KathmanduOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Ancient Lake to Royal Capital

Kathmandu's origin begins with a vast lake that once filled the valley. Legend states the Buddhist saint Manjushree Bodhisattva drained this lake by cutting a gorge at Chobar, south of the present Pashupatinath Temple, revealing the fertile basin that became the Kathmandu Valley. Archaeological evidence suggests early settlements in the valley date back to between 167 BCE and 1 CE. The city of Kantipur, the historical name for Kathmandu, was formally founded around 723 CE by King Gunakamadeva of the Licchavi dynasty, uniting earlier settlements along the Bishnumati River. The city's layout is said to mimic the Chandrahrasa, Manjushree's sword used to drain the lake.

A Legacy of Dynasties and Disasters

Kathmandu functioned as a trading hub on routes connecting India and Tibet. The Malla dynasty, which ruled the Kathmandu Valley from the 13th to the mid-18th century, oversaw a period of art and architecture. Most of the city's temples and buildings were constructed during this era. However, this period also saw the Malla kingdom fragment into three rival states—Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur—in 1484, leading to conflicts that left the valley vulnerable. In 1768, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king of Gorkha, conquered the valley, unifying Nepal and making Kathmandu its capital. The city continued to be the seat of the royal family until 1886, when the Shah monarchs moved to the new Narayanhiti Palace, though major ceremonies like coronations still took place in Durbar Square. Kathmandu has faced challenges, including an earthquake in 2015 that caused damage to many historic areas, prompting restoration efforts.

• —Kathmandu Durbar Square — This UNESCO World Heritage site is the historic center of the city, a complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples built over centuries by Malla and Shah kings. Royal coronations and state ceremonies took place here.
• —Kumari Ghar — Within Durbar Square, this 18th-century palace is the residence of the Royal Kumari, Nepal's Living Goddess. It features intricate wooden windows and traditional Newari architecture. The Kumari may appear at a first-floor window.
• —Gaddi Baithak — In Durbar Square, this white palace has a neoclassical, European-inspired design. It was built in 1908 by Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana. It served as a royal audience chamber and a venue for welcoming foreign dignitaries.
• —Taleju Temple — Dedicated to Goddess Taleju Bhawani, this three-tiered pagoda-style temple was built in 1564 by King Mahendra Malla. It features wood carvings and metalwork. It is typically open to the public during the Dashain festival.
• —Shiva-Parvati Temple — On the eastern side of Durbar Square, this rectangular, two-story temple is recognized by the figures of Shiva and his consort Parvati peering out from an upper window. It was constructed in the late 18th century during the reign of King Rana Bahadur Shah.
• —Kasthamandap Site — Though largely destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, this historic wooden pavilion is said to have been built from the timber of a single tree and gave Kathmandu its name (Kastha meaning "wood" and Mandap meaning "covered shelter"). It was a public rest house.
• —Freak Street (Jhochhen Tole) — South of Durbar Square, this street was a hub for travelers in the 1960s and 70s. It retains some of its atmosphere with accommodations, cafes, and shops.

The best times to visit Kathmandu are during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). In autumn, the post-monsoon air is clear, offering good visibility, temperatures between 9°C and 27°C, and a festival calendar including Dashain and Tihar. Spring sees temperatures between 10°C and 27°C, with rhododendrons blooming. Avoid the monsoon season from June to August, which brings warm, wet days with high humidity and heavy afternoon downpours that can flood streets. Winter (December to February) can be cold, especially at night, with average temperatures around 10°C, though skies are generally clear and tourist numbers are lower.

Kathmandu is served by Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), 5.5 kilometers east of the city center. Taxis are available for transport to and from the airport. Within the city, walking is suitable for exploring the old town and areas like Durbar Square and Thamel, as many streets are narrow. While Thamel is largely pedestrianized, other areas experience traffic. For longer distances, taxis, rickshaws, and local buses are options. Taxis are affordable but agree on a fare before starting. Public buses can be crowded. Parking in central Kathmandu is limited. Many shops operate seven days a week, though some may have shorter hours on Saturdays. Keep small denominations of Nepalese Rupees for purchases and transport. Bargaining is common in markets and smaller shops.