Kathmandu

| Attribute | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Official Name | Kathmandu Metropolitan City (Kathmandu District) | | Common Name | Kathmandu | | Native Name(s) | काठमाडौं (Nepali), यें (Nepal Bhasa) | | Nicknames | City of Temples, K-Town | | Motto | _Data not readily available for this location._ | | Geographic Level | District / Metropolitan City | | Country | Nepal | | State/Province | Bagmati Province | | Capital | Kathmandu (National Capital) | | Government Type | Federal Democratic Republic (Local Municipal Government) | | Date Founded | c. 2nd Century AD (Founded as a city in 723 AD) | | Time Zone | Nepal Standard Time (UTC+05:45) | | Latitude | 27.7172° N | | Longitude | 85.3240° E | | Elevation | ~1,400 meters (4,600 feet) | | Total Area | 413.69 km² (District), 49.45 km² (City) | | Population | ~2,041,587 (District, 2021 Census), ~845,767 (City) | | Population Density | ~4,935/km² (District), ~17,000/km² (City) | | ZIP/Postal Codes | 44600, 44601, 44602, etc. | | Area Codes | 01 | | Official Languages | Nepali (Nepal Bhasa / Newari is also heavily prevalent) | | Currency | Nepalese Rupee (NPR) | | Demonym | Kathmanduite |

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, serving as the cultural, political, and economic heart of the country. Situated in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of approximately 1,400 meters, the city is a mesmerizing blend of ancient traditions and rapid modern development. For centuries, it has stood at the crossroads of trans-Himalayan trade, fostering a unique architectural and cultural heritage that remains deeply integrated into the daily lives of its residents.

The city is universally renowned for its extraordinary concentration of religious sites, earning it the moniker "City of Temples." Seven UNESCO World Heritage monument zones are located within the Kathmandu Valley, including the iconic Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), the sacred Hindu complex of Pashupatinath, the colossal Boudhanath Stupa, and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. These sites reflect a deep, syncretic blend of Hinduism and Buddhism that defines the local spiritual landscape.

Today, Kathmandu is a bustling, densely populated metropolis navigating the challenges of urbanization while preserving its historical soul. It is the gateway to the Nepal Himalayas, making it an essential hub for international tourism, mountaineering, and regional diplomacy. The city's lively streets, vibrant festivals, and resilient community make it one of South Asia's most captivating urban centers.

Kathmandu's history is deeply intertwined with the mythology and early civilizations of the Kathmandu Valley. According to local legend, the valley was once a massive lake that was drained by the Buddhist patriarch Manjushri, who cleaved a gorge in the surrounding hills with his flaming sword. Archaeologically, the region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with the Kirat dynasty being the first documented rulers around the 7th century BC, followed by the Licchavi era (c. 400–750 AD), which ushered in a golden age of art and architecture.

The Malla period, beginning in the 12th century, heavily shaped the cultural and architectural identity of the city. The indigenous Newar people thrived during this time, building the elaborate pagoda-style temples, intricate wood carvings, and monumental public squares (Durbar Squares) that exist today. By the 15th century, the valley was divided into three rival but interconnected kingdoms: Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

In 1768, Prithvi Narayan Shah, the ruler of the Gorkha Kingdom, conquered the valley following the Battle of Kirtipur and established Kathmandu as the capital of his newly unified Kingdom of Nepal. The city remained under the rule of the Shah dynasty—and later the powerful Rana prime ministers who built grand, neoclassical palaces across the city—until the democratization movements of the mid-20th century. Modern history has seen Kathmandu transition from a royal capital to the seat of a federal democratic republic in 2008. The city also notably endured and is steadily recovering from the devastating April 2015 earthquake, which caused significant damage to its historic sites and infrastructure.

Kathmandu is located in the northwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley, a massive topographical bowl in central Nepal. The valley covers an area of roughly 600 square kilometers and is completely encircled by four major mountain ranges: the Shivapuri hills to the north, Phulchowki to the south, Nagarjun to the west, and Chandragiri to the southwest. This geographic isolation historically protected the city from invasions and heavily influenced its distinct cultural evolution.

