pahari Caste Groups)	Khas Brahmin,Chhetri,Kami,Thakuri,DamaiSarki,Sanyasi/Dasnami	Indo-Aryan	46.3%
Newar(Kathmandu Valley Caste Groups)	Newari Brahmin,Shrestha,Tamrakar,Dangol,Maharjan,Rajkarnikar,etc.	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,Rajbanshi	-	Indo-Aryan	1.6%
Adibasi (Terai Indigenous Groups)	Tharu,Rajbanshi,Tajpuriya,Santhaletc.	Indo-AryanAndSino-Tibetan	1.5%
Others	–	Indo-AryanandSino-Tibetan	1.5%

Architecture and cityscape

Main article:Architecture of Kathmandu

Kathmandu ValleyWorld 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 •

The ancient trade route between India andTibetthat passed through Kathmandu enabled a fusion of artistic and architectural traditions from other cultures to be amalgamated with local art and architecture.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 aWorld 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 theDurbar squaresofHanuman Dhoka,PatanandBhaktapur,the Hindu temples ofPashupatinathandChangunarayan,the Buddhist stupas ofSwayambhunathandBoudhanath.

Naxal Bhagwati

Mahakaal Temple

Durbar Squares

Main articles:Kathmandu Durbar SquareandHanuman Dhoka

The literal meaning ofDurbar Squareis a "place of palaces". There are three preserved Durbar Squares in Kathmandu valley and one unpreserved inKirtipur.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 theKasthamandap,Kumari Ghar,and Shiva-Parvati Temple; the inner quadrangle has theHanuman Dhokapalace. The squares were severely damaged in theApril 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 royalKumariselected from several Kumaris resides. Kumari (or Kumari Devi), is the tradition of worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy (ordevi) 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'. Thechina(Nepali:चिना), an ancient Hindu astrological report of the Kumari and the reigning king, has been said 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.

Kasthamandapis a three-storeyed temple enshrining an image ofGorakhnath.It was built in the 16th century in thepagodastyle. The name of Kathmandu is a derivative of the wordKasthamandap.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 atMarusquare. It was originally built as a rest house for travellers.

Pashupatinath temple

Main article:Pashupatinath Temple

Panorama of the Pashupatinath Temple from the other bank of Bagmati river

Pashupatinath as seen from the banks of the Bagmati river

The Pashupatinath Temple (Nepali:पशुपतिनाथ मन्दिर) is a famous 5th centuryHindu templededicated toShiva.Located on the banks of theBagmati River,the Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu.It served as the seat of national deity,Pashupatinath,until Nepal was secularized. However, a significant part of the temple was destroyed byMughalinvaders 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.The temple is aUNESCO World Heritage Site.Shivaratri,or the night of Shiva, is the most important festival that takes place here, attracting thousands of devotees andsadhus.

Believers in Pashupatinath (mainlyHindus) are allowed to enter the temple premises, but non-Hindu visitors are allowed to view the temple only from the across the Bagmati River.The priests who perform the services at this temple have beenBrahminsfromKarnatakainsouthern Indiasince the time of Malla kingYaksha Malla.This tradition is believed to have been started at the request ofAdi Shankarawho sought to unify the states ofBhāratam,a region in south Asia believed to be ruled by a mythological kingBharata,by encouraging cultural exchange. This procedure is followed in other temples around India, which were sanctified by Adi Shankara.

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

Boudhanath

Main article:Boudhanath

Buildings around the Boudhanath Stupa

BoudhanathStupa, one of the largest in Nepal, shown during renovations following the2015 earthquake.

Boudhanath (Nepali:बौद्ध स्तुप;also written asBouddhanath,Bodhnath,Baudhanathor theKhāsaChaitya), is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, along with theSwayambhunath.It is a very popular tourist site. Boudhanath is known as Khāsti byNewarsand as Bauddha or Bodhnāth by speakers ofNepali.About 11 km (7 mi) from the centre and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massivemandalamakes it one of the largest sphericalstupasin Nepal.Boudhanath became a UNESCOWorld Heritage Sitein 1979.

The base of the stupa has 108 small depictions of the Dhyani BuddhaAmitabha.It is surrounded with a brick wall with 147 niches, each with four or fiveprayer wheelsengraved with the mantra,Om mani padme hum.At the northern entrance where visitors must pass is a shrine dedicated toAjima,the goddess ofsmallpox.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.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 Tibetangompas(monasteries) around Boudhanath.

