Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, founded in a vast valley after draining a large lake, where legends abound and each street has one or more shrines. Kathmandu and its valley is a historical area, with incredible architecture, exquisite wood carvings and metal crafts that showcase the skills of Newar artisans for centuries. Hinduism and Buddhism have coexisted in the Kathmandu Valley (काठमाडौं उपत्यका) since time immemorial and the residents of the valley make little distinction when worshiping at Hindu and Buddhist shrines.
 |
| Kathmandu Valley |
Kathmandu and its valley is an area where ancient traditions are jealously guarded and at the same time embrace modern technology. The grandeur of the past captivates the visitor whose gaze can linger in the frame of an exquisitely carved wooden window, an 18th-century bronze sculpture, or a spiritually uplifting stupa.
Kathmandu, the largest city in Nepal, is the political and cultural capital of the country, where Nepalese came from all corners of the country and assimilated.
 |
| Kathmandu Valley |
Kathmandu, capital of Nepal
Like any large city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the rapid life of the metropolis, tourism remains a very important source of income.
Preserving its ancient traditions, Kathmandu valley are blessed by the living Goddess Kumari, a little Buddhist girl who represents the powerful Hindu Goddess Taleju. Life in the city becomes truly enjoyable, with endless ceremonial processions and events taking to the streets from time to time and crowds of devotees seeking joy in spiritual celebrations. These religious festivals are full of legends and are quite a spectacle.
 |
| Kathmandu Valley |
Kathmandu History
The history of Kathmandu valley is really the history of the Newar people, the main inhabitants of the Kathmandu area. The beginnings of the city date back to the Kiratis, around the 7th century BC, although the founding of Kathmandu dates back to the 12th century AD, during the time of the Malla dynasty.
The original settlements, in what is the southern half of the old town, grew around the trade route to Tibet and in early pilgrim camps like the Kasthamandap, which later lent the city its name.
 |
| Kathmandu Valley |
Originally known as Kantipur, the city flourished during the Malla Dynasty era, and most of its magnificent temples, buildings, and other monuments date from that time. Kathmandu was initially an independent city within the valley, but in the 14th century the valley was united under the rule of King Malla of Bhaktapur. The 15th century saw a division once again, this time in the three independent kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The rivalry between the three city-states led to a series of wars that left each state weakened and vulnerable to the invasion of the valley in 1768 by Prithvi Narayan Shah.
Visit Bhaktapur, Nepal, the cultural gem
The resulting Shah dynasty unified Nepal and made the city of Kathmandu its new capital, a position the city has held ever since.