Kathmandu
The bustling capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, lies at an altitude of 1324 metres (4345 feet) and has an estimated floating population of two million. The city is within Kathmandu Valley, which is spread over some 600 square kilometres and surrounded by green hills rising to 2782 metres with snow-capped Himalayan peaks visible on clear days in the north.
An Ancient Asian City
While evidence of human habitation here goes as far back as more than two millennia, Kathmandu’s written history begins from the fifth century CE. Since its early days, Hinduism and Buddhism have existed side by side in the Valley and this religious tradition has resulted in architectural marvels in the form of sculptures, temples, and stupas in the three ancient cities of the Valley – Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur – and the numerous satellite towns scattered in their periphery. Although the early rulers of the Valley came from the north Indian plains, its people and kings have also had a close trade links with Tibet (China) in the north. This trade and fertile soil of the Valley financed its splendid temples and stupas. The temples, both Hindu and Buddhist, are concentrated in the three old cities which are home to the ethnic Newar people famous for their craftsmanship and acumen in business.
The golden period for Nepal’s arts and crafts and cultural traditions was the Malla era, named after the reigning dynasty, between the thirteenth and eighteenth centuries. Although the Mallas were Hindus, they accepted Buddhism and its rich traditions of learning and worship prevalent in the Valley centred in the hundreds of baha courtyards in the Valley. So numerous were the temples in the three cities that early foreign visitors in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries remarked that there were as many temples as houses here. Today, Kathmandu’s numerous colourful festivals are centred around these places of worship.
Things to Do
While Nepal is known more for its majestic mountains and trekking in the Himalaya is the country’s main attraction, Kathmandu’s temples continue to enthral visitors. Its temples and stupas have made the Valley home to seven UNESCO world heritage sites. The mazy lanes of the three cities and their palace squares remain as they were centuries ago, albeit with many more people. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a 20-minute walk from the conference venue at Lazimpat.
Though about five kilometres away and can take about 30 minutes by car given the traffic, Lalitpur (or the city of fine arts) is worth a visit for its temples and the famous Patan Museum that showcases the crafts of the Valley. Bhaktapur, 15 kilometres away from Lazimpat, is the most ‘preserved’ and oldest of the three cities and much less crowded.
Near the conference venue is the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, 10 minutes on foot, the Shah kings’ former residence built in the 1960s with a décor that today looks quaint. Across the museum is the Keshar Mahal Garden, which was part of one of the many neo-classical stucco façade palaces found in different parts of the city.
A visit to the hilltop Buddhist stupa of Swayambhu, 3 km away, provides a view of the densely populated Valley. The Boudha stupa, 4 km away, with its huge white dome and attracting throngs of devotees, is the other famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and is worth a visit. On the way to Boudha is the famous Hindu temple of Pashupatinath Temple. For the more adventurous, a day-long hike to the summit of one of the green hills overlooking the Valley is an option.
An entrance fee is required to visit most of these historical sites. Most of these places are mobility friendly.
For foodies, the culinary delights of Kathmandu are an attraction. The tourist district of Thamel is a 10-minute walk away and has restaurants that offer fares from cuisines around the world. Thamel is also the only part of Kathmandu that boasts a nightlife.
Going around
Public transportation is mainly limited to buses and vans and not advisable for newcomers to the city. Taxis are readily available. Ride-hailing services, Pathao and inDrive, are also popular.
Cellular services
Sim cards can be purchased at the airport.
Weather
June is mid-summer in Kathmandu with temperature in the low 30s Celsius during the day. Mornings and evenings are much cooler. It is also early monsoon and rains, usually in the evenings and nights, bring respite from the heat. A light jacket is advisable for those used to warmer climes.