Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, located in the central part of the country within the Kathmandu Valley. With a population of 845,767 as of the 2021 census, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to the 2nd century AD. The city sits at an elevation of 1,324 metres above sea level and serves as a cultural and political center for the region.

Historically known as the Nepal Mandala, Kathmandu has been the heart of the Newar people, a significant urban civilization in the Himalayan area. It was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal and is filled with palaces, temples, and gardens that show its rich heritage. Since 1985, it has been the home of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Today, Kathmandu remains a key point for history, art, culture, and economy in Nepal. The city has a mix of people, mostly Hindu with many Vajrayana Buddhist residents. It is also a major center for tourism, acting as a gateway to the Nepal Himalayas. Kathmandu includes several World Heritage Sites, such as the Durbar Square, Swayambhu Mahachaitya, Bouddha, and Pashupatinath. The valley around Kathmandu has been growing quickly, with its population increasing by about 4% each year since 2010.

Etymology

The name Kathmandu comes from Kasthamandap, a wooden building that once stood in Kathmandu Durbar Square. In Sanskrit, Kāṣṭha means "wood" and Maṇḍapa means "pavilion". This special wooden structure was rebuilt in 1596 and was made entirely from wood, without using any iron nails.

The city has also been called Kāntipur, which means "City of light" in Sanskrit. For the local Newar people, Kathmandu is known as Yeṃ Dey.

History

Main articles: History of Kathmandu and Timeline of Kathmandu

Archaeological discoveries in Kathmandu reveal signs of ancient civilizations. One of the oldest findings is a statue from 185 AD found in Maligaon. Excavations have also uncovered bricks with inscriptions in Brahmi script, believed to be over two thousand years old. Stone inscriptions at heritage sites are important sources for learning about Nepal’s past.

The city’s early history is told through myths and legends. According to the Swayambhu Purana, Kathmandu was once a deep lake home to mythical serpents. Over time, the lake was drained, allowing people to live there. The city became a center for trade between India and Tibet, leading to growth in art and architecture. Famous travelers like the 7th-century Chinese explorer Xuanzang wrote about the city’s grand buildings.

During the Licchavi period starting around 400 AD, the city grew as a trade hub. The Licchavi rulers built many important structures and the city became a key point for cultural exchange. Later, the Malla era saw the valley divided into four cities, each contributing to art, architecture, and trade. The Shah and Rana rulers brought new architectural styles and institutions like schools and hospitals, though their periods were also marked by conflict and political changes.

Geography

Kathmandu is located in the northwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley, north of the Bagmati River. It covers an area of 50.7 km² (19.6 sq mi) and sits at an average elevation of 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level. The city is surrounded by several other municipalities, such as Lalitpur Metropolitan City to the south and Bhaktapur further out.

The city is shaped by eight rivers, with the Bagmati being the main one. These rivers come from mountains that range between 1,500 to 3,000 metres tall. The area around Kathmandu is part of the Deciduous Monsoon Forest Zone, where common trees include oak, elm, beech, and maple.

Demographics

Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal. In 2011, the city had a population of about 975,543 people living in 254,292 households. Most people, about 70%, are between the ages of 15 and 59.

The main languages spoken in Kathmandu are Nepali (62%), Newari (19%), and Tamang (6%). Other languages include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Gurung, Magar, and Sherpa. English is also spoken by many people.

The largest ethnic group in Kathmandu is the native Newars, making up about 24.6% of the population. Other groups include Hill Brahmin (21.6%), Chhetri (18.7%), and Tamang (7.74%).

Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religions in Kathmandu. Important Hindu sites include the Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan Temple, and the Kasthamandap. Buddhism was introduced to the city by monks and has many monasteries, especially following the tradition of Newar Buddhism. Smaller communities practice Sikhism, Jainism, the Baháʼí Faith, and Christianity.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Kathmandu

Kathmandu's location and terrain have helped it develop a strong economy over many years. The city sits in a fertile valley, which made farming easy. Being between India and China, it also became an important trading place, especially along the old Silk Road. People in Kathmandu have long been skilled in trading, farming, metalwork, wood carving, painting, weaving, and making pottery.

Today, Kathmandu is Nepal's main business and industry center. It has important places like the Nepal Stock Exchange, the main office of the national bank, and many other big companies. Key areas for business include New Road, Durbar Marg, Ason, and Putalisadak. The city's economy is strong, creating lots of jobs and wealth. It is famous for making and selling beautiful handmade items like lokta paper and pashmina shawls.

Main article: Tourism in Kathmandu

Tourism is very important to Kathmandu. Many people visit each year to see places like Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Changu Narayan Temple, and Budhanilkantha Temple. The city has many hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially in the busy area called Thamel. Tourism brings in money and helps many people in the city.

Government and public services

Kathmandu Municipal Corporation (KMC) is the main agency responsible for running the city. In 1995, Kathmandu became a metropolitan city. It is divided into five sectors and 32 administrative wards, each with its own elected representatives.

The Metropolitan Police keeps order in Kathmandu and is part of the Nepal Police, reporting to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The fire service began in 1937 with one vehicle and has grown over time. Electricity is provided by the Nepal Electricity Authority, while water supply is managed by Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited, though water shortages remain a big challenge for the city.

