KATHMANDU

CAPITAL AND GATEWAY INTO NEPAL

City of Temples, Capital of Nepal. Kathmandu

Namaste 🙏🏼 World,

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. You can explore thousands of years of culture here, while making your way through historic temples and monasteries that belong to Hindus and Buddhists alike.

The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley of central Nepal. It is surrounded by four major mountains: Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri. Kathmandu Valley is part of three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur), has the highest population density in the country, and is home to about a twelfth of Nepal's population.

Historically, the Kathmandu Valley and adjoining areas were known as Nepal Mandala. Until the 15th century, Bhaktapur was its capital when two other capitals, Kathmandu and Lalitpur, were established. During the Rana and Shah eras, British historians called the valley itself "Nepal Proper". Today, Kathmandu is not only the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, but also the headquarters of the Central Development Region of Nepal. The Central Region comprises three zones: Bagmati, Narayani, and Janakpur. Kathmandu is located in the Bagmati Zone.

Kathmandu is the gateway to tourism in Nepal. It is also the nerve center of the country's economy. It has the most advanced infrastructure of any urban area in Nepal, and its economy is focused on tourism, which accounted for 3.8% of Nepal's GDP in 1995–96. Tourism in Kathmandu declined thereafter during a period of political unrest, but since then has improved. In 2013, Kathmandu was ranked third among the top 10 travel destinations on the rise in the world by TripAdvisor and ranked first in Asia. The city has a rich history, spanning nearly 2000 years, as inferred from inscriptions found in the valley. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Most of Kathmandu's people follow Hinduism and many others follow Buddhism. There are people of other religious beliefs as well, giving Kathmandu a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the most commonly spoken language in the city. English is understood by Kathmandu's educated residents.

Kathmandu's sister cities (Lalitpur Patan) and Bhaktapur are integral to Kathmandu's cultural heritage, tourism industry, and economy; therefore UNESCO's World Heritage Site lists all three cities' monuments and attractions together under one heading, "Kathmandu Valley-UNESCO World Heritage Site".

Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (IATA: KTM), is the largest and only international airport in Nepal, located 5.5km east of the popular tourist neighborhood of Thamel.

International Flights

Whilst Kathamandu lacks direct flights to most of Europe, Africa, North and South America and Australasia, the airport is well connected and it is usually possible to reach Kathmandu with only one change of flight, in most cases using the same airline.

Domestic Flights

Kathmandu Domestic airport is the major flight connecting routes to every major city with-in Nepal. I

Short trips around the out-skrits of Kathmandu

Kathmandu outskirts are surrounded by beautiful villages and tourist destinations. Places such as Godavari, Dhulikehl, Nagarkot for sunrise and other welcoming places.

Night life

Being the capital Kathmandu has it's own night environment. Although the night life doesn't go all the way to the morning for the locals , night life style is especially focused for the tourist. Thamel hosts amazing musically inspired famous destination for tourist. Also, bars , restaurants, shops, hotels, casinos and nightclubs can be found operating till late. The government has focused night life style mostly for tourist so its a guaranteed safety and enjoyable night life environment.

Music

Musical talents is one of the greatest attributes of Kathmandu. You can find lots of great live band pubs and restaurants throughout the whole week. Also, cultural music venues and locations can be found but wont be operating until the late as live bands. Rock bands are mostly famous and accepted around the musical scene of Kathmandu. Places such as Sisha live, LOD (lord of the drinks) popular club and restaurants, Purple Haze, Ragge bar etc hosts live band through out the whole week.

Cluture

Kathmandu culturally is very very rich. The temples and the locals reflects the various cultures that the city holds. If you arrive during the festival season during October you will definitely catch the glimpses of various cultures in Kathmandu. Each has its own unique representations and unique belief purpose on cultural aspects. Nepalese culture binds all the citizen together but with in several caste culture holds the communities and culture strength and their cultural authenticity.

Lifestyle

Kathmandu is one of the few city that are almost open to western culture and socially acceptable. The locals are open to other cultures. Young generations are keen on foreign lifestyle and knowledge so it can always be a good idea to have a chat with them whilst around. People in Kathmandu fairly speak good english. 

p.s : We guarantee you that you will crave a plate of MOMO once you leave Nepal :D. Please do try MOMO while your stay in Nepal and other amazing local foods. Do ask us we are enthusiast about Food and we can recommend some great locations for authentic Nepalese food.

Mountaineering Expedition in the Himalayas

All mountaineering adventure in Nepal first begins through Kathmandu. Nepal has only one international airport, so you won’t be able to escape Kathmandu and all your permits and documentation are processed here too. All adventurers arriving in Nepal stays 1 or 2 days in the capital to recoup from their jet lag or acclimatise and then head towards their chosen expedition.

So if you have plans like climbing Mount Everest, Baruntse peak any adventures in the Everest or Makalu region or further on the west to Mount Manaslu or Himlung Himal mountain any adventures in the Annapurna or Dhaulagiri region then Kathmandu is your initial or final destination.

You will love the city for what is stands. Foreigners are welcomed very much by Nepalese and there is so much historical and traditional feel to dwell into during your stay in this chaotic yet vibrant city.