Kathmandu, the Capital city of Nepal, also the gateway to Nepal Tourism, is the centre of the country’s economy and it’s main economy is tourism. The city’s rich history is nearly 2000 years old, as inferred from an inscription in the valley. Its religious affiliations are dominantly Hindu followed by Buddhism. People of other religious beliefs also live in Kathmandu giving it a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the common language of the city, though many speak the Nepal Bhasa Newari as it is the center of the Newar people and culture. English is understood by all of the educated population of the city. The literacy rate is 98% in the city. The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) and Nepal is surrounded by four major mountains, namely, Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri. We visited Chandragiri, a beautiful mountain, to the top by cable car.
Kathmandu Valley has served as the country’s cultural metropolis since the unification of Nepal in the 18th Century. Pashupatinath, Boudha and Swayambhu, three of the prominent religious pilgrimage sites are World Heritage Sites. These centuries-old places of worship, the countless smaller shrines and numerous festivals make Kathmandu a living museum. Nepal was declared a secular country by the Parliament on 18th May 2006.. The majority of Nepalis are either Hindus or Buddhists and these two religions have co-existed in harmony through centuries. Nepali Hindus worship the ancient Vedic gods. Bramha the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer as the Supreme Hindu Trinity. People pray to the Shiva Linga or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva in most Shiva temples. A prominent factor in a Nepali’s everyday life is religion. Adding color to the lives of Nepalis are festivals the year round which they celebrate with much pomp and ceremony. Food plays an important role in the celebration of these festivals. Buddha is widely worshipped by both Buddhists and Hindus of Nepal. Nepal historically was one of the least urbanized countries in the world, but urbanization is accelerating, especially in the capital, and urban sprawl and pollution have become serious problems.