The region's physical geography is characterized by its terraced slopes and complex river systems. The Bagmati River is the most significant waterway in the valley, running southward and serving deeply important religious and ecological functions. Its tributaries, including the Bishnumati, Dhobi Khola, and Tukucha Khola, weave through the urban grid. The soil in the valley, formed by the bed of an ancient lake, is highly fertile, though urban sprawl has significantly reduced agricultural lands.

The topography of Kathmandu is defined by its relatively flat valley floor sitting at an elevation of roughly 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level. This central plain is interrupted by gentle rolling hills and steep river gorges.

The lowest point in the valley is the Chobhar Gorge (around 1,140 meters), where the Bagmati River exits the basin. The highest points are the peaks of the surrounding hills, with Phulchowki reaching approximately 2,782 meters (9,127 feet). The city itself is built upon ancient lake deposits composed of thick layers of clay and sand, which heavily influenced the local architecture—historically reliant on fired clay bricks—while also making the area uniquely susceptible to soil liquefaction during seismic events.

Kathmandu features a humid subtropical climate with dry winters (Köppen climate classification: Cwa). The city experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer (monsoon), autumn, and winter. Average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in January to 24°C (75°F) in July, with daytime highs in the summer often reaching 30°C (86°F).

The summer monsoon season, lasting from June to September, brings the vast majority of the city's annual rainfall (averaging about 1,400 mm to 1,500 mm annually). During this time, high humidity and frequent heavy downpours are common. Winter (December to February) brings cool, clear days with cold nights, often dropping close to freezing, though snow in the city itself is extremely rare.

The best times to visit Kathmandu are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when skies are generally clear, temperatures are comfortable, and visibility of the surrounding Himalayan peaks is at its best. Natural disasters of primary concern are earthquakes, due to the city's location on major tectonic fault lines, as well as localized flooding during the monsoon.

Kathmandu is the most populous city and district in Nepal. According to the 2021 Nepal Census, the Kathmandu District has a population of approximately 2,041,587, with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City accounting for about 845,767 residents. The city acts as a magnet for internal migration, drawing people from all over Nepal seeking education, employment, and better infrastructure, resulting in a rapidly growing and incredibly diverse population.

Demographically, Kathmandu is a melting pot. The indigenous Newar community remains a vital cultural force, alongside large populations of Khas-Arya (Bahun and Chhetri), Tamang, Magar, Gurung, and Kirat peoples. Hinduism is the dominant religion, practiced by roughly 80% of the population, followed by a significant Buddhist minority (about 10-15%), as well as Muslim and Christian communities. Nepali is the lingua franca and the official language, but Nepal Bhasa (Newari) is widely spoken among the indigenous population, and English is highly prevalent in business, tourism, and education sectors.

Kathmandu is governed as a Metropolitan City, representing the highest tier of local municipal government in Nepal. The municipal government is headed by a Mayor, who serves as the chief executive, alongside a Deputy Mayor and a municipal assembly. The city is administratively divided into 32 wards, each represented by a Ward Chairperson and committee members elected by the public every five years.

As the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu also houses the federal government. It is the seat of the President, the Prime Minister's office (Singha Durbar), the Federal Parliament of Nepal, and the Supreme Court. The city is heavily represented in the federal legislature, with Kathmandu District being divided into 10 parliamentary constituencies. Public services, such as waste management, local road maintenance, and urban planning, fall under the jurisdiction of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City office, which constantly battles the logistical hurdles of high population density.

Kathmandu is the economic engine of Nepal, contributing roughly a third of the national GDP. Its economy is largely driven by the tertiary sector, with trade, commerce, and tourism playing outsized roles. As the country's primary point of entry for international visitors, the city is a major hub for travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, and expedition outfitters.

The city serves as the corporate and financial center of the nation, housing the headquarters of the central bank (Nepal Rastra Bank), all major commercial banks, the Nepal Stock Exchange, and the primary offices of national and multinational corporations. Cost of living in Kathmandu is the highest in Nepal, driven by steep real estate prices and the cost of imported goods. Additionally, the local economy benefits substantially from internal remittance, as funds earned by Nepalis working abroad frequently flow through the capital before reaching rural districts.

