Kathmandu Valley

Located in the heart of Nepal, Kathmandu Valley is known to many as the capital of the country, a center for pilgrimages, multi-culture and a fusion of urbanization and traditional practices. Kathmandu is a paradox of a city as it is a harmonic balance between modernity and conventionality.

The Kathmandu Valley is the most developed and populated place in Nepal. As the capital of the country, Kathmandu has the majority of offices and headquarters, making it the economic hub of Nepal. It is popular with tourists for its unique architecture and rich culture that includes the highest number of jatras (street festivals) in Nepal. The valley itself was referred to as "Nepal Proper" by British historians. Kathmandu valley has many significant sites that represent a different era in time, palaces and temples built during ancient times make it a fascinating place to visit, especially to those interested in architecture, history and art. UNESCO also has listed Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan Temple as world heritage sites; which are some examples of Kathmandu valley's extraordinary sites of the past civilization and culture.

There is only one international airport in Nepal which is in Kathmandu and it has also been the major gateway to get in Nepal by air.

It has often been a popular choice for tourists across the world looking for religious tours due to the diversity found within the religion and culture. Other activities Kathmandu has been offering to tourists since long are trekking, hiking, biking around the valley, sightseeing including the variety of activities that the city itself has to offer. There are plenty of activities that tourists find to do in the city, in addition, to the friendly and warm welcoming nature of the locals of K-town; Kathmandu Valley has been a favorite stop for tourists visiting Nepal that never fails to disappoint anyone in for a good time.

Kathmandu Valley comprises the three ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, which were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings from the 12th to the 18th centuries. Legend has it that the valley was once a primeval lake ringed by green mountains. In this pristine lake lived giant serpents until one fine day, saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva, raised a mighty sword and in one fell swoop, cut open the side of a mountain at a place now known as Chobar. The voluminous waters of the lake gushed out, leaving behind a fertile valley capable of supporting large urban settlements over the millennia. The Gopal and Kirati dynasties were the earliest rulers here followed by the Licchavi (300-879 A.D.), under whom trade and crafts flourished.