Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a city of 450,000 in a valley by the same name in central Nepal, near the Vishumati River.

The old city is noted for its Buddhist temples and palaces, most dating from the 17th century. Many of these landmarks have been damaged by earthquakes and pollution. Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are in this valley.

Kathmandu has been popular with western tourists since the 1960s when it became a key stop on the hippie trail.