KATHMANDU

The Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above, which tower mighty snow-capped peaks. It consists of three main towns of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The kathmandu Valley covers an area of 656 sq. km. It is situated 1348 m. above sea level. The ancient Swasthani scriptures tell of Lord Shiva, supreme among Hindu gods, who came down to the Kathmandu valley to escape boredom. He came as a tourist, if that is the appropriate word, but he was neither among the first nor the last of the gods to visit the Valley. Visitors have come to Nepal since times forgotten. And though the cuntry is much different today than it was in ancient times, it has not diminished in charm; the increase in the number of visitors over the years is a living proof. Those who come to the Valley today will appreciate a lot more than Lord Shiva did in his tour. The architecture started here by the Lichhavi and Malla kings is one such example. Much of the greenery that Lord Shiva saw is gone, but the forests surrounding Pashupati, where he stayed, are still intact. The seven World Heritage Sites in th Kathmandu Valley designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)are the highlights of the Valley.