Cities in Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu valley is located at Nepal. Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is bordered by China to the north and by India to the south, east and west. Nepal is commonly divided into three physiographic areas: the Mountain, Hill, Siwalik and Terai Region. Kathmandu valley is located at Hill region. This valley spread across an area of 360 square kilometers and at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level. The Kathmandu Valley is surrounded by verdant agricultural hills scattered with traditional villages and brick houses. Through Kathmandu Valley flows the Bagmati river. The Baghmati River originates from the Lesser Himalaya near Kathmandu. Bagmati is a holy river both by Hindus and Buddhists. There are many monument and religious buildings here. Kathmandu valley also contains three of the largest cities in Nepal (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur/Bhadgaon, and Patan/Lalitpur).

Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city of Nepal. The "old" city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, most dating to the 17th century. The most famous place at Kathmandu is Hanuman Dhoka or Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. This place is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Kathmandu City. There are several festival was held here, such as Tihar/Divali (was held at the end of October/start of November), Holi (celebrated in March), Bikram (celebrated in April), Teej or women festival (celebrated in September), Indra Jatra harvest festival (celebrated in September). Religion is part of everyday life in Nepal. In the morning, a Kathmandu housewife always giving a little pudja to the local Hindu temple. While, Buddhist monks chanting at Swayambhunath.

Bhaktapur, lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu and covering an area of 4 Square miles. Bakhtapur is a town with narrow tiny streets and really old temples. One of the most famous place at Bakhtapur is Bakhtapur Durbar Square. It is a market place which surrounded by Hindu temples. The awful art and architecture abounding here is amazing, such as The Lion Gate, the statue of king Bhupatindra Malla, the picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, and the Palace of 55 Windows. King Bhupatindra Malla is one of the king of the Malla Dynasty in Bakhtapur. Bhaktapur is also famous for its pagoda-style architecture.

Patan or Lalitpur (City of Beauty). is located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, on the southern side of the Bagmati River. This ancient city is full of hindu temples and buddhist monuments. Mahaboudha, Hiarnya Verna Mahavihar, Rudra Verna Mahavihar, the Ashokan Stupas and Uku Bahal were the Buddhist monument here. More than two hundred and sixty five big and small Budha Bihar are located in Patan. By this reason, this city is also known as school of Buddhism. Religion is part of everyday life in Patan. Thats why, the people of Patan able to preserve traditions such as festival, music and dance, singing religious song, playing musical instrument and rituals etc.