Click on the thumbnails below to see a larger version of the photo. Return to this page by using your browser's "Back" button.
Situated at the strategic confluence of the Bagmati and Bishnumati Rivers, Kathmandu was founded in 723 AD by the Lichchvai king Gunakamandeva. After the fertile Kathmandu Valley was united politically in the 14C, it became the administrative center of a large area. Today it is a city of some 500,000 people, and the capital of Nepal.
|
 |
| Two views (above) of the Hanuman Dhoka (Royal Palace) in Durbar Square, in the center of Kathmandu. These views are taken inside the Nasal Chowk, the largest of 10 courtyards in the palace. Most of the palace dates from the 18 and 19C. | |
A tower in the Hanuman Dhoka. |
Example of Newari woodcarving in the Hanuman Dhoka. The Newars are the largest ethnic group in Nepal, and are of Mongolian origin. They have been in the Kathmandu Valley for over 2,000 years. |
View from the Hanuman Dhoka. |
View of Basantapur Square from inside the Hanuman Dhoka. |
The Maju Deval is a three story pagoda-style temple dedicated to Siva in Durbar Square which dates from 1692. |
A fruit seller earns his living in Durbar Square. |
These lions stand guard in front of one of the many temples in Durbar Square. |
A street in central Kathmandu. As they have been for centuries, streets are organized by the type of product sold there. |
|
 |
| Two street scenes (above) in central Kathmandu. Walking here is an experience not soon forgotten by the most visitors, for both the physical poverty and cultural wealth. | |
A street in one of the more modern sections of Kathmandu. |
The stupa of Boudhanath is magnet for Tibetan pilgrims as well as those who reside in Nepal. |
Tibetan shops surround the stupa at Boudanath and cater both to religious pilgrims and tourists. |
My driver and guide Rama (a Hindu) examines the temple's prayer wheels. |
Colorful Buddhist prayer flags flutter in the breeze at Boudanath.. |
Unsurprisingly, one of nature's best recycling machines is a sacred animal in Nepal. |
On the other side of Kathmandu lies Swayambhunath, a Buddhist temple complex crowning a hill 175m above the surrounding valley. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in the area, begun in 450 AD. |
There are over 400 steps up to the temple! |
Entrance to the main stupa at Swayambhunath. This is the oldest and most important site of Buddhist worship in Nepal. |
This mandala is atop the stupa at Swayambhunath, and has 13 levels in accordance with the Buddhist concept of the stages to enlightenment. The eyes are said to represent the primordial Adi Buddha, or the guardians of the four directions. |
The Buddha reigns at Swayambhunath. |
On a small hill adjacent to Swayambhunath is a modern Tibetan Buddhist temple complex, staffed by friendly monks. |
A small stupa in the modern annex to Swayambhunath. |
Just north of Kathmandu is a large park which protects the city's water supply. These homes are situated just outside the parks' entrance. |
These are houses of the relatively wealthy just outside the park's entrance. |
Within the park is some of the last unspoiled land in the Kathmandu Valley, and some impressive views of the city even through the smog. |
Map courtesy of The World Factbook. |
|