Stupa at Swayambhu

Swayambhu

Main article:Swayambhunath

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 inNepal.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 ofBuddhalooking in all four directions.There are pentagonaltoranabove 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 agajur.

Rani Pokhari

Main article:Ranipokhari

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 for his beloved queen after she lost her son and could not recover from her loss.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. After sustaining damages from the 2015 earthquake, Ranipokhari went under development, which began in 2019 and the reconstruction was completed in October 2020.

Culture

Main article:Culture of Kathmandu

Arts

Stone carvings, calledChaityas,seen in street corners and courtyards

Kathmandu valley the City ofNewarsis described as "an enormous treasure house of art and sculptures", which are made of wood, stone, metal, andterracotta,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.

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 thatAshokavisited 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: theLicchavior 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 explicitlytantricinfluences coupled with the art ofTibetanDemonology.

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.

Museums

Kathmandu is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including theNational Museum of Nepaland theNatural 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.

Museums and art galleries in Kathmandu include:

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

National Museum of Nepal

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 GeneralBhimsen 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 wasChhauni Silkhana,meaning "the stone house of arms and ammunition". Given its focus, the museum contains many weapons, including locally made firearms used in wars, leathercannonsfrom the 18th–19th century, and medieval and modern works in wood,bronze,stoneand paintings.

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.

The Tribhuvan Museum contains artifacts related toKing 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 theKing 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.

The enclosed compound of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum is in the north-central part of Kathmandu. "Narayanhiti" (Nepali:नारायणहिटी) comes fromNarayana(Nepali:नारायण), a form of the Hindu godVishnu,andHiti(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 andDurbar Margroads. The palace area covers 30 hectares (74 acres) and is fully secured with gates on all sides.This palace was the scene of theNepali 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.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)in 1970 and constructed in 1971.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.The museum is within a short walk from the Boudhanath stupa, which itself can be seen from the museum tower.

Art galleries

A Buddhist statue display in Kathmandu

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 asPaubhasin Nepal and perhaps more commonly known asThangkasin 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.Internationally, the British-based charity, the Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre is involved with promoting arts in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu houses many notable art galleries. The NAFA Gallery, operated by the Arts and crafts Department of theNepal Academyis housed in Sita Bhavan, a neo-classical old Rana palace.

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 medievalNewarhouse, giving an important insight into Nepali history. The J Art Gallery near the former royal palace inDurbarmargdisplays the artwork of eminent, established Nepali painters. The Nepal Art Council Gallery, in theBabar Mahal,on the way toTribhuvan International Airportcontains artwork of both national and international artists and extensive halls regularly used for art exhibitions.

Literature

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,andNepal Bhasa.The library is in possession of rare scholarly books in Sanskrit and English dating from the 17th century. Kathmandu also contains the Kaiser Library, in theKaiser Mahalon the ground floor of theMinistry of Educationbuilding. This collection of around 45,000 books is derived from a personal collection ofKaiser Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana.It covers a wide range of subjects including history, law, art, religion, and philosophy, as well as a Sanskrit manual ofTantra,which is believed to be over 1,000 years old.The 2015 earthquake caused severe damage to the Ministry of Education building, and the contents of the Kaiser Library have been temporarily relocated.

Asa Archives

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.

Cinema and theatre

Kathmandu is home toNepali cinemaand 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.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,BollywoodandHollywoodfilms. 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 asQFX Cinemas,Cine De Chef, Fcube Cinemas, Q's Cinemas, Big Movies, BSR Movies and many more.

In October 2023, Kathmandu was named a UNESCOCity of Filmand joined theUNESCOCreative Cities Network.

Music

Traditional Buddhist musical performance duringGunla

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.Gunlais the traditional music festival according toNepal Sambat.Newar music originated in Kathmandu. Furthermore, music from all over Nepal can be found in Kathmandu.

A number ofhippiesvisited Kathmandu during the 1970s and introducedrock musicandjazzto the city.Kathmandu is noted internationally for itsjazzfestival, popularly known asJazzmandu.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.

