Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city of Nepal. It is the political as well as the cultural capital of Nepal. Situated at an altitude of about 1300 meters, Kathmandu city covers an area of around 395 square kilometers. Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse, historic city with marvelous architecture, exquisite wood carvings and metal craft which showcase the skills of the Newari artisans of the past. Legend has that in this remarkable city every street has a shrine or two. Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed in Kathmandu from time immemorial. The Kathmadu Durbar Square along with Swayambunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple and the Boudanath Stupa are the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites that lie within the city. Kathmandu Durbar Square lies at the heart of the city with the old palace accompanied by a number of pagoda style temples that boast of excellent craftsmanship in wood and metal. The residence of the living Goddess’ Kumari is within the periphery of the Durbar Square. Nearby to the Kumari residence is the famous Freak street which was the epicenter of Hippie culture during the 1960s and 1970s. Thamel the main tourist hub in Kathmandu is at a walking distance from Durbar Square.