Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Most of Nepal's urban population lives in the capital, Kathmandu,
which is located in the Kathmandu Valley. Shaped like a bowl and
rich in culture and tradition, visiting the valley is recommended for
everyone considering a trip to Nepal.
Buddhism settled in the valley, perhaps as early as the fifth cen-
tury B.C. Over time, urban centers like Kathmandu, Patan, and
Bhaktapur were settled and grew. Each of them evolved its own
distinct culture, including language, architecture, and a unique
synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Today, the Kathmandu Valley is the major center of popu-
lation, government, economic activity, and culture. A number
of the cultural heritage sites within the Kathmandu Valley are
