"Kathmandu" a Kathmandu Travel Page by GopalBasyal

Kathmandu (Nepali: काठमाडौं, काठमान्डु, Nepal Bhasa: येँ) is the capital and the largest city of Nepal. The city is situated in Kathmandu Valley that also contains two other cities - Patan and Bhaktapur. Nepali is the lingua franca of the valley and is the most widely spoken language. The city stands at an elevation of approximately 4,500 ft and is inhabited by about 700,000 people. Kathmandu is the most developed city in Nepal.

The city is located in northwestern part of Kathmandu valley. The Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. It is situated at 1336m above the sea level. Bagmati, Bishnumati, Dhobikhola, and Tukucha rivers wind through the city.

The city of Kathmandu is named after a structure in Durbar Square called Kaasthamandap. In Sanskrit, Kaasth (काष्ठ) = "wood" and Mandap (मंडप/मण्डप) = "covered shelter." This unique temple, also known as Maru Sattal, was built in 1596 A.D. by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. The entire structure contains no iron nails or supports and is made entirely from wood. Legend has it that the timber used for this two story pagoda was obtained from a single tree.

Kathmandu is also sometimes called "Kantipur". Newars, the native people of the Kathmandu valley use the original term from Nepal Bhasa, Yne.

(source : WIKI)