Kathmandu

The word Kathmandu is derived from the famous temple called "Kasthamandap" that stood in Durbar Square. In Sanskrit "Kastha" means "wood" and "Mandap" means "covered shelter". The temple was build in the period of King Laxmi Narshing Malla in 1596. This two-story pagoda structure temple was made entirely of a single tree's wood and used no iron nails nor supports. Sadly, this temple was collapsed during the major earthquake on 25 April 2015.

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and holds 1.4 million population. Kathmandu Valley includes four towns they are Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Thimi and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu is located at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level in the bowl-shaped.

Attraction of Kathmandu city are Kathamndu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Budhanilkanth (Sleeping Vishnu God), Swoyamhunath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Ranipokhari, Dharahar, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and many more.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: This complex of places, country yards, and temples built between the 12th and 18th used to be the seat of ancient malla kings of Kathmandu. An interesting object here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 language.

The durbar square protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the social, religious and urban focal point of city. There are also museums inside the palace building.
 
Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square)
It is the historic seat of royalty. The durbar square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A. D. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chok, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and, the Jagannath Temple. On the right-hand corner, larger wooden latticescreen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.

There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain . closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.
 
The Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar)
The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden blaconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.
 
Kasthamandap, Nepal
Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple
 
Ashok Vinayak, Nepal
The small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
 
Swayambhu Stupa, Kathmandu
This is the second holiest place of Buddhism in Nepal. Swayambhunath is perched on hilltop over looking Kathmandu and is a complex of temples including Nepal? most famous landmark, this large stupa adorned with eyes watching over the Kathmandu valley.

Swayambhunath located 6.5 km west of Kathmandu is popularly called Swayambhu ?hich means self-existent". This shrine is dedicated to the supreme Adi-Buddha. Its religious significance is also described in the Swayambhu Purana written in the 15th century.

This is a very holy shrine for Buddhist and is equally regarded as sacred by the Hindus as well.

It is dedicated to Bodhnath, the god of wisdom , and is located at the centre of Kathmandu Valley.

The stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist monastery in Nepal, establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is listed as a World Heritage Site. It watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side.
 
Bouddhanath Stupa, Nepal
Bouddlianath Stupa a world heritage site lies about 6km to the east of downtown Kathmandu is the largest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath is also known as Rhasti. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries In the area.
 
Pasupatinath Temple, Nepal
Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, lies 5 km east of the city center, is also world heritage site. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can he seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple.
 
Budhanilkantha, Nepal
About eight kilometers north of Kathmandu, at the base of Sivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.