Ajay Kumar at 15:08, 28 August 2023

2023-08-28T15:08:23Z

New page

{{Short description|Valley and proposed territory in Nepal}}
{{Redirect|Nepal Valley|the country Nepal|Nepal}}{{Not to be confused with|Kathmandu|Kathmandu District}}{{Redirect-distinguish|Nepa Valley|Napa Valley}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2009}}
{{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
|WHS=Kathmandu Valley, Nepa Valley
| image = Kathmandu,_Nepal.JPG
| image_upright = 1.2
| caption = Kathmandu valley seen from the space by the [[NASA Earth Observatory]]
| location = [[Bagmati Province]], [[Nepal]]
| criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(iii), (iv), (vi)}}(iii), (iv), (vi)
| ID = 121bis
| coordinates = {{Coord|27|42|14|N|85|18|31|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| year = 1979
| extension = 2006
| danger = 2003–2007<ref>[https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/356/ Royal Palaces of Abomey and Kathmandu removed from Danger List] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806231609/https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/356 |date=6 August 2022 }} at [[UNESCO]] website</ref>
| area = 665 square km
| locmapin = Kathmandu#Nepal Bagmati Province#Nepal
| map_caption =
}}
[[File:Basantapurpalace.JPG|thumb|The [[Kathmandu Durbar Square|Durbar Square in Kathmandu]]]]
The '''Kathmandu Valley''' ({{lang-ne|काठमाडौं उपत्यका}}), also known as the '''Nepal Valley''' or '''Nepa Valley''' ({{lang-ne|नेपाः उपत्यका}}, [[Newar language|Nepal Bhasa]]: 𑐣𑐾𑐥𑐵𑑅 𑐐𑐵𑑅, नेपाः गाः), is a bowl-shaped valley located in the [[Himalayas|Himalayan mountains]] in [[Nepal]]. It lies at the crossroads of ancient civilizations of the [[Indian subcontinent]] and the broader [[Asia]]n continent, and has at least 130 important monuments, including several pilgrimage sites for [[Hindu]]s and [[Buddhism|Buddhists]]. There are seven [[World Heritage Site]]s within the valley.<ref name=UNESCO>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121|title=Kathmandu Valley|first=UNESCO World Heritage|last=Centre|website=whc.unesco.org|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=31 October 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051031092004/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Kathmandu Valley is the most developed and the largest [[urban agglomeration]] in Nepal with about 5 million population.<ref name="archive1">{{cite web |url=https://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/upLoads/2022/01/Final%20Preliminary%20Report%20of%20Census%202021%20Newfinal.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=cbs.gov.np |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206104652/https://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/upLoads/2022/01/Final%20Preliminary%20Report%20of%20Census%202021%20Newfinal.pdf |archive-date=6 February 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The urban agglomeration of Kathmandu Valley includes the cities of [[Kathmandu]], [[Lalitpur, Nepal|Lalitpur]], [[Budhanilkantha]], [[Tarakeshwar]], [[Gokarneshwar]], [[Suryabinayak Municipality|Suryabinayak]], [[Tokha]], [[Kirtipur]], [[Madhyapur Thimi]], [[Bhaktapur]], [[Changunarayan]], and others. The majority of offices and headquarters are located in the valley, making it the economic hub of Nepal. It is popular with tourists for its unique architecture, and rich culture which includes the highest number of [[jatra (Nepal)|jatras]] (festivals) in Nepal. Kathmandu valley itself was referred to as "Nepal Proper" by British historians. As per the World Bank, the Kathmandu Valley was one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in [[South Asia]] with 2.5 million population by 2010 and an annual growth rate of 4%.<ref name="Ktmvalleymetro">{{Cite web|title=Managing Nepal's Urban Transition|url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2013/04/01/managing-nepals-urban-transition|publisher=World Bank|language=en|access-date=1 December 2019|archive-date=2 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102160957/https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2013/04/01/managing-nepals-urban-transition|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Kathmandu Valley was hit by the [[April 2015 Nepal earthquake]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://drrportal.gov.np/|publisher=Government of Nepal|title=Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal|access-date=5 May 2015|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024022604/http://drrportal.gov.np/|url-status=live}}</ref> The earthquake caused thousands of deaths and the destruction of much infrastructure across the Kathmandu Valley, which includes the towns of [[Lalitpur, Nepal|Lalitpur]], [[Kirtipur]], [[Madhyapur Thimi]], [[Changunarayan]], and [[Bhaktapur]]. Kathmandu is also the largest city in the [[Himalayas|Himalayan hill region]].

