Kathmandu | Nepal

Kathmandu serves as the political and administrative capital of Nepal and the primary economic engine of the country, generating approximately one-third of the national GDP. It is situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters within the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley in the mid-hill region, surrounded by the Himalayan and Mahabharat mountain ranges.

Historical Timeline

Kathmandu was formally established as a unified capital in 1768 following its conquest by Prithvi Narayan Shah, though its urban foundations date back to the Licchavi (400–750 AD) and Malla (1200–1768) dynasties. The city underwent significant reconstruction after the 1934 Great Nepal-Bihar earthquake and most recently following the 7.8-magnitude Gorkha earthquake in 2015, which destroyed over 600,000 buildings in the region. The primary event shaping the current urban form was the rapid, unplanned migration and infrastructure expansion during the 1990s and early 2000s following the restoration of multi-party democracy and the subsequent civil conflict.

Demographics & Population

The city limits of Kathmandu house approximately 1.5 million residents, while the greater metropolitan area (including Lalitpur and Bhaktapur) exceeds 3.2 million. The top three ethnic demographics are the Khas-Brahmin (12.2%), Chhetri (16.6%), and the indigenous Newar (approx. 30% within the valley specifically). The median age of the population is 25.7 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is organized by its intersection with the Bagmati and Bishnumati Rivers, with the historic core located east of the Bishnumati.

Thamel: The primary commercial and logistics hub for international travelers, located north of the center.

Durbar Marg: An upscale boulevard featuring high-end retail and the former royal palace, situated east of Thamel.

Patan (Lalitpur): Located south across the Bagmati River, serving as the center for traditional Newari arts and crafts.

Top City Landmarks

Kathmandu Durbar Square: The ancient palace complex of the Malla and Shah kings.

Swayambhunath Stupa: A 5th-century Buddhist complex positioned on a hill west of the city.

Pashupatinath Temple: The holiest Hindu site in Nepal, located on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest spherical stupas in the world and a center for Tibetan culture.

Garden of Dreams: A neo-classical historical garden built in 1920.

Transportation Network

Movement within Kathmandu relies on a road-based network; there is no metro or tram system. Public transit consists of Sajha Yatayat (green buses) and micro-buses. Ride-sharing is dominated by Pathao and InDrive. Official taxis are small white Suzuki Marutis with black license plates and rooftop signs. Traffic density is high, with severe congestion during peak hours (09:00–11:00 and 16:00–19:00).

Safety & "Red Zones"

Kathmandu is generally safe for foreign nationals, but petty theft and pickpocketing occur in crowded areas like Thamel, Kupandol, and near major bus terminals. Avoid walking alone at night in the unlit alleys of Ratna Park or near the Bagmati riverbanks. Common scams involve "holy men" demanding high fees for blessings and "milk powder" scams where locals ask tourists to buy overpriced goods at specific shops.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speeds range from 40 to 100 Mbps via fiber optics. Main mobile carriers are Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). Card acceptance is high in Thamel and major hotels but low in local markets and small eateries where cash or Fonepay (QR) is required. ATMs are widely available, though many have a withdrawal limit of 10,000 to 35,000 NPR per transaction.

Climate & Air Quality

Temperatures range from 2°C to 20°C in winter (Dec–Feb) and 19°C to 30°C in summer (May–Aug). Air quality is poor, with high PM2.5 levels during the dry winter season due to temperature inversions. Monsoon season occurs from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall and increased risk of localized flooding and landslides on access roads.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping is not mandatory but 10% is standard in tourist restaurants. The standard greeting is "Namaste" with palms joined. Dress code is conservative; shoulders and knees must be covered in religious sites. Public displays of affection are discouraged. Smoking is prohibited in public places, and alcohol is restricted within the immediate vicinity of certain temples.

Accommodation Zones

Lazimpat: Recommended for diplomatic security and proximity to embassies; quieter than the city center.

Boudha: Recommended for travelers seeking a spiritual environment and pedestrian-friendly access to monasteries.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: 250 NPR ($1.88 USD)

1 Standard Lunch (Dal Bhat): 400 NPR ($3.00 USD)

1 Local Bus Ticket: 25 NPR ($0.19 USD)

Nearby Day Trips

Nagarkot: 32 km (2 hours); known for Himalayan sunrise views.

Bhaktapur: 15 km (45 minutes); preserved medieval city.

Chandragiri Hill: 15 km (1 hour); accessible via cable car for valley views.

Dhulikhel: 30 km (1.5 hours); traditional Newari town and hiking hub.

Facts & Legends

The city’s name is derived from Kasthamandap, a temple in Durbar Square that was allegedly constructed using the wood of a single Sal tree. According to local myth, the Kathmandu Valley was once a massive lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushri used his sword to cut a gorge at Chobhar, draining the water to allow for human settlement.