Travel Information
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. The word ‘Kathmandu’ has three different meanings: 1) a metropolitan city as an administrative unit (there is only one metropolitan city in Nepal), 2) a district as an administrative unit that includes the metropolitan city and other village development committees, and 3) a valley as a geographical area that includes three districts Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. There is a sub-metropolitan city and three municipalities within the valley. The core area of the valley is encircled by the 27 Kilometers long ring-road. Kathmandu and Lalitpur cities are within this ring-road.The only international airport in the country—Tribhuvan International Airport—links the city to other cities in Nepal and other countries by air. A highway links Kathmandu to China through its autonomous region Tibet whereas there are three highways which link Kathmandu to south, east and the western parts of the country and to India.
Kathmandu is not only politically important but also economically, historically and culturally important place. There are five historical palaces - Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur and Narayanhiti; and three major religious places - one Hindu and two Buddhist, Pashupatinath, and Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath respectively. There are culturally important places to see as well as naturally beautiful places within the valley.
The highest peak of the world Mount Everest lies in the northern boarder of Nepal as one of the peaks of the Himalayan range. It can be observed flying closely via the mountain flights. It needs only 2-2½ hours in the morning.
There are two other places to see in Nepal—Lumbini, birth place of Lord Buddha and Pokhara, a beautiful city of lakes that lies close to the snow covered mountains. These places can be reached by 35 and 45 minutes flight or 6 and 9 hours in a bus respectively.
There are two possible ways to come to Kathmandu.