Interesting facts on Kathmandu

A popular destination for tourists, Kathmandu has many interesting places to explore. There are World Heritage Sites, local markets, traditional restaurants and much more. Before going off to other spots in Nepal, tourists first visit Kathmandu. Although it is a modern city, ancient history is a major part of its identity.

An earthquake in 2015 jolted the city and destroyed many ancient structures in it and the ruins are still visible. But Kathmandu quickly gained back spirit and today it is just as lively and interesting as it has always been.

It is not far from Bangladesh which is why people from here often visit Kathmandu. Following is a list of interesting facts on the ancient city: 

It is home to multiple World Heritage Sites

Kathmandu has multiple World Heritage Sites and each of them is uniquely beautiful. Out of the 10 World Heritage Sites in Nepal, seven is situated in Kathmandu alone.

It may have been a lake

Some myths and some geological facts point towards Kathmandu being a lake full of lotuses before it turned into a city.

It has a freak street!

There is a street in Kathmandu known as "Freak Street" because a large number of hippies used to live there in the 60s and 70s.

It is the city of temples

Kathmandu is also known as the city of temples because of its many ancient pagodas and stupas. There is Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudha Stupa, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar square.

It was once called the 'city of glory'

Kathmandu used to be known as Kantipur, which means the "city of glory".

It never had foreign invasion

Kathmandu was never invaded by foreigners, something the Nepalese are proud to declare.