== Etymology ==
Historically, the valley and adjoining areas made up a confederation known as the [[Nepal Mandala]]. Until the 15th century, [[Bhaktapur]] was its capital, when two other capitals, [[Kathmandu]] and [[Patan, Nepal|Lalitpur (Patan)]], were established.<ref>Slusser, M. (1982). ''Nepal Mandala: A Cultural Study of the Kathmandu Valley.'' Princeton University. {{ISBN|978-0-691-03128-6}}. Page vii.</ref><ref name="kashinath1">{{cite book |last1=Tamot |first1=Kashinath |title=नेपालमण्डल |year=2006 |publisher=Nepal Mandal Anusandhan Guthi |isbn=99946-987-5-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/NepalmandalKashinathTamot_201712/ |access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="kashinath2">{{cite book |last1=Tamot |first1=K. |title=नेपालमण्डल (नेपाली अनुवाद) |year=2006 |publisher=Nepal Mandal Anusandhan Guthi |isbn=99946-987-5-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/NepalmandalKashinathTamotNepaliTranslation |access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref> Until the 1960s, the Kathmandu Valley was known as the ''Nepala Valley'' or ''Nepa Valley''.<ref name="dambar">{{cite web |last1=Khatiwada |first1=D. |title='राजधानी प्रदेश' र 'नेवा राज्य' : केही भ्रमको खण्डन |url=https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2021/10/1024571 |website=Online Khabar |access-date=30 October 2021 |archive-date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030115000/https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2021/10/1024571 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="celestialadvice">{{cite web |title=Celestial Advice |url=https://www.lawcommission.gov.np/en/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/dibbaya-upadesh-of-prithivi-narayan-shah.pdf |website=Nepal Law Commission |access-date=9 November 2021 |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101044326/https://www.lawcommission.gov.np/en/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/dibbaya-upadesh-of-prithivi-narayan-shah.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1961 the valley was listed as ''Kathmandu District'', which began referring to the valley as Kathmandu Valley.<ref name="2013district">{{cite web |title=नेपालको जिल्ला प्रशासन पुनर्गठनको रिपोर्ट २०१३ |url=http://www.moga.gov.np/uploads/documentFiles/8277_9b6dca51899ce235fed73faa3278ea77_1488389319__.pdf |website=Ministry Federal Affairs & General Administration |publisher=Government of Nepal |access-date=30 October 2021 |archive-date=7 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907050855/http://moga.gov.np/uploads/documentFiles/8277_9b6dca51899ce235fed73faa3278ea77_1488389319__.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The term ''Nepa Valley'' is still used among [[Newar people]]<ref name="savenepavalley">{{cite web |title=Save Nepa Valley Movement Homepage |url=https://www.savenepavalley.org/index.html |website=Save Nepa Valley |access-date=30 October 2021 |archive-date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030115002/https://www.savenepavalley.org/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and local governments,<ref name="bktmun">{{cite book |title=भक्तपुर नगरपालिका स्थानीय पाठ्यक्रम २०७५ |date=2018 |publisher=Bhaktapur Municipality |location=Bhaktapur |page=9 |url=https://bhaktapurmun.gov.np/sites/bhaktapurmun.gov.np/files/documents/Pahichan_book_Class%206.pdf |access-date=9 November 2021 |archive-date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030115012/https://bhaktapurmun.gov.np/sites/bhaktapurmun.gov.np/files/documents/Pahichan_book_Class%206.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> while senior citizens still tend to refer to the valley as ''Nepal''.<ref name="dambar2">{{cite web |last1=Khatiwada |first1=Dambar |title='राजधानी प्रदेश' र 'नेवा राज्य' : केही भ्रमको खण्डन |url=https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2021/10/1024571 |website=Online Khabar |access-date=30 October 2021 |archive-date=30 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030115000/https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2021/10/1024571 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The term ''Swaniga'' ([[Newar language|Nepal Bhasa]]: 𑐳𑑂𑐰𑐣𑐶𑐐𑑅, स्वनिगः) is used to refer to ''three cities'' namely Yén (Kathmandu), Yala (Lalitpur) and Khwapa (Bhaktapur) <ref>Rajendra S. Khadka ''Travelers' Tales Nepal''</ref>