• Tourism and Hospitality: The cornerstone of Kathmandu's economy, supporting hundreds of hotels, trekking agencies, restaurants, and cultural tour operators.
• Retail and Trade: Wholesale and retail trade, particularly in textiles, electronics, and imported consumer goods, heavily concentrated in the city center.
• Handicrafts and Artisanal Manufacturing: Production of pashmina, traditional woodcrafts, thangka paintings, and metalwork for both export and tourism.
• Finance and Banking: The financial hub of the country, home to all major banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.
• Information Technology: A rapidly growing sector, with numerous software development, outsourcing, and digital service companies establishing bases in the city.
• Education and Healthcare: Major employer providing services not just to locals but to citizens migrating from across the country for higher quality facilities.
• Textiles and Garments: Manufacturing of carpets and garments, historically one of the largest export sectors, though facing increased regional competition.

Historically, the Kathmandu Valley was renowned for its highly fertile soil, yielding abundant crops that sustained ancient kingdoms. The traditional Newari agricultural system was highly sophisticated, revolving around the cultivation of rice, wheat, and seasonal vegetables.

Today, rapid, largely unregulated urban sprawl has consumed the vast majority of agricultural land within the Kathmandu Metropolitan City. While commercial agriculture has mostly been pushed to the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley (such as neighboring Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts), peri-urban agriculture still exists. Many families maintain rooftop gardens, small poultry operations, and cultivate seasonal vegetables on small remnant plots. The city relies heavily on imports from neighboring districts and India to meet its daily food demands.

The housing market in Kathmandu has undergone dramatic changes over the last few decades, characterized by exponential real estate price appreciation and dense urban development. The city has largely transitioned from traditional multi-story Newari brick-and-timber homes (found in the historic core) to concrete pillar-and-slab structures designed to withstand earthquakes.

Housing options vary wildly. In central neighborhoods and historic squares, residential density is extremely high. On the outskirts and along the Ring Road, modern apartment complexes, condominiums, and plotted single-family home developments are increasingly common. Rent in prime areas like Sanepa, Jhamsikhel (in neighboring Lalitpur), and Baluwatar is expensive and often caters to expatriates and affluent locals, whereas students and working-class families often find more affordable rentals in dense areas like Koteshwor, Kalanki, or Gongabu. Affordable housing remains a critical challenge due to steep land costs.

• Thamel: The bustling epicenter of Kathmandu's tourism industry, famous for its narrow alleys, trekking gear shops, boutique hotels, and vibrant nightlife.
• Asan and Indra Chowk: The historic bazaar areas in the heart of the city, characterized by traditional architecture, ancient temples, and crowded marketplaces selling spices and textiles.
• Baluwatar: A premium residential and administrative neighborhood, home to the Prime Minister's official residence and numerous foreign embassies.
• Baneshwor: A major commercial and residential hub housing the International Convention Center (which served as the parliament building) and numerous colleges.
• Boudha: Centered around the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, this neighborhood is the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist community, filled with monasteries and cafes.
• Lazimpat: An upscale neighborhood known for its luxury hotels, expat community, and diplomatic missions.
• Durbar Marg (King's Way): The upscale commercial street featuring high-end boutiques, luxury hotels, and premium dining, leading up to the former Royal Palace.

Transportation in Kathmandu is heavily reliant on a sprawling network of roads. The city is encircled by the 27-kilometer Ring Road, which connects major radial arteries leading into the city center. Public transit relies on a chaotic but extensive system of privately operated buses, microbuses, and "Safa Tempos" (battery-powered electric three-wheelers).

Traffic congestion and air pollution are significant daily challenges. To navigate this, two-wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) are the most popular mode of private transport. Ride-sharing apps like Pathao and InDrive have fundamentally transformed local commuting in recent years.

Kathmandu is served by Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Nepal's primary aviation gateway, located just east of the city center. The airport handles all international flights to the capital, as well as serving as a critical hub for domestic flights to mountainous regions. There is currently no active rail or metro network, though feasibility studies for an urban metro rail have been proposed. Bicycle lanes exist but are highly limited.

Infrastructure in Kathmandu has seen significant modernization, though it struggles to keep pace with rapid population growth.

