The History of Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley is a bowl-shaped valley located in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. It is the most developed and the largest urban agglomeration in Nepal with about 5 million population. It has a rich cultural heritage that includes seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan. The Kathmandu Valley is also known as the Nepal Valley or Nepal Valley, and it was the historical center of the Nepal Mandala, a confederation of city-states ruled by the Malla kings from the 12th to the 18th centuries. The Kathmandu Valley is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience its unique architecture, festivals, and crafts. The climate in Kathmandu Valley is mild, warm, and temperate, with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The average annual temperature is 16.1 °C2, and the average annual rainfall is about 2812 mm. The hottest month is June, with an average temperature of 77 °F, and the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 52 °F. The wettest month is July, with an average rainfall of 11.83 inches, and the windiest month is April, with an average wind speed of 4 mph. The Kathmandu Valley has a subtropical monsoon climate, which means that it has a dry season from October to May and a rainy season from June to September. The monsoon brings heavy rains and thunderstorms, which can cause landslides and floods. The dry season is sunny and pleasant, but can also be cold and foggy in the mornings and evenings. The best time to visit Kathmandu Valley depends on your preferences and interests. Some people may enjoy the lush greenery and the festivals of the monsoon season, while others may prefer the clear skies and the mountain views of the dry season. Generally speaking, the most popular and comfortable times to visit Kathmandu Valley are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) when the weather is mild, the air is clear, and the flowers are blooming. These are also the peak seasons for trekking and sightseeing in Nepal, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, you can also visit Kathmandu Valley in winter (December to February) or summer (June to September), but you should be prepared for some challenges. Winter can be very cold and foggy, especially at night, and some places may be closed or inaccessible due to snow. Summer can be very hot and humid, and the monsoon rains can cause delays, cancellations, and hazards. However, these seasons also have their charms, such as the snow-capped mountains in winter and the vibrant festivals in summer.

The History of Kathmandu Valley

The history of Kathmandu Valley is very ancient and complex. It dates back to prehistoric times when it was a lake that was drained by a Buddhist saint named Manjushree. The valley became a fertile land where people settled and cultivated crops. The valley was also a crossroads of ancient civilizations of India and Asia and witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties and kingdoms. Some of the major historical periods of Kathmandu Valley are:

The Kirat period (700 BC - 300 AD): This was the first recorded period of Kathmandu Valley when it was ruled by a series of 29 Kirat kings, who were said to be of Tibeto-Burman origin. The Kirats introduced Buddhism to the valley and built many stupas and temples. They also developed trade and commerce with neighboring regions.

The Licchavi period (300 - 750 AD): This was the golden age of Kathmandu Valley when it was ruled by the Licchavi dynasty, who were of Indo-Aryan origin. The Licchavis introduced Hinduism to the valley and built many monuments and sculptures that are still admired today. They also established diplomatic relations with China and India and promoted art, literature, and culture.

The Malla period (1200 - 1769 AD): This was another prosperous period of Kathmandu Valley when it was ruled by the Malla dynasty, who were also of Indo-Aryan origin. The Mallas divided the valley into three city-states: Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, each with its own king and administration. The Mallas built many palaces, temples, courtyards, and squares that are now part of the World Heritage Sites. They also developed a unique Newari culture that blended Hinduism and Buddhism.

The Shah period (1769 - 2008 AD): This was the period when Kathmandu Valley was unified under the rule of the Shah dynasty, who were of Rajput origin. The Shahs conquered the valley from the Mallas in 1769 and made it the capital of their kingdom of Nepal. The Shahs expanded their territory to include most of present-day Nepal and parts of India and China. They also faced many challenges from internal rebellions, external invasions, and political upheavals.

The modern period (2008 - present): This is the current period of Kathmandu Valley when it is part of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, which was established in 2008 after a decade-long civil war between the monarchy and the Maoist rebels. The valley is now a metropolitan area with about 5 million population and a hub of economic, political, social, and cultural activities. The valley is also facing many problems such as urbanization, pollution, congestion, poverty, and natural disasters.

Festivals in Kathmandu Valley

There are many festivals in Kathmandu Valley, as it is a place of rich cultural diversity and heritage. Some of the popular festivals are:

Indra Jatra: This is the biggest religious street festival in Kathmandu, celebrated in August or September for eight days. It honors Indra, the king of heaven and god of rain, and his mother Dagini. It also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of harvest season. The festival features a chariot procession of Kumari, the living goddess, masked dances of deities and demons, and displays of sacred images and relics.

Bisket Jatra: This is one of the major festivals celebrated in Bhaktapur, a city in Kathmandu Valley, in April. It commemorates the victory of the gods over a pair of serpents that caused the death of a king and his bride. The festival involves a tug-of-war between the eastern and western parts of the city over a huge wooden chariot carrying a god named Bhairab. The festival also includes erecting a tall pole with banners representing snakes and later pulling it down to symbolize the end of the old year and the start of the new one.

Rato Machindranath Jatra: This is a chariot procession honoring Rato Machindranath, a form of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, held in Lalitpur, another city in Kathmandu Valley, in September. It is believed that Rato Machindranath brought rain to the valley when it was suffering from drought. The festival involves pulling a large wooden chariot through various parts of the city for several weeks until it reaches a place called Jawalakhel, where a sacred vest is displayed to the public.