Kathmandu is the main city and the capital of Nepal, Central Asia. The city is located 1302 meters above sea level in a valley on the southern slopes of the Himalayas and is bordered by the rivers Bagmati and Vishnumati.
Kathmandu is a legendary city founded by King Guna Kamadeva in 723 AD. According to legend it was once a lake until a Buddhist monaco cut the mountain in two creating the gorge Chibar and spilling out the water. In the valley over a hundred ethnic groups live together peacefully. A lot of people with different faiths coexist without conflict (the principal ones are Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam). It is perhaps because of this mystique that Katmandu became especially popular by the hippies in the 60s and 70s, who concentrated mainly along Freak Street.
Durbar Square, the oldest part of town dates from the seventeenth century and is a good starting point for your visit where you’ll find most of the Hindu temples including the palace of the Kumari. However it is forbidden to enter thus you must stand in front of the building and if you’re lucky, you might overlook the Kumari, a young virgin girl chosen as the incarnation of the goddess. According to tradition, just a glance or smile from her is enough to ensure happiness and prosperity. In Durbar Square you can also find the former Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, a magnificent example of traditional Nepalese. The large complex has been open to visitors since it was damaged by the earthquake of 1934.
The western part of the Royal Palace is a museum dedicated to the coup of King Tribhuvan which laid the seeds for the Rana dynasty. In the piers exposed are also personal items of the sovereign such as photographs, furniture and precious gifts. Afterwards don’t forget to visit the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva and the magnificent temple of Boudhanath Buddhist Swayambhunath , whose great white dome is decorated with eyes of Buddha.
Finally go on the banks of the sacred river Bagmati where you could happen to attend a funeral ceremony. The traditional ritual consists of the the cremation of the body on the pyre and the spreading of ashes in water. Remember that it is a foreign folk custom so you should refrain from taking photographs. You ought to be very respectful to the rite.
By Elsi H
Kathmandu photo 1: cameroonjb, Kathmandu photo 2: Rosanna Leung, Kathmandu photo 3:germeister, Kathmandu photo 4: thomsen77