The city has been referenced in numerous songs, including works byCat 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

One of the typical Nepali meals Dal Bhat Tarkari in Kathmandu

The staple food of most people in Kathmandu isdal 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 ofbuffconsumption in Kathmandu, especially amongNewars,which is not found in other parts of Nepal. Consumption of pork was considered taboo until a few decades ago. Due to the intermi xing 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 eatingbuffas fromQuranwhile Hindus eat all varieties except beef as they considercowto be a goddess and symbol of purity. The chief lunch/snack for locals and visitors is mostlyMomoorChowmein.

Kathmandu had only one western-style restaurant in 1955.A large number of restaurants in Kathmandu have since opened, cateringNepali cuisine,Tibetan cuisine,Chinese cuisineandIndian cuisinein 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 Americanchop suey,which is a sweet-and-sour sauce with crispy noodles with afried eggcommonly added on top and other westernized adaptations of traditional cuisine.Continental cuisine can be found in selected places. International chain restaurants are rare, but some outlets ofPizza HutandKFChave recently opened there. It also has several outlets of the international ice-cream chainBaskin-Robbins.

Kathmandu has a larger proportion of tea drinkers than coffee drinkers. Tea, locally known as Chiya, is widely served. 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.Ailaaandthwon(alcohol made from rice) are the alcoholic beverages of Kathmandu, found in all the local bhattis (alcohol serving eateries).Chhyaang,tongba(fermentedmilletorbarley) andraksiare 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

Former President of NepalRam Baran Yadavobserving the street festival ofYenya,which literally means "festival of Kathmandu"

Samyak,a Buddhist festival during which statues of Buddhas from the ancient monasteries are displayed together. Note the statue ofHanumannext to the Buddhas in the picture, a common example of religious harmony in Kathmandu.

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,Kiratsfrom 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,DashainDurga Pujafestivals,Shivratriand 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.

Nepali Lakhe dancer

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 theAjima,Taleju (or Tulja Bhavani or Taleju Bhawani)and her other form: Digu Taleju (or Degu Taleju)andKumari(the living goddess).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.

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

Religions

Hinduism

Kathmandu valley as seen from Halchowk duringDeepawali,2013

Hinduismis one of the indigenous beliefs of the city. Assumedly, together with the kingdom of Licchhavi (c. 400 to 750), Hinduism and theendogamsocial stratificationof thecastewas established in Kathmandu Valley. ThePashupatinath Temple,Changu Narayan Temple,and theKasthamandapare of particular importance to Hindus. Other notable Hindu temples in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley includeBajrayogini Temple,Dakshinkali Temple,Guhyeshwari Temple,and theShobha Bhagawatishrine.

TheBagmati Riverwhich flows through Kathmandu is considered aholy riverboth 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

Buddhism was brought into Kathmandu with the arrival of Buddhist monks during the time of Buddha (c. 563 – 483 BCE). They established a forest monastery inSankhu.This monastery was renovated byShakyasafter they fled genocide fromVirudhaka(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 ofNewar Buddhism,which is still practiced in the primaryliturgical languageof Hinduism,Sanskrit.

Legendary PrincessBhrikuti(7th-century) and artistAraniko(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

Kirant Mundhum is one of the indigenousanimisticpractices of Nepal. It is practiced by theKirat 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 practiceMundhumin the city.

Other religions

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

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

According to the records of theSpiritual Assemblyof the Baháʼís of Nepal, there are approximately 300 followers of theBaháʼí Faithin 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.

In Kathmandu alone there are about 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.

Education

The oldest modern school in Nepal, theDurbar High School,and the oldest college, theTri-Chandra College,are both in Kathmandu. The largest (according to number of students and colleges), the oldest and most distinguished university in Nepal, theTribhuvan University,is located inKirtipur.

The oldest engineering college in Nepal,Thapathali Campusalso lies in Kathmandu. 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.

Healthcare

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 Hospitalis the oldest, established in July 1889 byBir 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 andBhaktapur Cancer Hospital.Most of the general hospitals are in the city center, although several clinics are elsewhere in Kathmandu district.

Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmologyis an Ophthalmological hospital in Kathmandu. It pioneered the production of low cost intraocular lenses (IOLs), which are used in cataract surgery.The team of Dr.Sanduk Ruitin Tilganga pioneered sutureless small-incision cataract surgery (SICS),a technique which has been used to treat 4 million of the world's 20 million people with cataract blindness.

Medical colleges

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.