The Pahari name ''Kathmandu'' comes from a structure in the [[Kathmandu Durbar Square|Durbar Square]] called by the [[Sanskrit]] name ''Kāsṣtha mandapa'' "Wooden shelter". This [[Kasthamandap|unique temple]], also known as the ''Maru Sattal'', was built in 1596 by King Lakshmi Narasimha Malla. The entire structure contained no iron nails or supports and was made entirely from wood. Legend has it that the timber used for this two-story [[pagoda]] was obtained from a single tree.

== History ==
The Kathmandu Valley may have been inhabited as early as 300 BCE, since the oldest known objects in the valley date to a few hundred years BCE. The earliest known inscription is dated 185 CE. The oldest firmly dated building in the earthquake-prone valley is over 2,000 years old. Four [[stupa]]s around the city of Patan that are said to have been erected by [[Charumati]], a purported daughter of the [[Maurya Empire|Maurya]] emperor [[Ashoka]], in the third century BCE, attest to the ancient history present within the valley. As with the tales of the Buddha's visit, there is no evidence supporting Ashok's visit, but the stupas probably date to that century. The [[Licchavi (kingdom)|Licchavis]], whose earliest inscriptions date to 464, were the next rulers of the valley and had close ties with the [[Gupta Empire]] of India. The [[Malla (Nepal)|Mallas]] ruled the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding area from the 12th until the 18th century CE, when the [[Shah dynasty]] of the [[Gorkha Kingdom]] under [[Prithvi Narayan Shah]] conquered the valley as he created present-day Nepal. His victory in the [[Battle of Kirtipur]] was the beginning of his conquest of the valley.
[[File:Pashupatinathskc.JPG|thumb|[[Pashupatinath Temple]], dedicated to [[Pashupati]].]]

=== Newars ===
The [[Newars]] are the indigenous inhabitants and the creators of the historic civilization of the valley. Their language is today known as [[Newar language|Nepal Bhasa]].<ref name="von Furer-Haimendorf 1956">{{cite journal | last =von Furer-Haimendorf| first =Christoph| jstor = 2843991| title =Elements of Newar Social Structure| journal = Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute| publisher =Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland| year=1956| volume=86 | issue =2| pages =15–38| doi=10.2307/2843991}}</ref> They are understood to be the descendants of the various ethnic and racial groups that have inhabited and ruled the valley in the two-millennium history of the place. Scholars have also described the Newars as a [[nation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft6k4007rd&chunk.id=d0e550&toc.depth=1&toc.id=d0e550&brand=ucpress|title=Mesocosm|website=publishing.cdlib.org|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=26 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626111419/https://publishing.cdlib.org/ucpressebooks/view?docId=ft6k4007rd&chunk.id=d0e550&toc.depth=1&toc.id=d0e550&brand=ucpress|url-status=live}}</ref> They have developed a division of labour and a sophisticated urban civilization not seen elsewhere in the Himalayan foothills. They are known for their contributions to art, sculpture, architecture, culture, literature, music, industry, trade, agriculture and cuisine, and have left their mark on the art of Central Asia.

