Kathmandu

INTRO
Situated in a wide valley behind a wall of impregnable mountains, Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city of the Himalayan country of Nepal. It was not until 1958 when Kathmandu was connected to the outside world with a motor road - the city was completely closed off for the outside world until then. Today, Kathmandu is a fascinating place to visit, considered as one of the most exotic cities in Asia. It is full of religious temples, and is a semi-mecca for meditation, yoga, Buddhist and Hindu enthusiasts. The streets of Kathmandu are filled with strange exotic odours, and the narrow lanes are strolled by vendors carrying their wooden shawls and heavy baskets full of fruits and vegetables. Despite the outside influence, the old aspects of Kathmandu stubbornly remain, and the city still has the atmosphere derived from its hospitable and friendly inhabitants. Right next to the main shopping areas and modern world symbols lots of fine brick neighbourhoods in arrow lanes still can be seen.Kathmandu is undoubtedly unique, exotic and charming but to a big extent taken over by some of the modern world symbols - Toyotas and Honda motorcycles, supermarkets and large shopping malls, boutiques, ice-cream parlours and - last but not least - pre-packed noodles. Actually, that is what Kathmandu is all about - a marvellous mixture of ancient traditions and modern marvels - a city that is well worth a visit.

City Profile
City: Kathmandu
Country: Nepal
Area: 50, 67 km2
Population: 701, 962
Districts: 4
Governor: Girija Prasad Koirala
Language: Nepali, Newari and English

LOCATION
The valley in which Kathmandu is located has an exotic setting. Tier upon tier of green mountain walls are surrounding it, and mighty snow-capped peaks tower above them. The Kathmandu valley consists of 3 main cities - Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), Lalitpur (Patan) and Kathmandu. The valley is located at 1366 m above sea level, and encompasses an area of 218 sq miles.

TIME TO VISIT
The best time of the year to visit Kathmandu is the start of the dry season - from October till mid-November. Then you could enjoy mild weather, clean air and lush and green countryside. The tail end of the dry season - March and April - is also a good option, but weather is hotter and more humid. Many of Nepal's most beautiful flowers are in bloom then. Temperatures are pretty low in December and January, especially in the evenings, and almost all cheaper hotels do not have heating, so many travellers stay in the warmth of the bars and restaurants until late, and then dive under the blankets. May and June are usually hot and dusty, and in the monsoon period - from mid-June to September - mountains are obscured in cloud and roads and trails are turned to mud.

POPULATION
In the last 20 years the population of Kathmandu has tripled. As a result of this population explosion, a lot of homes have been built and the city has expanded. The dramatic increase in population has contributed to the severe air pollution. Currently, around 700, 000 people live in Kathmandu city, and the majority of them are under the age of 15, which makes educating these children a big priority for the state. The two major ethnic groups in Kathmandu are Tibeto-Burmans (Mongoloids) and Indo-Aryans. Buddhism and Hindu are the main religions, there are also a large number of Muslims.

DISTRICTS

Durbar Square - the heart of Kathmandu. This ancient square is crowded with temples and palaces. It houses the current incarnation of the Kasthamandap (literally "Wooden house") which gave Kathmandu its name. The square has existed for more than 1000 years now. If you go to Durbar Square and will meet a large number of local young men offering to be "guides", be firm with saying "no" to them.
Thamel - one of the best areas to go to while hanging out in Kathmandu. There you could find almost everything - cheap hotels, decent restaurants, trekking equipment and bicycle rentals, even fax and telex services - what more can a tourist wish for.
Basantapur Square - there you will find the famed "Freak Street" which is lined with cheap lodges, pie shops and displays of tie-dyed fashions. All that is mixed with new concrete buildings that don't exactly have an appealing look, to say the least.
Kathmandu slums - definitely worth a visit, believe it or not. Once -Kathmandu was enclosed by a wall, and only castle Hindus were allowed to build inside. People from the "lower castes" such as blacksmiths, cobblers and sweepers, were forced to live in the outside slums. Today it is interesting to visit those areas if you want to see life in Kathmandu from all angles.

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

Bhimsen Tower (Dharahara) - a white minaret-like tower is a landmark located near the main post office in Kathmandu. The city views from its top are as good as you can get - the height of the tower is 61,88 m. Right at the very top there is a small Shiva shrine.
Freak Street - the most famous street in the city from the hippy days in the 1960s and '70s. Its real name is Jochne, but for about 30 years now it is popular as the Freak Street - named after the dusty-haired freaks.
Hanuman Dhoka (Old Royal Palace) - located at Durbar Square in the heart of Kathmandu. The palace is a fascinating place to explore, although the king no longer lives here and the 1934 earthquake severely damaged it.
Pashupatinath - a temple of Shiva in the form of Lord of Animals. The best time to visit Pashupatinath temple is in the early morning. Monkeys, sadhus, cremation and a holy cave - just a few of the things you can see there.
Swayambunath - the "Monkey Temple". It is located within a short walk from Thamel, and offers great views of the city.

AIRPORT

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the largest airport in Nepal. It is also the only one that serves international flights. Most flights arrive via Bangkok or Delhi, there are very few direct flights from outside Asia. Cosmic Airlines and Royal Nepal Airways are the Nepali carriers. As recently there has been a significant drop in tourism due to the political situation in Nepal, many airlines offer discount airfare from Delhi to KTM. Complimentary way of transport to and from the airport is offered by most of Kathmandu's hotels and guest houses. A taxi ride from the airport to Thamel should not exceed 150 NPR. http://www.tiairport.com/

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Rickshaws - they can be motorized or bicycle-driven. That is probably the best way to get around. Price is negotiable - always bargain before you get in. If you cannot reach an agreement with the driver - just look for another one. Prices go up after dark.
Public buses - bus transportation in Kathmandu is poorly developed. There are very few lines, vehicles are old and uncomfortable. Fares are pretty low. Do not ask about a schedule.
Taxis - roads in Kathmandu are in bad condition, to say the least. When you get a cab prepare for a bumpy ride. Cars are usually old and not as clean as most tourists would like them to be. Prices are always negotiable.

HISTORY
Kathmandu has been inhabited for almost 3000 years - since around 900 BC. Various dynasties ruled over the city through the centuries. Malla Dynasty ruled from the 12th to the 17th century, and during that age most of Kathmandu's palaces and temples were built. From the middle of the 19th century Ranas ran the city for more than 100 years, cutting the city and the whole country off the outside world. In the 1950-s Nepal opened its borders to the modern world - after the Ranas were removed from power.

CITY LINKS

Kathmandu official website - http://www.kathmandu.gov.np/
Kathmandu travel guide - http://wikitravel.org/en/Kathmandu
The Kathmandu Post - http://www.kathmandupost.com/
Kathmandu pictures - http://www.nepalphotogallery.com/kathmandu.htm
Kathmandu Valley - http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121
Bank of Kathmandu - http://www.bokltd.com/home/index.php
Kathmandu Jazz Festival - http://www.kathmandujazzfestival.com/

UNIVERSITY LINKS

Kathmandu University - http://www.ku.edu.np/