Culture of nepal

The history of the valley begins with the Buddhist Saint Manjushree who slashed a passage through the surrounding hills to drain out the primordial waters and make it inhabitable. over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism. Dynasties came and went. Trade and the arts flourished. Its deeply-religious Newar inhabitants built fabulouscities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as rampaging invaders. In the late 18th century, following the founding of modern Nepal within more and less the present boundaries, Kathmandu was made the capital.

The Kathmandu valley,the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is the first stop for the majority of visitors to the country. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities :- Kathmandu {local name: Yen}; Patan{Yela}; Bhaktapur{Khwopa}. Each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick-paved courtyards and quaint streets. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the valley.

Durbar Square:This complex of places, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be seat of the ancient malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th-century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writing in 15 languages. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.

Swayambhu Stupa watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake.Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is listed as a World Heritage Site.Entrance fee Rs.50. The National Musum and the Museum of Natural History are situated at the foot of the hill.

Balaju consist of a sprawaling garden of stone water spouts, religious shrines, fish ponds, and a replica of the statue of Budhanilkhantha. Situated below Nagarjun hill about 3 km northwest of the city center, Balaju is known for its bank of 22 stone water spouts(hiti) carved in the shape of sea-dragons. Devotees take ritual baths under the gush of water. Balaju is also known as Lhuti.