Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountains. At the heart of its ancient, mazelike alleys lies Durbar Square, which comes alive during Indra Jatra, a vibrant religious festival marked by masked dances and processions. Many of Kathmandu’s historic landmarks suffered significant damage during the 2015 earthquake; however, restoration efforts are ongoing, including the reconstruction of Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the Kasthamandap, a centuries-old wooden Hindu temple. Founded by Manjushri, this bustling city today covers an area of about 50.67 km², sits at an elevation of 1,355 meters, and is home to approximately 862,400 people (as of 2021). Key neighborhoods include Maharajgunj and Sarbochcha Adalat, among others. Kathmandu’s area code is 01, and it serves as the administrative center of Kathmandu District.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Nepal |
| City Name | Kathmandu |
| Status | Capital city of Nepal |
| Founded by | Manjushri |
| Area | 50.67 km² |
| Elevation | 1,355 meters (4,446 feet) |
| Population (2021) | 862,400 (United Nations) |
| District | Kathmandu District |
| Area Code | 01 |
| Major Neighborhoods | Maharajgunj, Sarbochcha Adalat, others |
| Notable Landmark | Durbar Square |
| Famous Festival | Indra Jatra (masked dances & processions) |
| Historic Sites under Restoration | Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kasthamandap Temple |
| Surroundings | Valley encircled by the Himalayan mountains |