Electricity is supplied by the state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Following decades of severe power outages (load shedding), the city now enjoys a generally reliable 24/7 power supply due to improved management and new hydropower projects.

Water supply has historically been a massive challenge. The ambitious Melamchi Water Supply Project, designed to bring drinking water through tunnels from a neighboring district, has begun operations but faces ongoing logistical and environmental disruptions. Consequently, many households still rely on private water tankers and deep tube wells.

Telecommunications are robust; fiber-optic broadband internet is widely available and affordable, with multiple competing ISPs (like WorldLink and Vianet). Mobile network coverage is excellent, dominated by Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell, both offering reliable 4G and expanding 5G services.

Kathmandu is the premier educational hub of Nepal, attracting students from across the country for higher studies. The city boasts a mix of historic public institutions and high-quality private academies.

• Tribhuvan University (TU): Located in Kirtipur (just outside the city core but within the valley), it is Nepal's oldest and largest public university, with numerous affiliated campuses scattered throughout Kathmandu, including Tri-Chandra College and Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus.
• Kathmandu University (KU): While the main campus is in nearby Dhulikhel, KU operates several critical institutions in the valley, including the Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM).
• St. Xavier's College: A highly prestigious private Catholic institution known for its rigorous science, humanities, and management programs.
• Budhanilkantha School: A premier public boarding school located at the northern edge of the city, historically supported by the British government.
• Patan Academy of Health Sciences: A major medical school located in the adjacent city of Patan, providing critical healthcare training for the valley.
• Kaiser Library: A historic government-run library located near Narayanhiti Palace, housing rare books, maps, and manuscripts.

Kathmandu is the central healthcare hub of Nepal, offering the most advanced medical facilities in the country. The city relies on a mix of government-run hospitals, private institutions, and specialized clinics.

Major Hospitals & Facilities: - Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH): A premier public hospital providing comprehensive medical care and serving as a major teaching institution. - Bir Hospital: The oldest and one of the busiest government hospitals in Nepal, historically serving the masses. - Norvic International Hospital: A leading private facility in Thapathali, renowned for cardiology and critical care. - Grande International Hospital: A modern, multi-specialty private hospital offering advanced surgical and diagnostic services. - Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital (Teku Hospital): The country's primary center for infectious diseases.

Pharmacies are ubiquitous, especially clustered around major hospitals. While mental health infrastructure is still developing nationwide, specialized care is available through private practitioners and facilities like the mental health wing at Patan Hospital in the adjoining city of Lalitpur.

Emergency services in Kathmandu are managed by national and municipal authorities. Response times can occasionally be impacted by the city's dense traffic and narrow historic alleyways.

Key Emergency Numbers: - Police: 100 - Fire (Damkal): 101 - Ambulance: 102 - Traffic Police: 103 - Tourist Police: 1144

The Nepal Police handles general law enforcement, while the Armed Police Force (APF) is frequently deployed for disaster response and crowd control. Disaster management is highly prioritized following the 2015 earthquake, with coordination led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City office, and the Nepal Red Cross Society.

Kathmandu is the economic engine of Nepal. Its economy is deeply rooted in tourism, trade, textiles, and traditional handicrafts, though it is rapidly diversifying into IT and services.

Key Business Districts: - New Road & Asan: The traditional, bustling commercial heart of the city, known for wholesale trade, gold, and textiles. - Durbarmarg (King's Way): A high-end retail and corporate thoroughfare featuring luxury brands, hotels, and corporate offices. - Thamel: The epicenter of tourism-related businesses, packed with hotels, trekking agencies, gear shops, and restaurants.

The city is experiencing a steady rise in technology startups, e-commerce platforms (like Daraz Nepal), and digital payment gateways (like eSewa). Major employers include the civil service, commercial banks, tourism operators, and telecommunications companies.

Kathmandu’s culinary scene is a vibrant reflection of its cultural diversity and status as a global trekking hub.

Local & Signature Cuisine: - Momo: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, universally beloved and found on nearly every corner. - Dal Bhat: The national staple of lentil soup, rice, and curried vegetables, eaten daily by most locals. - Newari Cuisine: Indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley, featuring complex dishes like *Choila* (spicy marinated meat), *Bara* (lentil pancakes), *Chatamari* (rice flour crepe, often called Newari pizza), and *Yomari* (sweet dumplings).

