Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley

Situated between India and Tibet on the southern slopes of the world-famous Himalayas at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Kathmandu Valley is the heart of Nepal. The Bagmati River and its tributaries run through the valley, spanning 32 kilometers east-west and 25 kilometers north-south. As a convergence point of splendid Asian cultures, the valley is home to seven groups of Hindu and Buddhist architectural complexes, as well as royal palaces and residential quarters in the three cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur — all masterpieces of Nepalese art.

The 130 structures within these complexes include pilgrimage centers, temples, shrines, bathing sites for pilgrims, and parks. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the World Heritage Committee describing it as: “At the crossroads of great Asian cultures, seven Hindu and Buddhist memorial monuments are located in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, along with three royal palaces and residential areas — all testifying to the exceptional artistic achievements of the Nepalese people. Among the 130 monuments are pilgrimage centers, temples, shrines, bathing sites, and parks — all created by religious communities.”