City Cultural Sightseeing

The Kathmandu valley is the hub of Nepal for its political, commercial and cultural activities, and is the first stop for the majority of visitors to the country. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it consists of three cities of  great history. Each one exceeds in graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick-paved courtyards and quaint streets. History begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who slashed a passage through the surrounding hills to drain out primordial water and to make the region. Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Dynasties came and went, trade and the arts flourished. The deeply religious Newar inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as ramping invaders. In the late 18th century, following the founding of modern Nepal, Kathmandu was made the capital within more or less the present boundaries. It is said that Kathmandu was named after Kastamandap, an imposing pagoda next to Hanumandhoka palace. The city have been its present form by Gunakama Dev in 724 AD. Following are the major tourist attractions in the Kathmandu Valley.