Kathmandu City : History, Hippies and Orientation

We have always known Kathmandu City as the prime destination for everyone visiting Nepal. The only International Airport of Nepal lies in kathmandu. But this is not the main reason why Kathmandu is so popular and must visit city of the World. This city of Temple is known for its immense diversity among the people and the cultures shared between the people. The rich history of war between the kings. Kathmandu is famous for its ancient Architects and the designs of the Temples, The art and their traditions.

Kathmandu owes its names to Kasthamandap. Although the history we hear is uncertain but the locals say that the three-roofed building was constructed around 12th century from the wood of a single sal-tree. It is said that it served as a community centre where visitors gathered before major ceremonies ( a mandap is 16 pillared pilgrm shelter), later it was dedicated to Temple Gorakhnath, 13th century ascetic who was subsquently linked to the then Royal family.

The history of Kathmandu dates back to the ancient time. It is said that the God Manjhushree cut two hills around kathmandu to drain the huge water lake trapped between the valley. When the water drained away, there remain a Lotus. The Lotus later bloomed to what we call Swayambhunath today and whole of Kathmandu valley became fertile. Civilization of Kathmandu then gradually started in Nepal. But this is just the Myth behind emergence of Kathmandu Valley.

The modern Tourism History of Kathmandu dates back to 50s and 60s and mid 70s. The psychedelic era where all of the west was into Drug, sex and rock and roll, Nepal was immensly popular for its own Kind of Hash (Temple Balls). Drugs was forbidden in Western side of the world. The hippies made a trail from America to Iran and slowly they made a bust route to kathmandu. Hence, Kathmandu became popular among hippies all over the world. This is one of the prime reason why kathmandu is so pupular in World Tourism. Later Buying, selling and Possesion of all kind of drugs became illegal in Nepal and hippies were banned. Having Saying all these, The Tourism in Nepal is hugely indebted to Hippies of 60s and 70s. without them Nobody would even have heard of this Small, peace and hideaway place.

“Yes. The hippies didnt have money to spent and do all the things that contributed to total gdp of the country. But seeing them leave with sad faces, angry and frustated, made me sad. Because no matter what people say about them, they were the ones to fame Nepal all over the west” : Some old Guys from 60s

Kathmandu City : Monarchy and History

Kathmandu is very rich state/district. Stretch kathmandu culturally, historically and traditionally, it gets bigger than America or Australia. Nepal was once a state with many states. And was ruled by Monarchs for 1000s of year. The royal massacre in 2058BS saw the end of royal dynasty and start of federal rule in Nepal. But kathmandu has history of its own.

Originally known as Kantipur, Kathmandu flourished during the era of Malla Kings. Almost 70% of whatever architects in Nepal were built during the time of Malla kings. The ensuing Shah dynasty unified Nepal and made the city as Capital of New Nepal. But the history of athmandu is mainly the history of Newars, the main inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley. The +0} documented history of Kathmandu dates back to 7 BC duing the time of Kirat kings. The 15th century saw the division of Kanipur into three kingdoms; kathmandu, bhaktapur and lalitpur. Later in 68 AD Prithvi Narayan Shah captured the three states unified them all into a big city Kathmandu.

Orientation of Kathmandu valley
Whether you are walking down the atomospheric winding streets of the old town in a rickshaw, marvelling at the exsiquite medieval temples of Durbar Sq or dodging the tiger balm sellers and trekking touts in thamel, Kathmandu can be exhausting, intoxicating but amazing place.
Since the early hippie-era of 60s kathmandu has been supplying the closest thing backpackers have to Disneyland and with, over 4000 tourists related business within 5 sq m, Thamel boasts a collection of hotels, hostels, restaurants, trekking agencies, bakeries and shops that are rivalled only by Bangkok’s Khao San Rd. Sometimes infuriating but fascinating most of the time, Kathmandu is well-worth 1 week of the holiday. The most interesting part of Kathmandu is the old, crowded backstreets. For many of you, stepping out the plane into Kathmandu is ye-dilating experience, hazard sights, riots of colors and sounds and the smell that can quickly lead to sensory overload.