Economy

Central Bank of Nepal

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 theSilk Roadwhich linked India and Tibet. From centuries past,Lhasa Newarmerchants of Kathmandu have conducted trade across the Himalaya and contributed to spreading art styles and Buddhism across Central Asia.Other traditional occupations are farming, metal casting, woodcarving, painting, weaving, and pottery.

Kathmandu is the most important industrial and commercial centre in Nepal. TheNepal Stock Exchange,the head office of thenational bank,thechamber 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 theNew Road,Durbar Marg,Asonand Putalisadak.

The economic output of the metropolitan area of aroundRs.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.Kathmandu exports handicrafts, artworks, garments, carpets, pashmina, paper; trade accounts for 21% of its revenues.Manufacturing is also important and accounts for 19% of the revenue that Kathmandu generates. Garments and woolen carpets are the most notable manufactured products.Other economic sectors in Kathmandu include agriculture (9%), education (6%), transport (6%), and hotels and restaurants (5%).Kathmandu is famous forlokta paperandpashminashawls.

Tourism

Hotel Shankeris one of the city's popular heritage hotels

Tourismis 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 theTribhuvan Highway,between Kathmandu andRaxaul(at India's border), was started. Separate organizations were created in Kathmandu to promote this activity; some of these include theTourism Development Board,the Department of Tourism and theCivil 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.Since then, tourism in Nepal has thrived. It is the country's most important industry.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 asPashupatinath,Swayambhunath,Boudhanath,ChangunarayanandBudhanilkantha.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 ofthe 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.

Hyatt Regency,Kathmandu

The neighbourhood ofThamelis Kathmandu's primary go-to place for tourists and is widely regarded as the center of Kathmandu's nightlife, 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.Jhochhen Tol,also known asFreak 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.Asonis 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.Now Kathmandu boasts several luxuries such as theHyatt Regency,Dwarika's,Hotel Yak & Yeti, The Everest Hotel, Hotel Radisson, Hotel De L'Annapurna, The Malla Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel (not operated by theShangri-La Hotel Group) andHotel 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.

Transport

Arch bridges over the Dhobi Khola river inBaneshwor,Kathmandu

Road

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.In view of the hilly terrain, transportation takes place in Kathmandu are mainly by road and air. Kathmandu is connected by theTribhuvan Highwayto the south connecting India,Prithvi Highwayto the west andAraniko Highwayto the north connecting China. TheBP Highwayconnects Kathmandu to the eastern part of Nepal throughSindhuli.The fast-track is under construction which will be the shortest route to connect Terai with the valley.

Sajha Yatayatprovides regular bus services throughout Kathmandu and the surrounding valley. Other bus companies including micro-bus companies operate several unscheduled routes.Trolleybussesused to operate on the route between Tripureshwor andSuryabinayakon a 13-kilometre route.

Air

The main international airport serving Kathmandu valley is theTribhuvan International Airport,about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from the city centre and is operated by theCivil Aviation Authority of Nepal.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 asIstanbul,Delhi,Mumbai,Bangalore,Kolkata,Singapore,Bangkok,Kuala Lumpur,Dhaka,Paro,Lhasa,Chengdu,GuangzhouandHong Kong.Since 2013,Turkish Airlineshas connected Istanbul to Kathmandu.Oman Airalso connectsMuscatto Kathmandu since 2010.Nepal Airlinesstarted flying toTokyo-Naritafrom 2 March 2020.Regionally, several Nepali airlines operate from the city, includingBuddha Air,Nepal Airlines,Shree AirlinesandYeti Airlinesto other major towns across Nepal.

Ropeways

Ropewaysare another important transportation means in hilly terrain.A ropeway operated between Kathmandu andHetaudaover 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 betweenMathatirthain Kathmandu to Dhorsing inMakawanpurof 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 inChandragiri Hills.

A Nepal Bhasa magazine cover in 1951

Media

Kathmandu is the television hub of Nepal.Nepal Television(established in 1984) is the oldest and most-watched television channel in Nepal, as is government-ownedNTV PLUSand alsoKantipur 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-ownedGorkhapatra(the oldest national daily newspaper in Nepal),The Kathmandu Post,Nepali Times,Kantipur Publicationsand its paperKantipur,Naya Patrika,The Himalayan Times,Karobar Economic Daily,Aarthik Abhiyan National Daily andJana Aastha National Weekly.

