Kathmandu History

the best part of patan is the museum in the square. you have to pay a fee to enter the historic square (a couple of dollars) and then you can pay for entrance to the museum (another few dollars). it is totally worth it though; this is one of the best museums i've seen. in an old historic building, well laid out, lots of information and pretty to boot. they explain the history of buddhism and hinduism in nepal, as well as how to understand the different poses of gods. nice cafe too.

The mythical melds with the modern. Kathmandu is really two cities: a fabled capital of convivial pilgrims and carved rose-brick temples, and a frenetic sprawl of modern towers, mobbed by beggars and monkeys and smothered in diesel fumes. It simultaneously reeks of history and the encroaching wear and tear of the modern world. Travel Warning: Political Instability - Anti-China Protests - General Security Travellers to Kathmandu are advised to exercise caution and steer clear of any large public gatherings. Just three weeks after the abolition of Nepal's monarchy, there is still no official head of State, the government is consumed by infighting, and there is increasing consumer anger over rising fuel costs. Following recent riots and demonstrations in Tibet, Tibetan exiles in Kathmandu staged three protests in one week. Nepalese authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance attitude towards the protesters. Although the Maoist insurgency has ended, travellers should monitor the situation and keep abreast of warnings. severity: Mid-level alert When I travel 20 years ago was a beaufitul and peaceful place save to travel. How everything change. Mystical and beauty. Another favorite place.

Patan (Lalitpur) is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty and later expanded during Lichhavis period. It possesses a history of further expansion by the Mallas during the medieval period.There are many legends after its name. The most popular one is the legend of the God Rato Machhindranath, who was brought to the valley from Kamaru Kamachhya, located in Assam, India, by a team of three people representing three kingdoms of the valley. One of them is   called Lalit, a farmer who carried God Rato Machhindranath to the valley all the way from Assam, India. The purpose of bringing the God Rato Machhindranath to the valley was to overcome the worst drought in the valley.  There was strong belief that the God Rato Machhindranath would make rain in the valley. It was Lalit's effort that the God Rato Machhindranath was settled in Lalitpur.  Many believe that the name of the town is kept after his name  Lalit  and  Pur  means township in Nepal.

Kathmandu is a typical 3rd world city. There is the busy tourist and backpackers that are packed with locals trying to give tours and sell you souvenirs. Thamel is were most budget backpackers call home there are lots of accommodations ranging from 200 rupees beds to nicer mid range hotels. If you can get over the poverty and constant horns of the motorcycles there is a lot of history in the Kathmandu Valley. If your short on time make it to Dunbar Square were you can get a good sense of the architecture and culture. Kathmandu is the take off point for all treks into the Himalayas, so there are hundreds of Trekking Company's and outdoor shops. If you have a week or more of spare time head to the hills and enjoys life at a slower pace. After a week I fell in love with Kathmandu, the people of Nepal are very nice and the sites are amazing. If you are heading threw please take a few days to enjoy this amazing city.

Just to clarify things, since there are several towns with this name, I'm talking about Patan Lalitpur, on of the major cities in Nepal. The place would take weeks to be fully appreciated as it's rich in culture, art and history. Patan is renowned as a very artistic city. Most of the Nepalese art of any form is devoted to Gods, and there are an abundance of temples and vihara in the city. Notable places of interest (the basics that I recommend too visit) include : Patan Durbar Square : The residence of the Malla rulers of the then Patan state which is now converted into a museum. Hiranya Varna Mahaa Vihar : A Buddhist temple known locally as Golden temple Rudra Varna Mahavihar Mahaboudha Temple Banglamukhi temple : A Hindu temple Kumbeshwor temple : One of the two five-story pagoda temples of the valley If you can, spend at least a week there to fully absorb the local culture and outlook in life, which is rather interesting...