Kathmandu - medieval temples, palaces and cultures and modern business and official center

Updated 13days ago ( number of views: 88)

Temples
Kathmandu, also referred to as ‘Kantipur’, is the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu is popularly known as the ‘City of Temples’. It is said that once there were more temples than houses and more statues than people in the Kathmandu Valley. Some of the most famous temples around the Kathmandu Valley are Pashupatinath Bodhnath and Swayambhunath stupa. Kathmandu Durbar Square in Basantapur has the medieval palaces and temples. Kathmandu valley has 7 of its heritages enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Offices and Business
Kathmandu is home to most of the government offices, embassies, consulates, corporate houses and banks. The Narayanhity Royal Palace is situated at the start of Durbar marg, next to Thamel. Thamel is the tourist hub of the country with various restaurants, lodges, shops, book stores, travel agencies, Internet cafés and massage centers. Some of the busiest centers of Kathmandu are New Road, Ason, Putalisadak and Durbar Marg.

Festivals
The people in Kathmandu celebrate festivals like Dasain, Tihar, Holi, Maghe Sankranti, Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, Buddha Jayanti and Losar. Hinduism and Buddhism are the major religions. There are people who follow religions like Islam, Christianity and Jainism as well. Nepali and Nepal Bhasa are the major languages spoken in Kathmandu. Kshetris, Brahmins and Newars are the largest ethnic groups.

Transportation
Tribhuwan International Airport, the only international airport, is located about 6 kilometers from the city center. The various means of transportation available are rickshaws (pedicabs), buses, microbuses, tempos and taxis. There are buses that leave for various destinations in the Terai region and the Himalaya region from the City Bus Station and New Bus Park.

Food and Places to stay
The typical Nepali meal consists of bhat (rice), dal (lentils), tarkari (vegetable curry), masu (meat), chutney (pickle) and dahi (yoghurt).There are various accommodation options ranging from five star hotels to mid range and budget hotels. ISD and STD facilities are available in almost all Internet cafes.

When to Travel
The best time to travel to Kathmandu is October to November, the start of the dry season. There are several beautiful and interesting villages and towns surrounding the valley, which are ideal destinations for mini treks. The beautiful Himalayan peaks are visible from several points on the mountains around the valley.

Tags: festivals, kathmandu, kathmandu durbar square, temples, thamel