The ancient history of Katmandu begins from Manjushree (The Buddhist Saint). Before Manjushree came to Kathmandu it was a lake, he cut southern side of the lake and drained out the water and made it in habitable. Many dynastic came and went. Trade and arts flourished. There are seven heritage sites in the valley. Kathmandu has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by tier of green mountains wall above which tower mighty snow -capped peaks in winter. It consists of three main towns of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhadgaun. The Valley covers an area of 596sq. miles. It is situated at 1330m.above the sea-level.
Kathmandu
The Kathmandu Valley is indeed a unique type of valley, wearing an exotic setting. Twenty-five centuries back it stood as a titanic lake. It is completely surrounded by a tier of Green Mountain walls above which to the north tower the mighty snow-capped peaks during the winter. It consists of four major cities carrying great historic, artistic and cultural interest. They include Kathmandu, Patan, Bhadgaon and Kirtipur. Ironically speaking, Kathmandu Valley was an empire owning four petty kingdoms till 1769 A. D. The four kingdoms of Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kirtipur have today appeared as independent modern cities. The Valley with an approximate population of a million and a half (i.e. counting the Tibetans and the Indians as well) covers an area of 218 square miles and is situated at an elevation of 4,423 feet above the sea-level as part of the Shangrila. Kathmandu (Kantipur)-the Capital.
Durbar in Nepali means "Palace" and in patan and Bhaktapur as well as Kathmandu there are durbar squares in front of their old palaces. The king no longer lives in the old royal palace in Kathmandu. Actually durbar square is the "Heart "historic seat of Royalty. The durbar square, with its old temples and palaces. Basantapur tower, Kumari (The living goddes), Kastamandap (House of wood), Garuda, Shiva temple, Sweta and Black Bhairab, Taleju Temple, Old royal palace, hanuman statue (God of monkey) and etc
Swoyambhunath
This is believed to be 25 centuries old and stands as one of the world's oldest Buddhist Chaityas. The Great Stupa of Swayamvu is the wonder that was Nepal, the glory that was Nepal. It is indeed listed a World Heritage Site of Culture to prove that it serves as the nerve center of faithful worship for all the devout Buddhists of the universe. Swayamvu embraces the authentic philosophy of Bajrayan in particular and honors Lord Adi Buddha. It is dedicated to the self-originating flame God. The stupa which forms the salient structure is well composed of a solid hemisphere of terra-cotta bricks and soil supporting a cornice of copper and gilt. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, keeping an eternal watch on the Valley distinguishing between vice and virtue. It is some two miles west of Kathmandu City proper across the holy Bishnumati River. Situated on the top of a hillock, it is about 500 feet above the level of the Valley. The whole hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagoda temples possessing great dignity plus beauty. There also exist six big Buddhist monasteries in all-five Mahayan (Lamaist) and one Hinyan (Therbadist). On the hind hill is located another important Buddhist shrine; it is called Manjushree. This compassionate Chinese Buddha is the God of Knowledge.
Pashupatinath
It is a pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofing’s and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiba and is situated at the bank of the holy Bagmati River. One of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world, Pashupati Nath Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the day of Shibaratri. The minute religious town itself which houses the great temple is known as Debpatan and is situated 5 kilometers east of the capital city. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the main courtyard of the temple. Alien tourists can view the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Guheshwori Temple : On a forested knoll further behind Pashupati Nath Temple to the eastern direction and also by the side of the bending or winding Bagmati River appears the gracious temple of Guheshwori sometimes known as Akash Yogini. It is another famous spot of Hindu pilgrimage. It houses the shrine of Goddess Parbati who is Lord Shiba's spouse. In this case also, only Hindus are authorized to enter the premises.
Bouddhanath
This is declared to stand as the largest Buddhist shrine of South Asia. The ancient colossal chhorten was built in the 6th century A.D. by King Man Deb belonging to the Lichhabi dynasty. It rests on a series of three terraces and from the bird's eye view it takes the relevant shape of a lotus flower which indeed remains a very holy object for the devout Buddhists of the entire world. The chhorten is surrounded by a circular market which forms a part of Tibet Town. In this case also the four pairs of the Buddha's eyes give a vivid flash to the four cardinal directions, meaning to keep a diligent watch over the people and their commitments all day all night. The chhorten embraces the authentic philosophy of Mahayan the faith of which is known as Lamaism in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet. It also proves a World Heritage Site.
Patan
This is the Royal Palace Complex built during theMalla period and stood as the capital part till the 17th century. Situated in the heart of the city,it constitutes the salient focus of an alien visitor's attraction. The square is built of ancient palaces, temples, shrines and statues noted for theirexquisite carvings. We owe all these grandeurs to the sovereign Malla dynasty. The last of the Malla dynasty was late King Tej Narsingh Malla. There include three main courtyards, the first being the Keshab Narayan Chowk which we have gotten to enter through the Golden Gate and under the Golden Window; the second being the Taleju Vawani Chowk; and the third being the Sundari Chowk carrying the Royal Bath called Tushahity. The single stone pillar on which sits late King Yog Narendra Malla facing the Taleju Vawani Temple to the cardinal direction of east and the Gigantic Bell to its right are also worth mentioning. The Patan Durbar Square too forms a World Heritage Site.
Also known as Lalitpur. An ancient city is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is about five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, with fine bronge gateway, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is known as the city of artists.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is a home of medieval art and architecture. Shaped like a conch shell, Bhaktapur means the 'city of devotees'. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The City is about 19 km from Kathmandu.
The city Bhaktapur known as Bhadgaon "City of devotees" is 13 km east of Kathmandu. This is most beautiful medieval town is the most preserved of the three medieval cities. Exquisitely carved 55 windows palace. The Golden Gate an old palace, 5-stored Nyatapole temple and Bhairav Temple near by and Dattatreya square etc. can be observed.
