Kathmandu
Kathmandu (काठमांडौ) is the largest city and capital of Nepal and the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. Once thought to be the fabled and inaccessible Shangri-La, Kathmandu is a hub for independent travelers as well as a growing vacation spot catering to all budgets.
Kathmandu is said to have been founded by King Gun Kamdev in 723 AD. According to legend, the area was originally a lake, but the Hindu god Manjushri cut open a hill to the south and allowed the water to flow out, making the region habitable.
The city's name may derive from Kastha-Mandap ("temple of wood"), a pagoda carved from the single tree on the order of King Laxmi Narashingha Malla in 1596. Today, Kathmandu is the spiritual center of Nepal with sites sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.
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Bodnath (Boudhanath) Stupa
The largest stupa in Nepal, Bodnath is the center of Tibetan Buddhist faith and culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. |
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Pashupatinath Temple
This important Hindu temple is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). It lies along the sacred Bagmati River and is used for cremations. |
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Seto Macchendranath Temple
Seto Maccendranath is honored by both Buddhists and Hindus. Inside is a venerated statue that Buddhists regard as Avalokiteshvara and Hindus see as a manifestation of Shiva. |
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Swayabunath Stupa
Approached by a steep staircase, this is the oldest and most important Buddhist shrine in Kathmandu and a major landmark of the city. |
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Andrew Castellano and Steve Evans); Hindu holy man in Kathmandu (
