Kathmandu: Gateway to the Himalayas

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alavida]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?ठिकै छ। तिमी त?
  [thikai cha. timi ta?]
• Do you speak English?तिमी अंग्रेजी बोल्नु हुन्छ?
  [timi angreji bolnu huncha?]
• I don't understandमलाई सम्झिन्छैन
  [malai samjhinchhaina]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya menu hernu chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम भांसा खाँदिन
  [ma bhansa khandina]
• Cheers!भिन्देश!
  [bhindesh!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया म भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya ma bhuktani garnu chahanchu]

• Help!मद्दत गर्नुहोस्!
  [maddat garnuhos!]
• Go away!हट्नुहोस्!
  [hatnuhos!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्!
  [praharilai phone garnuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई फोन गर्नुहोस्!
  [daktarlai phone garnuhos!]
• I'm lostम गुम्भिएको छु
  [ma gumbhieko chu]
• I'm illमलाई बिमारी छ
  [malai bimari cha]

• I'd like to buy...म खरिद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kharid garnu chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम फेरि हेर्न आएको छु
  [ma feri hernu aeko chu]
• How much is it?यसको मुल्य कति हो?
  [yasko mulya kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [yo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मुल्य कम गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [ke tapailai mulya kam garnu hunncha?]

• What time is it?कति बज्यो?
  [kati bajyo?]
• It's one o'clockएक बज्यो
  [ek bajyo]
• Half past (10)दसबज्योको आधा
  [dasbajyoko aadha]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sanh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [pach]
• 6छ
  [chh]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ छ...?
  [kaha cha...?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तिमी मलाई देखाउन सक्छौ (नक्सामा)?
  [ke timi malai dekhaun sakchau (naksama)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को कति बज्यो (बस)?
  [arko kati bajyo (bas)?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (....सम्म)
  [ek ticket (....samma)]

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has a history that dates back over 2,000 years. Originally known as 'Kantipur', the city was founded by the Licchavi kingdom in the 3rd century. The oldest known inscription in the Kathmandu Valley dates back to 185 CE during the reign of King Mānadeva I, reflecting the rich and ancient lineage of the region.

The Malla Dynasty, which ruled from the 12th to the 18th century, is often referred to as the 'Golden Age' of Kathmandu. During this period, the valley saw an explosion of art, architecture, and culture. The famed Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur were built and the city flourished as a center of trade and religious activity. Intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and stunning temples like Kasthamandap and Swayambhunath were created during this era.

In the mid-18th century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha embarked on a mission to unify the small kingdoms scattered across Nepal. In 1768, he successfully captured Kathmandu, making it the capital of the newly unified Nepal. This unification marked the beginning of the modern state of Nepal and established Kathmandu as the political and cultural heart of the country.

The Rana regime, which began in 1846 and lasted until 1951, saw significant changes in Kathmandu. The period was marked by the construction of grand palaces and the introduction of Western architectural styles. Despite the autocratic rule, the Ranas contributed to the modernization of the city by establishing schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure. Landmarks like Singha Durbar and the Kaiser Mahal were built during this time.

The end of the Rana era in 1951 ushered in a new democratic phase for Kathmandu and Nepal. The establishment of a constitutional monarchy brought political reforms and the city began to witness a surge in political activism. Subsequent decades saw various political shifts, including the People's Movement of 1990 which led to the establishment of a multiparty democracy. The monarchy was eventually abolished in 2008, making Nepal a federal democratic republic with Kathmandu as its capital.

Kathmandu is a melting pot of cultures and religions. It is home to a diverse population, including Newars, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the valley, as well as other ethnic groups from across Nepal. The city is also a significant religious center for both Hindus and Buddhists. Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, are located in Kathmandu, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

Kathmandu boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. However, the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015, caused significant damage to many of these historical structures. The earthquake not only affected the physical landscape but also left a lasting impact on the city's cultural heritage. Efforts for restoration and rebuilding have been ongoing, reflecting the resilience and spirit of the people of Kathmandu.

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the main gateway to Nepal and is located near the heart of Kathmandu. It has direct flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Once you arrive at TIA, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport transfers to your accommodation. Domestic flights are also available if you're exploring other regions of Nepal.

Kathmandu has various transportation options including taxis, buses, and rickshaws. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps. Buses and microbuses provide an affordable way to travel but can be crowded and confusing for first-timers. Rickshaws are ideal for short distances and offer a unique way to experience the city. Renting a motorbike or bicycle is another option for those comfortable navigating the busy streets.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases and in areas where card payments aren't accepted. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, hotels, and various exchange counters across the city.

Kathmandu is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas like Thamel and Durbar Square are popular among tourists and tend to be safer, but also be mindful of scams. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals like Norvic International Hospital and Patan Hospital are equipped to handle emergencies. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and be mindful of local practices. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do use 'Namaste' with a slight bow of the head to greet people respectfully. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't use your left hand for eating or passing food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kathmandu like a local, visit the Ason Bazaar and Thamel for shopping and local cuisine. Engage with locals; they are generally friendly and willing to share stories and tips. Don't miss the morning rituals at Pashupatinath Temple and the evening prayers at Boudhanath Stupa. For a unique experience, take a walk through the old streets of Patan and Bhaktapur to explore traditional Newari architecture and culture.