Dining Hubs: - Thamel: Offers a staggering array of international cuisines, from Italian and Israeli to Korean and continental bakeries. - Asan and Indra Chowk: Famous for traditional street food and open-air spice markets. - Jhamsikhel (nearby Lalitpur): Often dubbed "Jhamel," it is known for upscale cafes, live music venues, and fine dining.

As the gateway to the Himalayas, Kathmandu is a globally renowned tourist destination, celebrated for its astonishing concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Key Attractions: - Kathmandu Durbar Square: The historic seat of Nepalese royalty, featuring intricate pagoda-style temples and the Kumari Ghar (home of the Living Goddess). - Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): An ancient hilltop stupa offering panoramic views of the city, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. - Pashupatinath Temple: One of the most sacred Hindu temple complexes in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. - Boudhanath Stupa: A massive, striking mandala-shaped stupa that serves as the heart of Nepal’s Tibetan Buddhist community. - Narayanhiti Palace Museum: The former royal palace, now a museum detailing the history of the Shah dynasty.

While Kathmandu is synonymous with high-altitude trekking preparations, the city and its immediate surroundings offer abundant recreational activities.

• Hiking & Trekking: The valley rim provides excellent day hikes. Popular routes include trails in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, the hike to Champadevi, and the Chandragiri Hill trail (which also features a cable car).
• Mountain Biking: The rugged trails around the valley rim are highly popular for mountain biking enthusiasts.
• Golf: The Gokarna Forest Golf Resort offers a premier 18-hole course set inside a protected forest, often visited by deer and monkeys.
• Rock Climbing: Indoor climbing gyms like Astrek Climbing Wall in Thamel are popular among both locals and tourists preparing for mountain expeditions.

Despite rapid urbanization, Kathmandu has several crucial green spaces and natural reserves that offer a respite from the city's hustle.

• Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park: Located on the northern fringe of the city, this park is a vital watershed and a haven for biodiversity, including leopards, Himalayan black bears, and over 300 bird species.
• Garden of Dreams: A meticulously restored neo-classical historical garden situated just outside Thamel, offering tranquil ponds, pavilions, and manicured lawns.
• Ratna Park & Tudikhel: Central open spaces used for public gatherings, sports, and festivals, though heavily impacted by city development.
• Godawari Botanical Garden: Located on the southern edge of the valley, it features rich flora and serves as a popular picnic spot.

The waterways of Kathmandu hold immense religious, cultural, and ecological significance, though they face severe environmental challenges.

• Bagmati River: The most sacred river in the valley, flowing past the Pashupatinath Temple where open-air cremations take place. Efforts are ongoing to clean and restore the river from heavy urban pollution.
• Bishnumati River: A major tributary of the Bagmati, also holding religious importance and flowing past several historical temples.
• Dhobi Khola & Tukucha: Smaller streams that weave through the dense urban fabric of the city.
• Taudaha Lake: A small, culturally significant lake on the outskirts of the city, believed in mythology to be the remnant of the massive lake that once covered the Kathmandu Valley.

Kathmandu is a living museum, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly into modern life. The indigenous Newar community is the historic custodian of the valley's art and architecture.

• Craftsmanship: The city is famous for its exquisite wood carving, metalwork (especially statues of deities), and Thangka/Paubha (traditional Buddhist and Hindu scroll paintings).
• Museums: The National Museum of Nepal (Chhauni) houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts, weaponry, and art. The nearby Patan Museum is considered one of the best in South Asia for religious art.
• Music & Theater: Traditional Dapha music and classical dances are performed during festivals. Modern theater is also thriving at venues like Mandala Theater and Shilpee Theater.
• Heritage: The tradition of the Kumari (a prepubescent girl worshipped as the living incarnation of the goddess Taleju) remains a unique and central aspect of Kathmandu's living heritage.

Religion is interwoven into the daily fabric of Kathmandu, characterized by a profound and peaceful syncretism between Hinduism and Buddhism.