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

Radio Nepalis 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. TheBBCalso has an FM broadcasting station in Kathmandu. Somecommunity radiostations such as Radio Pratibodh and Radio Upatyaka also broadcast within the valley.

Sports

Dasharath Rangasala

Cricketandfootballare the most popular sports among the younger generation in Nepal and there are several stadiums in the city.The sport is governed by theNational Sports Councilfrom its headquarters in Kathmandu. The only international football stadium in the city is theDasharath Rangasala,amulti-purpose stadiumused mostly for football matches and cultural events, in the neighbourhood of Tripureshwor. Built in 1956, it is the largest stadium in Nepal with a capacity of 25,000 spectators. TheMartyr's Memorial Leagueis also held in this ground every year. The stadium was renovated with Chinese aid before the8th South Asian Gameswere held in Kathmandu in 1999 andfloodlightswere installed. Kathmandu is home to the oldest football clubs of Nepal such asRanipokhari Corner Team(RCT),Sankata ClubandNew Road Team(NRT). Other prominent clubs includeManang Marsyangdi Club,Machhindra FC,Tribhuvan Army Club(TAC) andNepal Police Club.

Kathmandu is also home of some of the oldest cricket clubs in Nepal, such as Yengal Sports Club.Kathmandu Kings XIrepresents Kathmandu in theEverest Premier League.

International relations and organizations

South Asian Association for Regional CooperationSecretariat in Kathmandu

Kathmandu established an International Relations Secretariat in order to promote international relations. The city's first international relationship was established in 1975 with the city ofEugene,Oregon, United States; this was further enhanced by establishing formal relationships with 15 other cities:Matsumoto(Japan),Rochester(United States),Fredericksburg(United States),Boulder(United States),Yangon(formerly Rangoon, Myanmar),Xi'an(China),Shenzhen(China),Chengdu(China),Lhasa(China),Nanjing(China),Lanzhou(China),Minsk(Belarus),Varanasi(India),Seoul(South Korea) andPyongyang(North Korea). Kathmandu's constant endeavour is to enhance its interaction with other South Asian countries, other international agencies and many other major cities of the world to achieve better urban management and developmental programs for Kathmandu.Kathmandu is home to several international and regional organizations, including theSouth Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) and theInternational Centre for Integrated Mountain Development(ICIMOD).

Twin towns – sister cities

See also:List of twin towns and sister cities in Nepal

Kathmandu istwinnedwith:

• Eugene,United States
• Fredericksburg,United States
• Boulder,United States
• Rochester,United States
• Lhasa,China
• Shenzhen,China
• Chengdu,China
• Lanzhou,China
• Xi'an,China
• Nanjing,China
• Matsumoto,Japan
• Seoul,South Korea
• Pyongyang,North Korea
• Varanasi,India
• Yangon,Myanmar
• Minsk,Belarus

Proposed sister cities

• Bangkok,Thailand

Notable people

• King Tribhuvan
• King Mahendra
• King Birendra
• Bhimsen Thapa,Prime Minister of Nepal
• Jung Bahadur Rana,Prime Minister of Nepal
• Rana Jang Pande,Prime Minister of Nepal
• Gehendra Sumsher Rana,first scientist of Nepal
• Laxmi Prasad Devkota,writer
• Martyrs of Nepal:
  • Dharma Bhakta Mathema
  • Gangalal Shrestha
  • Dashrath Chand
  • Shukraraj Shastri
• Madan Krishna Shrestha,actor and comedian
• Hari Bansha Acharya,actor and comedian
• Manisha Koirala,Bollywood actress
• Rajesh Hamal,actor
• Amrita Acharia,actress
• Curtis Waters,recording artist
• Anuradha Koirala,social activist
• Pushpa Basnet,social activist
• Pardeep Bastola,Nepali movie actor
• Baikuntha Manandhar,marathon runner
• Narendra Man Singh,football player
• Paras Khadka,cricketer
• Priti Rijal,professional tennis player
• Sushma Shakya,artist
• Gagan Thapa,politician
• Prakash Man Singh,politician
• Balendra Shah,rapper, civil engineer,
  mayor-elect in 2022
• Nirmal Purja,Nims Dai, mountaineer – 14 peaks
• Asta Narayan Manandharthe first bicycle shop in Kathmandu in 1925

