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 Kathmandu - Nepal


Kathmandu (Capital):  Kathmandu means 'A Wooden Mandap' or 'Temple' believed to been constructed from the wood of single tree, built by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla at the beginning of the 16th century.  This wooden Mandap is situated in the heart of city near Darbar Square. Kathmandu is infested with Temples, there are more than 2000 temples, big and small both. Spread across an area of 360 square kilometers, the Kathmandu Valley is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal. It consists of four major cities carrying great historic, artistic and cultural interest. They include Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur), Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) and Kirtipur. Ironically speaking, Kathmandu valley was an empire consisting of for petty kingdoms till the Seventeenth Century A.D. The four kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and Kirtipur have today appeared as independent modern cities. 


Places of interest in Kathmandu:

Durbar Square Kathmandu. It is the historic seat of royalty. The durbar square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D. Kal Bhairav Temple (the God of destruction), Nautalle Durbar (old Royal Palace), Coronation Nasal Chow, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and, the Jaganath Temple.

Kasthamandap. Located near the Temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.

Kumari House. This residence of Living Goddess consists of a three storied structure built round an enclosed courtyard and the main entrance is guarded by two huge stone lions. The external facade and inside facade facing the courtyards are embellished with the exquisite wood carved windows and doors. The main shrine is directly opposite to the entrance and there is a Buddhist stupa in the central of the courtyard. Kumari House is considered as the shrine of the living goddess 'Kumari' a Buddhist girl - chosen and worshipped as an carnation of Hindu mother deity.

The National Museum. Located about 2 km west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is closed on Sunday & Monday and government holidays.

Kakani. Located 29 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu city, the fabulous holiday spot of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama(subject to weather condition)particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are Mt.Gauri Shanker(7,134 meters), Choba Bhamare(6109 meters), Manasalu Peak(8163 meters), Himalchuli Peak(7893 meters), Mt. Annapurna I(8091 meters), Langtang(7246 meters)and other snow-capped peaks.

Places of interest around Kathmandu: Boudhanath, Soyambhunath, Pashupatinath.

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