Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley comprises the three ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, which were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings from the 12th to the 18th centuries. The three cities house has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Culture). The valley is also the home to hundreds of other exquisite monuments, sculptures, artistic temples and magnificent art – reminders of the golden era in Nepal’s architecture.The history shape Kathmandu as a huge lake surrounded by Verdant Mountain until one fine day, saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva, raised a mighty sword and in one fell swoop, cut open the side of a mountain at a place now known as Chobar. The water in the lake was then all gone living behind a fertile land which turned into a valley with large urban settlement. The Gopala and Kirati dynasties were the earliest rulers here followed by the Licchavi (300-879 A.D.), under who flourished trade and crafts. But the valley’s remarkable cities with their the superbly crafted pagodas and the monumental stupas are testimony of the artistic genius of the Newar craftsmen who were the original inhabitants of the valley, whose skills were championed by the Malla kings and appreciated even by the Mongol rulers of 18th century China.

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