Newa architecture consists of the [[pagoda]], [[stupa]], [[shikhara]], [[chaitya]] and other styles. The valley's trademark is the multiple-roofed pagoda which may have originated in this area and spread to India, China, Indochina and Japan.<ref name="archive.org">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/areahandbookforn00amer|title=Area handbook for Nepal (with Sikkim and Bhutan)|first1=D. C. ) Foreign Areas Studies Division|last1=American University (Washington|last2=United States. Army|date=8 September 1964|publisher=Washington, For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off.|access-date=8 September 2018|via=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|isbn = 1-870838-76-9|title = Nepal: A Guide to the Art and Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley|last1 = Gellner|first1 = David N.|year = 1994}}</ref> The most famous artisan who influenced stylistic developments in China and Tibet was [[Araniko]], a Newar who traveled to the court of [[Kublai Khan]] in the 13th century AD.<ref name="archive.org" /> He is known for building the white stupa at the [[Miaoying Temple]] in [[Beijing]]. At present, people from other parts of Nepal tend to migrate to the valley for a better life due to its high level of cultural and economic development. Even with urbanization taking place, the Newars have sustained their culture in Kathmandu Valley.

== Mythology ==
[[File:Syambhunath Stupa.jpg|thumb|[[Swayambhunath|Swayamhbu Stupa]]]]
According to '''Swayambhu Puran''', the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake, deemed by scientists as [[Paleo Kathmandu Lake]]. The hill where the [[Swayambhunath|Swayambu Stupa]] rests had lotus plants with flowers in bloom. One story says that the God [[Manjusri]] cut a gorge at a valley called Kashapaal (later called Chobhar) with a sword called Chandrahrasha and drained away the waters in order to establish a habitable land.

According to Gopal Banshawali, [[Krishna]] cut the gorge with his [[Sudarshana Chakra]] to let the water out. He then handed the drained valley to the Gopal Vansi people, who were nomadic cow herders.

== Geography ==
[[File:Airport and himalaya.jpg|thumb|Mountain view from Kathmandu Valley]]
Kathmandu [[valley]] is bowl-shaped. Its central lower part stands at {{convert|1425|m}} above [[sea level]]. [[Kathmandu]] valley is surrounded by four mountain ranges: [[Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park|Shivapuri hills]] (at an elevation of {{convert|2732|m|disp=or}}), Phulchowki ({{convert|2762|m|disp=or}}), Nagarjun ({{convert|2128|m|disp=or}}), Champadevi ({{convert|2278|m|disp=or}}) and [[Chandragiri Hill, Nepal|Chandragiri]] ({{convert|2551|m|disp=or}}). The major river flowing through the Kathmandu Valley is the Bagmati River.
The valley is made up of the [[Kathmandu District]], [[Lalitpur District, Nepal|Lalitpur District]] and [[Bhaktapur District]] covering an area of {{convert|220|sqmi}}. The valley consists of the municipal areas of [[Kathmandu]], [[Patan, Nepal|Patan]], [[Bhaktapur]], [[Kirtipur]] and [[Madhyapur Thimi]]; the remaining area is made up of a number of [[Municipalities of Nepal|municipalities]] and [[Gaunpalika|rural municipalities]] (in Lalitpur district). The valley is a cultural and political hub of Nepal. The Kathmandu valley was accorded the status of a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]] in the year 1979.

