Kathmandu

Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Kathmandu shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Kathmandu offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Kathmandu at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Kathmandu? Wrong! If the Kathmandu is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Kathmandu then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Kathmandu? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Kathmandu and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Kathmandu wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Kathmandu then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Kathmandu site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Kathmandu, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Kathmandu, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

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Kathmandu (, ) is the [capital and the largest city of Nepal. The city is situated in Kathmandu Valley that also contains two other cities - Patan and Bhaktapur. The original inhabitants of Kathmandu are called Newars, who speak a language called Nepal Bhasa. However, Nepali language is the lingua franca of the valley and is the most widely spoken language. The city stands at an elevation of approximately 2,230 m (6,235 ft) and is inhabited by about 0.5 million people. Kathmandu is located at (27.71667, 85.36667).It is one of the most developed cities in Nepal.

History The Kathmandu Valley may have been inhabited as early as 100 BC, but the oldest known objects in the valley date to a few hundred years BC(this needs clarification(literally doesn't make sense). The earliest known inscription is dated 185 AD. The oldest firmly dated building in the earthquake-prone valley is almost 1,992 years old. It is said that Gautama Buddha was born in a town called Kapilbastu 9th century BC, although there is no evidence for this. Four stupas around the city of Patan said to have been erected by Charumati, daughter of Ashoka the Great, a Mauryan king, in the 3rd century BC attest to the ancient history present within the valley. As with the tales of the Buddha's visit, there is no evidence supporting Ashoka's visit, but the stupas probably do date to that century. The Kirants are the first documented rulers of the Kathmandu Valley, the remains of their palace are said to be in Patan near Hiranyavarna Mahavihara (called "Patukodon"). The Licchavi whose earliest inscriptions date back to 464 AD were the next rulers of the valley and had close ties with the Gupta Dynasty of India. The Malla (Nepal) consisted of Newar rulers, who ruled Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding area from the 12th century till the 17th century when the Nepalese monarchy under Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered the valley as he created present-day Nepal. Most of ancient Nepali architecture present in Nepal today is from the Malla/Newar era.

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The city of Kathmandu is named after a structure in Durbar Square called Kaasthamandap. In Sanskrit, Kaasth () = "wood" and Mandap () = "covered shelter." This unique temple, also known as Maru Satal, was built in 1596 A.D. by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. The entire structure contains no iron nails or supports and is made entirely from wood. Legend has it that the timber used for this two story pagoda was obtained from a single tree.

Kathmandu is also sometimes called "Kantipur". Newars, the native people of the Kathmandu valley use the original term from Nepal Bhasa, Yne.

Present The Kathmandu Valley consists of two primary cities: Kathmandu itself and Lalitpur. Lalitpur and Kathmandu run up right against each other (again, separated only by the Bagmati river), while Bhaktapur is set off much closer to the eastern foothills.

Kathmandu itself is home to most of the government offices, embassies, corporate houses, and the palace. The King's Palace stands right next to Thamel - the tourist hub of the country. Thamel consists of two parallel streets just to the west of the palace. It is home to different hotels, ranging from different stars. The palace is at the head of Durbar Marg, a street lined with various shops.

Most of the streets in Kathmandu are named from Nepal Bhasa, owing its origin to the rich Newari Culture and heritage.

The "old" city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, most dating to the 17th century. Many of these landmarks have been damaged by earthquakes and pollution. This valley hosts an UNESCO World Heritage Sites composed by seven different Monument Zones: The centers of the three primary cities, Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, the two most important Buddhist stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and two famous Hindu shrines, Pashupatinath temple and Changu Narayan. Since 2003 the site has been inscribed in the World Heritage List as being "in danger" out of concern for the ongoing loss of authenticity and the outstanding universal value of the cultural property.

Kathmandu has been popular with western tourists since the 1960s when it became a key stop on the hippie trail, when Jho: Chhee (Nepal Bhasa, continuous house)(Freak Street) was the one of the main location. It is also the subject of a popular Bob Seger song for the same reason.

Tribhuvan International Airport is located about 6 km from the city center, offering domestic and international flights.

Musical inspiration Cat Stevens wrote a song titled "Katmandu" which appeared in his 1970 album, Mona Bone Jakon.

Rock musician Bob Seger wrote a song titled "Katmandu" which appeared on his 1975 album, Beautiful Loser.

A Russian rock band Krematorij had a song titled "Kathmandu" on their 2000 album Three Springs.

The Argentinian musician Fito Páez has a song called Tráfico por Katmandú ("Traffic through Kathmandu" in English)

New age music guitarist Will Ackerman has a song called "A Happy Home in Kathmandu" on his 1993 album The Opening of Doors.

The group Tantra recorded a song called "The Hills of Katmandu" in the early 80's. Gallery Image:Basantapurpalace.JPG|The palace in the Kathmandu Durbar Square.Image:Bhairava_Kathmandu_1972.jpg|Bhairava sculpture, Durbar Square market place 1972.Image:KatmanduMarket1920.jpg] in the background.Image:KatmanduDurbarMarket2007.jpg| Same as the picture to the left but from 2007, shot for comparison.Image:Small stupa in Kathmandu.jpg|Small stupa in KathmanduImage:Stone carving in Kathmandu.jpg|Stone carving in Kathmandu streetImage:DSCI0441.JPG|View over KathmanduImage:Durbar-seller.jpg|A seller warming himself up in Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal (pre-prohibition)Image:IMG 0361 Kathmandu Bodnath.jpg] in Kathmandu, NepalImage:IMG 0469 Kathmandu Pashupatinath.jpg|Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, NepalImage:IMG 0483 Kathmandu Pashupatinath.jpg|Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, NepalImage:Kathmandu Pedicab 2001.jpg|Pedicab driver in Kathmandu near Durbar Square

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