Explora la cultura de Kathmandu: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Kathmandu a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a sensory assault of colors, sounds and spirituality. Located in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas, the city is a living museum where Hinduism and Buddhism converge in ancient temples, medieval squares and bustling alleys soaked in incense.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Kathmandu
One of Asia's richest living cultures, where daily rituals are part of the urban landscape.
Best of local culture
Museums & Galleries
Pashupatinath Temple
Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, famous for its cremation ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Ancient royal square where the Malla kings resided, home of the Kumari (the living goddess).
Patan Durbar Square
Known for its Newar art and architecture, it is perhaps the most beautiful square in the valley.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
A medieval city preserved in time, famous for its ceramics and wooden temples.
Festivals & Events
Indra Jatra
SeptemberGreat festival in Durbar Square with mask dances and the departure of the Kumari chariot.
Maha Shivaratri
February / MarchThousands of sadhus (holy men) from all over India and Nepal gather at Pashupatinath to honor Shiva.
Bisket Jatra
April (Nepalese New Year)Mainly celebrated in Bhaktapur with a huge chariot pulled by ropes.
History
Origins
The valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, flourishing under the Licchavi dynasty and reaching its artistic peak with the Malla (12th-18th centuries), who built the iconic Durbar squares.
Development
In 1768, Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal and made Kathmandu its capital. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Rana dynasty built neoclassical palaces that contrast with traditional Newar architecture.
Modern era
After opening up to the world in the 1950s, it became a magnet for the hippie movement. In 2015, a devastating earthquake damaged much of its heritage, which has been successfully restored, reaffirming the resilience of its people.
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Culture
One of Asia's richest living cultures, where daily rituals are part of the urban landscape.
Heritage
The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an unbroken history spanning centuries.
Architecture
Unique Newar architecture in the world, with intricate wood carvings and multi-tiered pagodas.
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Sunset in Boudha
Go to one of the upper terraces around the Boudhanath stupa at sunset to hear the chanting and watch the ritual kora (circumambulation).
UNESCO Tickets
Always keep your Durbar Square ticket; If you are going to stay for several days, you can ask to have it validated for your entire stay at the tourist office in the square.
Outfit
Dress modestly in temples. Shoulders and knees covered. Take off your shoes before entering any sacred place or home.
Right hand
Always use your right hand to give or receive money and food. The left is considered impure.
Altitude Sickness
Kathmandu is at 1,400m, it doesn't usually affect you, but if you are going to fly to Lukla, rest a couple of days here first.
Travel Insurance
It is ESSENTIAL. Make sure it covers helicopter rescue if you plan to go trekking.
Road Safety
Crossing the street is an art. There are no traffic lights; walk with determination and a constant pace, drivers will avoid you.
Respect for Monkeys
In Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath, do not carry food in plain sight. Monkeys can be aggressive if they think you have something for them.
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