== Notable areas ==
[[File:Desay madu jhya.jpg|thumb|[[Desay Madu Jhya (window)|Dese Maru Jhya]], the only window of its kind in the country]]
[[File:Kathmandu Durbar Square, Maju Dega 2, Nepal.jpg|thumb|Kathmandu Durbar Square]]
This is an incomplete alphabetical list of notable temples and monuments in Kathmandu Valley. Seven of these are designated as [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Sites]].<ref name=UNESCO />
*[[Bhaktapur District]]
**[[Balkumari temple, Bhaktapur|Balkumari temple]]
**[[Bhaktapur Durbar Square]] (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
**[[Changu Narayan]] Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
**[[Doleshwor Mahadeva Temple]]
**[[Kailashnath Mahadev Statue]]
**[[Pujarimath Museum]]
**[[Suryavinayak Temple]]
*[[Kathmandu District]]
**[[Akash Bhairav|Aakash Bhairav Temple]]
**[[Ashok Binayak Temple]]
**[[Adinath Lokeshwar|Aditnath Temple]]
**[[Manmaiju#Indryani|Ajima Temple]]
**[[Kirtipur#Bagh Bhairab|Bagh Bhairab Temple]]
**[[Bajrayogini Temple]]
**[[Boudhanath]] Stupa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
**[[Budhanilkantha Temple]]
**[[Chabahil#Chandra Binayak temple|Chandra Binayak Temple]]
**[[Chandragiri Hill (Nepal)|Chandragiri Hill]]
**[[Dakshinkali Temple]]
**[[Dharahara]]
**[[Garden of Dreams]]
**[[Ghanta Ghar (Kathmandu)|Ghanta Ghar]]
**[[Gokarneshwor Mahadev temple]]
**[[Guhyeshwari Temple]]
**[[Jal Binayak Temple]]
**[[Kasthamandap]]
**[[Kathmandu Durbar Square]] (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
**[[Kopan Monastery]]
**[[Narayanhiti Palace]]
**[[Pashupatinath Temple]] (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
**[[Ranipokhari|Ranipokhari Pond]]
**[[Ratna Park]]
**[[Seto Machindranath|Seto Machhendranath Temple]]
**[[Shiva Parvati Temple]]
**[[Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park]]
**[[Swayambhunath|Swayambhunath Stupa Complex]] (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
**[[Taleju Temple, Kathmandu|Taleju Temple]]
**[[Taragaon Museum]]
**[[Taudaha Lake]]
**[[Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, Nepal|Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery]]
*[[Lalitpur District, Nepal]]
**[[Balkumari temple]]
**[[Hiranya Varna Mahavihar|Hiranya Varna Mahavihar Temple]]
**[[Kumbheshwar temple complex|Kumbheshwar Temple Complex]]
**[[Mahabouddha Temple]]
**[[Nagdaha|Nagdaha lake]]
**[[Patan Durbar Square]] (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
**[[Rato Machchhindranath|Rato Macchindranath Temple]], [[Bungamati|Bungmati]]

== Present ==
[[File:Narayanhiti Palace Museum.jpg|thumb|Narayanhiti Palace Museum]]
This valley hosts a UNESCO World Heritage Site with seven preserved locations: the centers of the three primary cities, Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, [[Patan Durbar Square]] and [[Bhaktapur Durbar Square]], the two most important Buddhist stupas, [[Swayambhunath]] and [[Boudhanath]] and two famous Hindu shrines, [[Pashupatinath temple]] and [[Changu Narayan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.welcomenepal.com/|title=Places to see UNESCO World Heritage Sites|website=welcomenepal.com|access-date=6 August 2016|archive-date=10 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190910113144/https://www.welcomenepal.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2003, UNESCO listed the sites as being "endangered" out of concern for the ongoing loss of authenticity and the outstanding universal value of the cultural property. The endangered status was lifted in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Centre|first1=UNESCO World Heritage|title=UNESCO World Heritage Centre - State of Conservation (SOC 2003) Kathmandu Valley (Nepal)|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/2744|website=whc.unesco.org|access-date=2 October 2017|language=en|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003025711/http://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/2744|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the past, Tibetan Buddhist Masters including Marpa, Milarepa, Rwa Lotsava, Ras Chungpa, Dharma Swami, XIII Karmapa, XVI Karmapa and several others visited and travelled in the Kathmandu Valley. However, the largest group of Tibetans came in the 1960s. Many settled around the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupas. Many other famous Lamas known throughout the world have their Buddhist monasteries and centers in the Kathmandu Valley.<ref>[http://www.lumbini.org.uk/Tibetan_Buddhism_kathmandu.htm Observation on the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in the Kathmandu Valley:] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120040814/http://www.lumbini.org.uk/Tibetan_Buddhism_kathmandu.htm |date=20 November 2008 }}</ref>

The 1500-year history of funerary architecture in the valley provides some of the finest examples of stone architecture found in the subcontinent. A ''[[caitya]]'' is placed in almost all courtyards in cities like [[Patan, Nepal|Patan]].<ref>Gutschow, Niels (1997). ''The Nepalese Caitya: 1500 Years of Buddhist Votive Architecture in the Kathmandu Valley.'' {{ISBN|978-3-930698-75-2}}. Pages 30-31.</ref> [[Stone inscriptions in the Kathmandu Valley]] are important sources for the history of Nepal.