• Hinduism: The majority religion. The city is dotted with shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and various forms of the Goddess. Pashupatinath is the ultimate pilgrimage site for Hindus.
• Buddhism: Deeply rooted, with both Newar Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism practicing side by side. Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are the most prominent centers.
• Other Faiths: The city is home to minority, yet vibrant, communities of Muslims (with the Jame Masjid near Ratna Park being a central landmark), Christians, and Sikhs, all contributing to the city's multicultural mosaic.

Sports are a major passion in Kathmandu, with cricket and football enjoying immense popularity.

• Dasharath Rangasala Stadium: The largest multi-purpose stadium in Nepal, located in Tripureshwar. It hosts national and international football matches, as well as athletics.
• Tribhuvan University (TU) International Cricket Ground: Located in Kirtipur, this is the premier venue for domestic and international cricket. Matches here draw massive, passionate crowds.
• Amateur & Local Clubs: Futsal has seen a massive surge in popularity, with artificial turf arenas springing up across the city for community and amateur leagues. Martial arts, particularly Taekwondo and Karate, also have a very strong local following.

Kathmandu's calendar is perpetually full, marked by vibrant, multi-day festivals guided by the lunar calendar.

• Dashain & Tihar (Autumn): The longest and most auspicious Hindu festivals, characterized by family gatherings, feasts, animal sacrifices (during Dashain), and the illumination of the city with lights and mandalas (during Tihar).
• Indra Jatra (September): A major Newari festival featuring masked dances, the chariot procession of the Living Goddess Kumari, and the erection of a sacred wooden pole at Durbar Square.
• Maha Shivaratri (Spring): Hundreds of thousands of devotees and sadhus (holy men) gather at Pashupatinath to honor Lord Shiva.
• Contemporary Events: The city hosts the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF), Jazzmandu (an international jazz festival), and various vibrant farmers markets at Le Sherpa.

Kathmandu is the epicenter of Nepal's media industry, housing the headquarters of major national outlets.

• Print & Digital: Prominent English-language dailies include *The Kathmandu Post*, *The Himalayan Times*, and *Republica*. Major Nepali dailies include *Kantipur* and *Nagarik*. Online journalism is massive, led by portals like *OnlineKhabar*, *Setopati*, and *Ekantipur*.
• Television: State-run Nepal Television (NTV) and private channels like Kantipur TV, AP1 HD, and Image Channel broadcast nationally from the city.
• Radio: A thriving FM radio culture exists, with stations like Radio Kantipur, Hits FM, and Ujyaalo Radio Network providing news, music, and community programming.

Kathmandu is the birthplace or home base for many of Nepal's most notable figures across various fields.

• Prithvi Narayan Shah: The 18th-century king who conquered the Kathmandu Valley and unified modern Nepal.
• Binod Chaudhary: Nepal's first billionaire and head of the CG Corp Global conglomerate.
• Ani Choying Drolma: A globally renowned Buddhist nun and musician known for her chants and philanthropic work.
• Paras Khadka: Former captain of the Nepal National Cricket Team who led the country to ODI status.
• Manisha Koirala: Acclaimed Bollywood actress and author who belongs to the prominent Koirala political family.
• Shrinkhala Khatiwada: Architect, Miss Nepal 2018, and prominent social activist.

As the economic capital, Kathmandu hosts the headquarters of almost all major national and multinational corporations operating in Nepal.

• CG Corp Global (Chaudhary Group): A massive multinational conglomerate famous for Wai Wai noodles, hospitality, and real estate.
• Telecommunications: Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell, the two largest telecom operators in the country, are headquartered here.
• Aviation: Major domestic airlines including Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and the national flag carrier Nepal Airlines operate their head offices in the city.
• Finance: All major commercial banks, including Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal, and Nepal Investment Mega Bank, are headquartered in the central business districts.

Kathmandu has established sister-city and twin-town relationships with several global cities to foster cultural exchange and cooperation.

• Eugene, Oregon (USA)
• Matsumoto (Japan)
• Xi'an (China)
• Yangon (Myanmar)
• Minsk (Belarus)
• Pyongyang (North Korea)
• Seoul (South Korea)
• Varanasi (India)