Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the king before Narayanhiti Royal Palace was constructed. This
palace is still important because of its historical traditions, and
most important state social, religious, and political ceremonies
are performed here.
The valley offers excellent scenery, including picturesque
views of Manaslu, Gorakh, Everest, and other peaks. A combi-
nation of historical, cultural, and natural features in and sur-
rounding Kathmandu have contributed to the city's charm. The
myths and legends, religious traditions and mysticism, rever-
ence and meditation combine to make Kathmandu a magically
romantic place. It is said that the name Kathmandu was taken
from Kasthamandap (a temple of wood), which was made from
a single tree in the pagoda style in A.D. 1596. Thamel is the
main tourist hot spot. Nightlife there has a strongly Western
(hip-hop) flavor, as it blends the tastes of Eastern and Western
cultures. Hinduism's oldest and holiest temple, Pashupatinath,
and the Buddhist shrines Swayambhu and Buddhanath are the
most popular tourist spots in Kathmandu.
Lalitpur (Patan)
Lalitpur is believed to have been founded by the Kirat Dynasty
in the third century B.C. Today, with a population of about
200,000, it is the second-largest city in the Kathmandu Valley
and the third largest in Nepal. It is also a popular tourist desti-
nation. Lalitpur is located in the southeastern part of the valley,
on the south side of the Bagmati River. During recent decades,
the city has begun to merge with Kathmandu. Lalitpur is
believed to be the oldestﾭand certainly the most beautifulﾭof
the royal cities. It is famous for its fine arts and crafts, as well
as its rich cultural heritage. The city has produced a number
of well-known artists and craftsmen. Its palaces, temples, and
stupas reflect the superb artistic excellence and craftsmanship
of the local Newar people since ancient times. There are more
than 1,200 Buddhist monuments and stupas in different shapes
and sizes.