== Demographics ==
Kathmandu Valley has total population of 2,996,341.<ref>{{cite web|date=2011|title=Census Data|url=https://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/upLoads/2018/12/Volume05Part01.pdf|access-date=20 November 2020|archive-date=4 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204142935/https://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/upLoads/2018/12/Volume05Part01.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Kathmandu (National Capital Area)==
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Kathmandu (NCT)
| native_name = काठमाण्डौ (राष्ट्रिय राजधानी क्षेत्र)
| native_name_lang = 
| settlement_type = Proposed [[Territory]]
| image_skyline = Kathmandu215.png
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Kathmandu Valley (a separate territory)
| etymology =
| nickname =
| coordinates = 
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Nepal
| subdivision_type1 = [[Capital districts and territories|Capital Territory]]
| subdivision_name1 = Kathmandu
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_name2 =
| area_total_km2 = 902.61
| population_as_of = 2021
| population_total = 2,996,341<ref name="archive1"/>
| website = 
| official_name =
}}
It is proposed to [[Government of Nepal]] to develop Kathmandu valley as a separate national capital territory and not a part of [[Bagmati Province]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/voices-being-raised-for-integrated-development-of-kathmandu-valley/ |title=Call for integrated development of Kathmandu Valley |date=6 July 2016 |publisher=My Republica |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327085629/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/voices-being-raised-for-integrated-development-of-kathmandu-valley/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://emi-megacities.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/KathmanduValleyFramework.pdf |title=Road Map for Making Kathmandu Valley Development Concept Plan Risk Sensitive ... |date=29 May 2012 |publisher=UNDP, Nepal |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=22 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222235941/http://emi-megacities.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/KathmanduValleyFramework.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/valley-envisioned-as-national-capital-of-federal-nepal/ |title=Valley envisioned as national capital of federal Nepal |date=15 July 2015 |publisher=The Halayan |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327085637/https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/valley-envisioned-as-national-capital-of-federal-nepal/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Kathmandu Valley consists 3 Districts of Bagmati Province whose total population is 2,996,341 and total area is {{convert|933.73|km2}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! District !! Area !! Population ([[2021 Nepal census|2021]])<ref name="archive1"/>
|-
| [[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]] || {{convert|413.69|km2}}|| 2,017,532
|-
| [[Bhaktapur District|Bhaktapur]] || {{convert|123.12|km2}}|| 430,408
|-
| [[Lalitpur District, Nepal|Latipur]] || {{convert|396.92|km2}}|| 548,401
|-
!Kathmandu NCT || {{convert|933.73|km2}}|| 2,996,341
|}

