Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Also known as 'Kantipur', it is the largest city in Nepal. The word "Kathmandu" is derived from the Sanskrit word, "Kastha Mandap" which means "temple of wood". The valley was inhabited in 900BC. The area, which was a lake earlier, was cut open a hill allowing the water to flow and thus made it a habitable place. The Kirats were the first rulers of the Kathmandu Valley. The Licchavi Dynasty ruled the city afterwards. From the 12th century to 17th century, the Malla Dynasty ruled Kathmandu, which was then taken over by the Shah Dynasty who turned it into Nepal. As a capital it is now home to most of the embassies, businesses and the palaces.

Hotels: Kathmandu hotels that serve traditional dishes are the main hang out of the residents. The city also offers many quality hotels with outstanding services. Hotel Garuda, Hotel Tibet, Kathmandu Guest House, Hotel Padma, Dwarika's Hotel and Happy Valley Guest House are the renowned hotels in the city.

Transportation: Taxis Local bus system, cycles, motorbikes, rickshaws, pedal powered tricycles are the public transportation facilities in the city. Kathmandu International Airport serves the city.

Tourist Attractions: The palaces of the ancient rulers are the major attractions of the city.

Places of Attraction: The palaces decorated with various art pieces attract the attention of the tourists. Patan's Durbar Square where there exist complex of palaces is the main landmark of the city. Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari Chowk -the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, National Museum and Patan Durbar Square are the other tourist-visited sites in Kathmandu.

Country	Nepal
Location	Lies along the Bagmati River and is situated in Kathmandu Valley
Geographic Coordinates	Latitude 27°43 N, Longitude 85°22 E
Area	50.67 square km
Population	701962 (in 2001)

Other Places to visit in Nepal

Baglung Bagmati Banepa Bhatgaon Bheri Bhojpur Butwal Chainpur Chukung Dhawalagiri

Dingboche Gandaki Gorkha Ilam Inaruwa Janakpur Kapilavastu Karnali Keware Khumjung

Kirtipur Koshi Lukla Mahakali Mechi Namche-Bazaar Narayani Nepalgunj Nuwakot Pyuthan

Rajbiraj Rapti Rukumkot Seti Siddharthanagar Surkhet Tengboche Thalara Thame Villages