Architecture and cityscape

Main article: Architecture of Kathmandu

Kathmandu's architecture is a mix of styles from many cultures due to its history as an ancient trade route between India and Tibet. The city's many important buildings show both Hindu and Buddhist influences. In 2006, UNESCO named several groups of these buildings as a World Heritage Site. These groups include special squares and temples such as the Durbar squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, and the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.

Durbar Squares are areas with many old palaces and temples. The Kathmandu Durbar Square has many historic buildings, including the Hanuman Dhoka palace and the Kasthamandap temple, which is thought to be the origin of the city's name. The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Boudhanath is a major Buddhist site with a large stupa. Swayambhunath, another important Buddhist stupa, sits on a hill and is respected by both Buddhists and Hindus. Ranipokhari, a beautiful pond built in memory of a queen, remains a well-known landmark in the city.

Education

Kathmandu is home to some of Nepal’s oldest and most important schools and colleges. The oldest modern school in Nepal, Durbar High School, and the oldest college, Tri-Chandra College, are both located in Kathmandu. The city also has the oldest engineering college, Thapathali Campus. Because of these top schools and colleges, many students from across Nepal come to Kathmandu each year to study.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Kathmandu is the most developed in Nepal, with many hospitals and clinics. Bir Hospital is the oldest, established in 1889. Other important hospitals include Nepal Medical College (Jorpati), Patan Hospital, and Kathmandu Model Hospital.

The city also has special hospitals like Kanti Children's Hospital and Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital. The Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology is known for its work in eye surgeries, including techniques that have helped many people see better.

Medical colleges

Institute of Medicine is the first medical college in Nepal, located in Kathmandu. Other medical schools around the city include Kathmandu Medical College and Patan Academy of Health Sciences.

Transport

Kathmandu has a large network of roads that help with travel and the economy. Important highways like the Tribhuvan Highway, Prithvi Highway, Araniko Highway, and the BP Highway connect Kathmandu to nearby areas and countries such as India and China. Bus services, run by Sajha Yatayat and other companies, travel throughout the city.

The main airport is Tribhuvan International Airport, which offers both international and domestic flights. It can handle large planes like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, but many flights use smaller planes such as the ATR 72/42 and the Bombardier Dash 8.

Mountaineering

Ropeways and cable cars

Ropeways in Nepal are important for moving things in hilly areas. In the past, there was a ropeway between Kathmandu and Hetauda that was 43 km long, but it stopped working because it couldn’t carry enough or be kept in good shape. There was also an old ropeway built a long time ago between Matatirtha in Kathmandu and a place called Dhorsing in Makwanpur District, which was over 22 km long. Today, people can take cable cars from Kathmandu up to the Chandragiri Hills.

Media

Kathmandu is the main center for television in Nepal. Nepal Television, established in 1984, is the oldest and most-watched TV channel. Other popular channels include NTV PLUS, Kantipur Television, Image Channel, Sagarmatha Television, Himalaya TV, and AP1 TV.

Many important news outlets have their headquarters in Kathmandu, such as the government-owned Gorkhapatra, The Kathmandu Post, Nepali Times, Kantipur Publications, and The Himalayan Times. Radio Nepal runs several radio stations, including Hits FM and Radio Kantipur. The BBC also broadcasts from the city.

Sports

Cricket, football, and volleyball are very popular sports in Nepal, especially among younger people, and Kathmandu has several stadiums. The main stadium is the Dasharath Rangasala, a large multi-purpose stadium built in 1956 that holds up to 25,000 spectators. It is used mostly for football matches and cultural events and hosts the Martyr's Memorial League each year.

Kathmandu is also home to some of Nepal’s oldest football clubs, such as Ranipokhari Corner Team, Sankata Club, and New Road Team. The city has old cricket clubs too, and the Kathmandu Gorkhas represent the city in the Nepal Premier League.

International relations and organizations

Kathmandu has worked to build strong connections with cities around the world. In 1975, it formed its first partnership with Eugene, Oregon, in the United States. Since then, it has made friends with 15 more cities, including places like Matsumoto in Japan, Rochester in the United States, and Xi'an in China.

The city also hosts important groups such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, which help countries work together on big projects.

Twin towns – sister cities

Kathmandu is twinned with:

• Eugene, United States
• Fredericksburg, United States
• Boulder, United States
• Rochester, United States
• Lhasa, China
• Shenzhen, China
• Chengdu, China
• Lanzhou, China
• Xi'an, China
• Nanjing, China
• Matsumoto, Japan
• Seoul, South Korea
• Pyongyang, North Korea
• Varanasi, India
• Yangon, Myanmar
• Minsk, Belarus

Proposed sister cities

• Bangkok, Thailand

Notable people

Kathmandu has been home to many important figures in Nepalese history and culture. Kings such as King Rana Bahadur, King Tribhuvan, and King Birendra helped shape the nation. Other notable individuals include Bhimsen Thapa, a key leader in Nepal’s past, and Laxmi Prasad Devkota, a famous poet.

The city has also produced many artists, athletes, and activists. Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya are well-known actors and comedians, while Paras Khadka is a celebrated cricketer. Social activists like Anuradha Koirala have worked to improve lives in Nepal.