<hr />
<p class=””>There really isn’t an adequate way to describe Kathmandu.</p>
<p class=””>Crazy, chaotic, historic, spiritual, haphazard, enticing and vibrant come to mind yet they don’t do this city justice; Kathmandu is just Kathmandu. Totally unique and different to anywhere you’ll visit anywhere in the world.</p>
<p class=””>Originally known as Kantipur, it was once the main trading route between Tibet and India and gradually grew into the metropolis known today.</p>
<p class=””>With a population of around 1.7million, the city will, at times, frustrate you; the constant nagging of street vendors, the beeps of passing cars, exhaust fumes, rubbish and the ever present crush of humans can be hard to manage.</p>
<p class=””>Yet push through these and you’ll soon realise that this city is actually a welcoming, achingly beautiful melting pot of Buddhist and Hindu religion, ethnicity and history, with so much to see and do.</p>
<p class=””>Most tourists visit for a short time before setting off to tackle the Himalayas, relax in Pokhara, or explore the jungles of Chitwan. But trust us when we say Kathmandu is worth investing a little more of your time.</p>
<p class=””>Our Kathmandu travel guide has all the information you need to enjoy your time in this city, from where to stay, what to eat and all the Kathmandu attractions you must visit.</p>
<p class=”” data-rte-preserve-empty=”true”></p>
<p class=””>Ps – have you seen our brand new Nepal Lightroom Preset packs? Inspired by the towering mountains, colourful cities, and breathtaking beauty of our favourite country, these presets are designed to give your photos a unique, timeless feel. Check out the full range here. </p>
<p class=”” data-rte-preserve-empty=”true”></p>
<hr />
<hr />
<h3>WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING KATHMANDU | KATHMANDU TRAVEL GUIDE</h3>
<h3>–</h3>
<h3>–</h3>
<h3>FACTS ABOUT KATHMANDU, NEPAL</h3>
<p class=””>Date founded | 12th century AD</p>
<p class=””>Religion | 81% Hindu, 9% Buddhist, 4.4% Muslim, 3% Kiratist</p>
<p class=””>Population | 1.4 million</p>
<p class=””>Currency | Nepali Rupee</p>
<p class=””>Best time to visit | October</p>
<p class=””>Top attractions | Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Thamel</p>
<p class=”” data-rte-preserve-empty=”true”></p>
<p class=”” data-rte-preserve-empty=”true”></p>
<h3>–</h3>
<h3>WHERE IS KATHMANDU?</h3>
<p class=””>Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, is located in the Kathmandu Valley, central region of Nepal.</p>
<p class=””>The city itself is located 1296m above sea level and is home to around 1.4 million people.</p>
<p class=””>Nepali is the spoken language of Kathmandu, although English is widely spoken in all major tourist hotspots.</p>
<p class=””>Nepal itself is home to over 26 million people and shares borders with China/Tibet to the north, and India to the south, east and west.</p>
<h3>–</h3>
<h3>A BRIEF HISTORY OF KATHMANDU</h3>
<p class=””>Although evidence suggests ancient civilisations existed in the Kathmandu Valley from the 7th century BC, Kathmandu’s recent history begins around the 9th century, when the city was founded by Gunakamadev, who reigned across the area.</p>
<p class=””>Sophisticated urban centres existed under the Lichhavi kings at Pashupatinath and other areas in the valley, however it was the Tibet India trade route that led to the growth and construction of present day Kathmandu.</p>
<p class=””>The city actually takes its name from a 12th century pavilion and rest house on the trade route from Tibet to India named Kasthamandap. That pavilion can still be seen today, right in the heart of modern day Kathmandu.</p>
<p class=””>It was during the Malla era, starting in the 13th century, that the city really flourished. During this time, the majority of incredible temples, structures and monuments of the Kathmandu Valley date from this time, including the famous Durbar Squares.</p>
<p class=””>During this time, Kathmandu was an independent city within the Valley, which was divided into three separate kingdoms, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Rivalry, infighting and wars led to the decline of the Valley’s kingdoms, and the 1769 invasion by Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha led to the unification of Nepal.</p>
<p class=””>Kathmandu became the capital of the new nation of Nepal, and the seat of the Shah dynasty.</p>
<p class=””>After the Kot massacre in 1846, in which most of Nepal’s high-ranking officials were massacred, the Rana family became the ’second’ Royal Family in Nepal for over 100 years between 1846 to 1951, rendering the Shah’s impotent figureheads in the Kingdom.</p>
<p class=””>From the 1950’s to early 2000’s, Nepal has been consumed by political wrangling and infighting between supporters of democracy, Communism and Nepal’s own Royal council, with Kathmandu too epicentre.</p>
<p class=””>It was also during the 1950’s that tourism to Nepal started to blossom (up until this point, the country had been cut off from the World for over 100 years). In the late 60’s and 70’s, Hippies made Nepal their own, with backpackers arriving from all over the world to enjoy the exotic and incredible scenery of Nepal, and the marijuana and hashish.</p>
<p class=””>It was only in 2006, when, after years of infighting and ‘civil war’ throughout the country, parliamentary democracy was restored. Since then, Nepal has enjoyed somewhat of a politically stable period.</p>
<p class=””>Despite all of the issues the country has faced, the one constant in Kathmandu has been the hoards of trekkers and adventure lovers visiting Nepal.</p>
<p class=””>The impact of tourism can be felt throughout Kathmandu, from the chaotic streets of Thamel through to the throngs enjoying the historic treasures throughout the city.</p>
<p class=”” data-rte-preserve-empty=”true”></p>
<h3>–</h3>
<h3>KATHMANDU WEATHER | WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KATHMANDU?</h3>
<p class=””>We’ve visited Nepal in October, March, April and May and can safely say that the post monsoon period (autumn) is the best time to visit Kathmandu.</p>
<p class=””>Between the months of October – December, the monsoon rains have cleared the dust in the atmosphere, giving way to blue skies and views of the Himalayas (on a good day!). Despite being peak season, it really is the best time to enjoy Kathmandu at it’s finest.</p>
<p id=”yui_3_17_2_1_1614692943941_1793″ class=””>If this doesn’t suit, Spring (Feb – mid April) can also be a good time to visit. However, due to crop burn off, the perfect days are somewhat ruined by a haze which sits over most of Nepal. Visibility, especially in the Kathmandu valley can be low</p>