=== Major cities ===
Cities and towns with 75,000+ population of Kathmandu valley as per [[2021 Nepal census]].<ref name="archive1"/>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Rank
!Name
!District
!Population ([[2021 Nepal census|2021]])
!Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
!Density (/km<sup>2</sup>)
|-
|1
|[[Kathmandu]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|845,767
|49.45<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kathmandu.gov.np/en |title=Kathmandu Metropolitan City | Government of Nepal |website=www.kathmandu.gov.np |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902184809/http://www.kathmandu.gov.np/en |archive-date=2 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{density|845,767|49.45}}
|-
|2
|[[Lalitpur, Nepal|Lalitpur]]
|[[Lalitpur District, Nepal|Lalitpur]]
|299,843
|36.12<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lalitpurmun.gov.np/en |title=Lalitpur Metropolitan City | Government of Nepal |website=lalitpurmun.gov.np |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902184943/http://lalitpurmun.gov.np/en |archive-date=2 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{density|299,843|36.12}}
|-
|3
|[[Budhanilkantha]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|179,688
|34.8<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.budhanilkanthamun.gov.np/en |title=Budhanilkantha Municipality Office | Government of Nepal |website=www.budhanilkanthamun.gov.np |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902225842/http://www.budhanilkanthamun.gov.np/en |archive-date=2 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{density|179,688|34.8}}
|-
|4
|[[Tarakeshwar]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|151,508
|54.95<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tarakeshwormun.gov.np/en |title=Tarakeshwor Municipality | Office of the Municipal Executive |website=www.tarakeshwormun.gov.np |access-date=22 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830110857/http://www.tarakeshwormun.gov.np/en |archive-date=30 August 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{density|151,508|54.95}}
|-
|5
|[[Gokarneshwar]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|151,200
|58.5<ref>{{cite web | url=http://gokarneshwormun.gov.np/en | title=Gokarneshwor Municipality | Municipality OfficeBagmati Pradesh, JorpatiKathmandu, Nepal | access-date=6 February 2022 | archive-date=10 September 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910072145/http://www.gokarneshwormun.gov.np/en | url-status=live }}</ref>
|{{density|151,200|58.5}}
|-
|6
|[[Suryabinayak Municipality|Suryabinayak]]
|[[Bhaktapur District|Bhaktapur]]
|137,971
|42.45
|{{density|137,971|42.45}}
|-
|7
|[[Chandragiri Municipality|Chandragiri]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|136,928
|43.9
|{{density|136,928|43.9}}
|-
|8
|[[Tokha]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|135,741
|17.11
|{{density|135,741|17.11}}
|-
|9
|[[Kageshwari-Manohara]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|133,327
|27.38
|{{density|133,327|27.38}}
|-
|10
|[[Madhyapur Thimi]]
|[[Bhaktapur District|Bhaktapur]]
|119,955
|11.47
|{{density|119,955|11.47}}
|-
|11
|[[Mahalaxmi, Lalitapur|Mahalaxmi]]
|[[Lalitpur District, Nepal|Lalitpur]]
|118,710
|26.51
|{{density|118,710|26.51}}
|-
|12
|[[Nagarjun Municipality|Nagarjun]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|115,507
|29.85
|{{density|115,507|29.85}}
|-
|13
|[[Godawari, Lalitpur|Godawari]]
|[[Lalitpur District, Nepal|Lalitpur]]
|100,972
|96.11
|{{density|100,972|96.11}}
|-
|14
|[[Changunarayan]]
|[[Bhaktapur District|Bhaktapur]]
|88,612
|62.98
|{{density|88,612|62.98}}
|-
|15
|[[Kirtipur]]
|[[Kathmandu District|Kathmandu]]
|81,782
|14.76
|{{density|81,782|14.76}}
|-
|16
|[[Bhaktapur]]
|[[Bhaktapur District|Bhaktapur]]
|78,854
|6.89
|{{density|78,854|6.89}}
|}

====Minor cities and villages====
*[[Dakshinkali|Dakshinkali Municipality]]
*[[Shankharapur|Shankharapur Municipality]]
*[[Konjyoson Rural Municipality]]
*[[Bagmati, Lalitpur|Bagmati Rural Municipality]]
*[[Mahankal Rural Municipality]]

== See also ==
{{Portal|Nepal|Geography}}
*[[Culture of Nepal]]
*[[Dolakha Newar Language]]
*[[Battle of Kirtipur]]
*[[Battle of Kathmandu]]
*[[Battle of Lalitpur]]

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
* [https://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=121 UNESCO – Kathmandu Valley]
* [https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/121bis.pdf UNESCO Advisory Board Evaluation]
* [http://www.reise-photografie.de/nepal.htm Images from Kathmandu Valley]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150404022718/http://www.panoramagalerie.at/index.php/Kategorie:Nepal 360° panorama images of Kathmandu valley]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131030081803/http://www.fudomouth.net/intertext/ap_subcontinent01.htm Under the Spell of Ancient Deities]: writer Austin Pick recounts adventures traveling in the Kathmandu Valley
* [http://russmus.net/song/609 Lyrics of the song "Kathmandu" by a Russian band]

{{Kathmandu District}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Valleys of Nepal]]
[[Category:Geography of Kathmandu]]
[[Category:Kathmandu District]]
[[Category:Metropolitan areas of Nepal]]
[[Category:Newar]]
[[Category:Geography of Bagmati Province]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Nepal]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Danger]]
[[Category:Cultural heritage of Nepal]]
[[Category:1979 in Nepal]]

Kathmandu Valley - Revision history

Ajay Kumar at 15:08, 28 August 2023