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Kathmandu Valley

  • Trip Code Icon Trip Code: KTM-1
  • Calendar Icon Trip Duration: 3 Days
  • Destination Icon Destination: Nepal
  • Group Size Icon Group Size: Min- 1
  • Season Icon Season: Any time
  • Max Altitude Icon Max Altitude: 2175m.
  • Trip Start/End Icon Trip Starts/Ends: kathmandu/kathmandu
  • Transportation Icon Transportation: Car/van/Bus
  • Accommodation Icon Accommodation: Boutique Hotel
  • Trip Grade Icon Trip Grade: Easy

OVERVIEW

Kathmandu Valley is located in the central region of Nepal and is a unique geographical and cultural area. It is home to three major cities – Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bhaktapur, as well as several smaller towns and villages. The valley is surrounded by hills and the towering Himalayan Mountains to the north. The history of the Kathmandu Valley is rich and dates back thousands of years. In this essay, we will explore the history of the Kathmandu Valley.

The earliest known inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley were the Newars. The Newars are a group of people who have their own language, culture, and traditions. They are known for their artistic skills, and the valley is famous for its intricate woodcarvings, metalwork, and pottery. The Newars were skilled farmers and traders, and they built their cities on the banks of the rivers that flowed through the valley.

The first known ruler of the Kathmandu Valley was Gunakamadeva, who ruled in the early 7th century. He was followed by a series of other rulers, including Jayadeva, who is credited with founding the city of Kathmandu. Jayadeva is said to have built the famous Kasthamandap temple in the center of the city, which gave Kathmandu its name.

Over the next few centuries, the Kathmandu Valley saw the rise and fall of several kingdoms. The valley was ruled by the Licchivi dynasty from the 4th to the 9th century, and during this time, Buddhism flourished in the valley. The Licchavi rulers built several Buddhist stupas and monasteries, including the famous Swayambhunath stupa.

In the 12th century, the Malla dynasty came to power in the Kathmandu Valley. The Malla rulers were great patrons of the arts and under their patronage, the valley became a center for art, architecture, and literature. They built several temples, palaces, and public buildings, many of which still stand today. The Malla period is also known for the construction of the famous Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

During the Malla period, the valley was divided into three kingdoms – Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Each kingdom had its own king and was fiercely independent. However, the kingdoms also had close ties and frequently intermarried. This period of cooperation and competition between the kingdoms led to a flowering of art and culture in the valley.

In the late 18th century, the Gorkha Kingdom, which was located outside the Kathmandu Valley, conquered the valley and brought it under their rule. The Gorkha rulers established the Shah dynasty and made Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. The Shah rulers continued to patronize the arts and architecture, and many of the city’s famous landmarks were built during their reign.

In the early 20th century, Nepal became a constitutional monarchy and underwent several political changes. The Kathmandu Valley continued to be the cultural and political center of the country, and the city of Kathmandu grew rapidly in size and population. Today, the Kathmandu Valley is a bustling metropolis, home to over 2.5 million people.

Despite its rapid growth, the Kathmandu Valley still to be an important cultural and historical center of Nepal. The valley is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, as well as several ancient temples, stupas, and monasteries. The valley is also famous for its festivals, such as the Indra Jatra and the Bisket Jatra, which are celebrated with great pomp and show.

However, the Kathmandu Valley is facing several challenges, including urbanization, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. The rapid growth of the city has put a strain on its resources, and the valley is facing an acute shortage of water and electricity. The valley is also facing environmental degradation due to the rapid deforestation of its hills.

Efforts are being made to address these challenges and preserve the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. The government and several non-governmental organizations are working towards sustainable development, promoting tourism, and preserving the valley’s natural and cultural resources.

In conclusion, the history of the Kathmandu Valley is a story of a rich and diverse cultural heritage that has evolved over thousands of years. The valley has seen the rise and fall of several kingdoms, each leaving its mark on the valley’s landscape and culture. Today, the Kathmandu Valley is a bustling metropolis, facing several challenges, but still holding on to its unique cultural and historical heritage.

ITINENARY

Itinerary of Kathmandu Valley

Start your journey in the capital city of Kathmandu, which is the largest and most populous city in the valley. Kathmandu is a bustling metropolis, with a mix of ancient temples, modern buildings, and busy streets. Some of the must-see places in Kathmandu include:

Swayambhunath Stupa – Also known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath is a Buddhist stupa located on a hill overlooking Kathmandu. It is one of the oldest and most sacred sites in Nepal, and it offers a panoramic view of the city.

Pashupatinath Temple – Pashupatinath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world, and it is believed to be over 2,000 years old.

Durbar Square – Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to several ancient temples and palaces. The square is a showcase of Nepali architecture and craftsmanship.

Boudhanath – Boudhanath, also known as Boudha, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is located in Kathmandu and is home to the largest stupa (a dome-shaped structure) in Nepal, which is believed to have been built in the 14th century. The stupa is surrounded by numerous monasteries and temples, and it is a hub of Buddhist and Tibetan culture in Nepal. Boudha is a popular tourist destination and a must-visit place for anyone interested in Buddhism, Tibetan culture, and spirituality.

Bhaktapur is a charming medieval city located east of Kathmandu. It is known for its well-preserved architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant culture. Some of the must-see places in Bhaktapur include:

Bhaktapur Durbar Square – Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to several temples, palaces, and courtyards. The square is a fine example of Newari architecture and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in the world.

Nyatapola Temple – Nyatapola is a five-story temple located in Bhaktapur. It is one of the tallest temples in Nepal and is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi.

Dattatreya Square– Dattatreya Square is a public square in Bhaktapur that is surrounded by temples and shrines. It is named after the Dattatreya Temple, which is dedicated to the three-headed god Dattatreya.

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is a city located south of Kathmandu. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and beautiful architecture. Some of the must-see places in Patan include:

Patan Durbar Square – Patan’s Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is home to several ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards. The square is a fine example of Newari architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved city centers in Nepal.

Krishna Mandir – The Krishna Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Patan Durbar Square. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is considered one of the most important and beautiful stone temples in Nepal.

Golden Temple – The Golden Temple, also known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, is a Buddhist monastery located in Patan. It is known for its exquisite metalwork and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

  • Trip Code: KTM-1
  • Trip Duration: 3 Days
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Group Size: Min- 1
  • Season: Any time
  • Max Altitude: 2175m.
  • Trip Starts/Ends: kathmandu/kathmandu
  • Transportation: Car/van/Bus
  • Accomodation: Boutique Hotel
  • Trip Grade: Easy