📖 About Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city of Nepal, sits in a mountain valley at 1,400 meters elevation, serving as the cultural, political, and economic heart of this Himalayan nation. With a population of 1.67 million in 2025 (growing at 3.16%), the city presents a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and modern development, where centuries-old temples and palaces coexist with contemporary buildings, creating an urban landscape unlike any other.

Tourism forms a crucial pillar of the economy, contributing 6.7% to Nepal's GDP and generating $471 million annually. The sector directly impacts Kathmandu as the primary entry point and base for exploration. Nepal welcomed 1.158 million tourists in 2025 (up 1%, reaching 96.8% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels), with mountaineering representing a significant draw—436 climbers attempted Everest during spring 2025, while spring mountaineering overall attracted 1,168 climbers from 73 nationalities generating NPR 794 million in royalties. Autumn saw 1,450 mountaineers from 83 nationalities contributing NPR 255 million.

Beyond tourism, Kathmandu serves as Nepal's administrative and commercial center, though the city faces significant challenges including traffic congestion, air pollution, aging infrastructure, and earthquake vulnerability (demonstrated tragically in 2015). Despite these challenges, Kathmandu enchants visitors with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant street life, rich spiritual traditions, and its role as the gateway to the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Kathmandu's economy centers on tourism, government administration, and services. Tourism's contribution of 6.7% to GDP ($471 million annually) understates its importance, as countless businesses—hotels, restaurants, trekking agencies, handicraft shops—depend on the constant flow of tourists, trekkers, and mountaineers. The mountaineering industry alone generates hundreds of millions in royalties, equipment sales, guide services, and related business. Government administration as Nepal's capital provides stable employment, while education (numerous colleges and universities) contributes to economic activity.

The cultural landscape reflects Kathmandu Valley's rich history as home to the Newar people, whose artistic and architectural traditions created the valley's magnificent temples, palaces, and cities. Hinduism and Buddhism coexist harmoniously—many temples honor both traditions, and festivals celebrating both religions fill the calendar. Major festivals including Dashain (honoring Goddess Durga), Tihar (Festival of Lights), and Buddha Jayanti transform the city into a celebration of devotion, lights, and community.

Traditional arts flourish through thangka painting, wood carving, metalwork, and stone sculpture that maintain centuries-old techniques. The Living Goddess (Kumari) tradition, where a young girl is worshipped as an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju, represents unique Nepalese religious practices. Nepali cuisine, featuring dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), and countless other dishes, offers flavors distinct from Indian or Chinese food. Despite modernization pressures and earthquake damage, Kathmandu preserves its role as a spiritual and cultural center where ancient traditions remain vibrantly alive in daily life.

📜 History

Kathmandu Valley's history stretches back over 2,000 years, with legends attributing its founding to Buddhist and Hindu sages. Historical evidence confirms the valley's importance as a Buddhist center by the 3rd century BCE. The Licchavi period (400-750 CE) saw significant cultural development, followed by the Malla dynasty (12th-18th centuries) during which Kathmandu reached its artistic and architectural zenith. The valley contained three competing kingdoms—Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur—whose rulers competed through magnificent construction projects, creating the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that define the valley today.

In 1768, Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the valley, making Kathmandu the capital of unified Nepal. The Shah dynasty ruled until 2008, when Nepal became a federal republic. The devastating 2015 earthquake killed thousands and damaged many historic structures, though reconstruction continues. Modern Kathmandu faces challenges balancing heritage preservation with development needs, managing rapid urbanization, and improving infrastructure while maintaining the spiritual and cultural character that makes it unique. As Nepal transitions from monarchy to republic and navigates globalization, Kathmandu remains the nation's heart—where ancient traditions and modern aspirations create a distinctive Himalayan capital unlike any other in the world.