Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in Nepal and is located in the Kathmandu Valley, which also accommodates two other cities - Patan and Bhaktapur.

The city of Kathmandu itself is named after a structure in Durbar Square called Kaasthamandap, which in Sanskrit, means covered shelter.

The old portion of the city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, many of which date back to the 17th century.

Unfortunately, many of these beautiful landmarks have been damaged by earthquakes and pollution, but they still maintain their intrinsic majesty and presence.

There are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the valley composed of seven different monument zones: Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the two most important Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and two famous Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath temple and Changu Narayan.

Flight offers are aplenty this season, so tourists should find flights online and book that last minute holiday before they are all snapped up this season.

Traditions and culture in Kathmandu

The population of Kathmandu and Nepal in general mainly consists of descendants of Tibeto-Burman migrants from the north and Indo-Aryans from the south. This vibrant ethnic mix and Nepal's closeness to India and China have led to an interesting cultural landscape.

Kathmandu has inherited several customs and cultural practices from China and Tibet as well as significant influencs from India, its neighbour to the south.

Dance and music traditions in Kathmandu originate from India but are slightly different in terms of style and costume. Accompanying music revolves around topics such as harvesting crops, marriage rites and war stories.

Typical staple foods include dal-bhat, which is lentil soup and cooked rice and tarkari, (vegetable curry). Popular midday snacks eaten between meals include chura (beaten rice) and occasionally, meat, egg and fish preparations.

Recommended in Kathmandu

The Ashok Binayak is a small golden monument located in the old part of town. Also known as the the Maru Ganesh Shrine, it is one of the four most important Ganesh shrines in the valley.

Located at Durbar Square is the stunning Gaddhi Baithak Palace, a white neoclassical building which is said to have been modelled on London's National Gallery.

Weather in Kathmandu

There are four main types of weather in Kathmandu: hot and muggy, hot and rainy, balmy and clear and chilly. From October to November and from March to April, temperatures are warm but not too hot.

November to February is clear and dry but often cold - especially at night. Between May and June, the weather is incredibly hot until the monsoon rains arrive with some much-welcome respite from the oppressive heat.

Destination checklist

Kathmandu has a population of around 700,000 people.

The official currency is the Nepalese rupee.

Nepali is the official language spoken.

The international dialling code for Kathmandu is +977.