Kathmandu Skyline Live Webcam

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, serving as the administrative center of Kathmandu District and Bagmati Province. The city is located in the central part of Nepal, in the Kathmandu Valley, at an elevation of approximately 1,350–1,400 meters (4,430–4,593 feet) above sea level, between the Bagmati and Vishnumati rivers. The population of Kathmandu is around 845,767, with a city area of about 49.45 km², while the Kathmandu Metropolitan Area has roughly 3 million residents.

Kathmandu has a rich history spanning many centuries. Sources suggest the city was founded in the 7th–8th century, around 723 AD, by King Gunakamadeva. Its name comes from the wooden temple Kasthamandap, built entirely from a single tree, which inspired the city’s name (“kath” = wood, “mandap” = pavilion). During the Malla dynasty, Kathmandu was an important center for craftsmanship and trade. In 1768, it became the capital of a unified Nepal under the Shah dynasty. In 2015, the city and valley suffered significant damage from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Kathmandu experiences a temperate subtropical/highland climate, with average summer temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and winter temperatures ranging from 2°C to 12°C (36–54°F). The valley receives about 1,400 mm of rainfall annually, mostly during the monsoon season from June to September. Major attractions in Kathmandu include Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath Stupa perched on a hill overlooking the city, the ancient Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River, Boudhanath Stupa, and many others. The city is also renowned for its traditional architecture, artisan workshops, museums, markets, and the bustling tourist district of Thamel.