Gallery

• 
  Kathmandu valley as seen from theShivapuri hills
• 
  Singha Durbar
• 
  Basantapur Durbar Square
• 
  Entrance to a building in the Durbar Square
• 
  Goddess Kumariin a chariot procession
• 
  Ghanta Ghar and surrounding areas
• 
  Dharaharain 2014
• 
  Alleyway inBoudhanath

See also

• Kathmandu District
• Kathmandu Valley

Further reading

• Beal, Samuel (1884).Si-Yu-Ki: Buddhist Records of the Western World, by Hiuen Tsiang.2 vols. Translated by Samuel Beal. London. 1884. Reprint: Delhi. Oriental Books Reprint Corporation. 1969.
• Mayhew, Bradley; Bindloss, Joe; Armington, Stan (2006).Lonely Planet.Lonely Planet. p. 416.ISBN978-1-74059-699-2.Archivedfrom the original on 9 October 2021.Retrieved26 April2021.
• Mayhew, Bradley; Bindloss, Joe; Armington, Stan (2006).Nepal.Lonely Planet.p.166.ISBN978-1-74059-699-2.
• Mayhew, Bradley; Brown, Lindsay; Vivequin, Wanda (2003).Lonely Planet Nepal.Lonely Planet.ISBN978-1-74059-422-6.
• Nanjio, Bunyiu (1883).A Catalogue of the Chinese Translation of the Buddhist Pantheon.Oxford at the Clarendon Press.
• Shaha, Rishikesh (1992).Ancient and Medieval Nepal.Manohar Publications, New Delhi.ISBN978-81-85425-69-6.
• Shreshta, S.H (2005).Nepal in Maps.Kathmandu: Educational Publishing House. p. 129.
• Shreshta, Vinod Prasad (2007).A Concise Geography of Nepal.Kathmandu: Mandal Publications. p. 126.ISBN978-99946-55-04-5.
• Snellgrove, David (1987).Indo-Tibetan Buddhism: Indian Buddhists & Their Tibetan Successors.Two Volumes. Shambhala Publications, Boston.ISBN978-0-87773-311-9(v. 1);ISBN978-0-87773-379-9(v. 2).
• Tamot, Kashinath, and Ian Alsop. (2001). "A Kushan-period Sculpture from the reign of Jaya Varma, CE 184/185, Kathmandu, Nepal." (2001).AsianartArchived3 January 2010 at theWayback Machine
• Tamot, Kashinath, and Ian Alsop. (date unknown. Update of previous article). "A Kushan-period Sculpture from the reign of Jaya Varman, CE 185, Kathmandu, Nepal."AsianartArchived3 January 2010 at theWayback Machine
• Thapa, Rajesh Bahadur; Murayama, Yuji; Ale, Shailja (2008)."Kathmandu".Cities.25:45–57.doi:10.1016/j.cities.2007.10.001.hdl:2241/102252.Archivedfrom the original on 2 August 2020.Retrieved4 May2020.
• Thapa, Rajesh; Murayama, Yuji (2009)."Examining Spatiotemporal Urbanization Patterns in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: Remote Sensing and Spatial Metrics Approaches".Remote Sensing.1(3): 534–556.Bibcode:2009RemS....1..534T.doi:10.3390/rs1030534.
• Thapa, Rajesh Bahadur; Murayama, Yuji (2010). "Drivers of urban growth in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal: Examining the efficacy of the analytic hierarchy process".Applied Geography.30:70–83.doi:10.1016/j.apgeog.2009.10.002.
• Thapa, Rajesh Bahadur; Murayama, Yuji (2011). "Urban growth modeling of Kathmandu metropolitan region, Nepal".Computers, Environment and Urban Systems.35:25–34.doi:10.1016/j penvurbsys.2010.07.005.
• Vibhaga, Nepal Sūcanā (1975).Narayanhity Royal Palace, home of the King of Nepal.His Majesty's Govt., Ministry of Communications, Dept. of Information. p. 14.Archivedfrom the original on 9 October 2021.Retrieved26 April2021.
• Watters, Thomas. (1904–05).On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India. (629–645 CE).Royal Asiatic Society. Second Indian Edition. Munshhiram Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi. (1973).
• Woodhatch, Tom (1999).Nepal handbook.Footprint Travel Guides. p.194.ISBN978-1-900949-44-6.Retrieved17 December2009.
• Turkish Airlines - News - turkishairlines

External links

• Official website
• Geographic data related toKathmanduatOpenStreetMap