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[citation needed] For example, 2003 was the wettest year ever in Kathmandu, totalling over 2,900 mm (114 in) of precipitation due to an exceptionally strong monsoon season.
In what year did the most rain in recorded history fall on Kathmandu?
2003
From centuries past, Lhasa Newar merchants of Kathmandu have conducted trade across the Himalaya and contributed to spreading art styles and Buddhism across Central Asia.
What religion proliferated throughout Central Asia in part due to the efforts of Lhasa Newar merchants?
Buddhism
This, combined with its location between India and China, helped establish Kathmandu as an important trading center over the centuries.
Existing between what two countries contributed to Kathmandu becoming a center of trade?
India and China
This geography helped form a society based on agriculture.
Other than trade, what was the traditional basis of Kathmandu's economy?
agriculture
The economic output of the metropolitan area alone is worth more than one third of national GDP around $6.
Approximately what portion of Nepal's GDP is produced by the Kathmandu metropolitan area?
one third
s 550 billion approximately per year $2200 per capital income approx three times national average.
What do Kathmandu residents earn per capita each year?
$2200
The economic output of the metropolitan area alone is worth more than one third of national GDP around $6.5billion in terms of nominal GDP NR.
What is the GDP of Kathmandu?
6.5billion
trade accounts for 21% of its finances.
What percentage of Kathmandu's economy is trade?
21
Other economic sectors in Kathmandu include agriculture (9%), education (6%), transport (6%), and hotels and restaurants (5%).
What portion of Kathmandu's economy consists of agriculture?
9%
This industry started around 1950, as the country's political makeup changed and ended the country's isolation from the rest of the world.
Approximately when did the Nepalese tourism industry begin?
1950
In 1956, air transportation was established and the Tribhuvan Highway, between Kathmandu and Raxaul (at India's border), was started.
What city was connected to Kathmandu via the Tribhuvan Highway?
Raxaul
In 1956, air transportation was established and the Tribhuvan Highway, between Kathmandu and Raxaul (at India's border), was started.
When did construction on the Tribhuvan Highway begin?
1956
Since then, tourism in Nepal has thrived;
What is the most significant industry in Nepal?
tourism
Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit Kathmandu's religious sites such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Budhanilkantha.
Along with Buddhists, what religion's devotees visit Kathmandu?
Hindu
From a mere 6,179 tourists in 1961/62, the number jumped to 491,504 in 1999/2000.
How many tourists visited Kathmandu in the period 1961-62?
6,179
Following the end of the Maoist insurgency, there was a significant rise of 509,956 tourist arrivals in 2009.
What event led to an increase in tourism in 2009?
end of the Maoist insurgency
The high level of tourism is attributed to the natural grandeur of the Himalayas and the rich cultural heritage of the country.
What Nepalese mountains are claimed to attract tourists?
Himalayas
The neighbourhood of Thamel is Kathmandu's primary "traveller's ghetto", packed with guest houses, restaurants, shops, and bookstores, catering to tourists.
What Kathmandu neighborhood is noted for its abundance of tourists?
Thamel
Another neighbourhood of growing popularity is Jhamel, a name for Jhamsikhel coined to rhyme with Thamel.
What neighborhood is also known as Jhamel?
Jhamsikhel
Jhochhen Tol, also known as Freak Street, is Kathmandu's original traveler's haunt, made popular by the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s;
What is the traditional name for Freak Street?
Jhochhen Tol
Jhochhen Tol, also known as Freak Street, is Kathmandu's original traveler's haunt, made popular by the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s;
What tourists first brought attention to Jhocchen Tol?
hippies
There are several four-star hotels such as Hotel Vaishali, Hotel Narayani, The Blue Star and Grand Hotel.
How many stars is Kathmandu's Grand Hotel?
four
The Garden Hotel, Hotel Ambassador, and Aloha Inn are among the three-star hotels in Kathmandu.
What type of hotel is Aloha Inn?
three-star
Hotels like Hyatt Regency, De L'Annapurna and Hotel Yak & Yeti are among the five-star hotels providing casinos as well.
De L'Annapurna is an example of what sort of hotel?
five-star
Hotels like Hyatt Regency, De L'Annapurna and Hotel Yak & Yeti are among the five-star hotels providing casinos as well.
What attractions are present at Hotel Yak & Yeti and the Hyatt Regency?
casinos
Metropolitan Kathmandu is divided into five sectors: the Central Sector, the East Sector, the North Sector, the City Core and the West Sector.
How many sectors make up the Kathmandu metropolitan area?
five
Metropolitan Kathmandu is divided into five sectors: the Central Sector, the East Sector, the North Sector, the City Core and the West Sector.
What sector of Kathmandu doesn't have the word 'sector' in its name?
City Core
For civic administration, the city is further divided into 35 administrative wards.
What is the purpose of Kathmandu being divided into 35 wards?
civic administration
The Council administers the Metropolitan area of Kathmandu city through its 177 elected representatives and 20 nominated members.
How many members of the Council received their positions via nomination rather than election?
20
ward 26 is the smallest, with an area of 4 ha.
How many hectares in size is Kathmandu's ward 26?
4
The fire service, known as the Barun Yantra Karyalaya, opened its first station in Kathmandu in 1937 with a single vehicle.
What is Kathmandu's fire department called?
Barun Yantra Karyalaya
The fire service, known as the Barun Yantra Karyalaya, opened its first station in Kathmandu in 1937 with a single vehicle.
What year saw the founding of Kathmandu's fire department?
1937
In 1944, the fire service was extended to the neighboring cities of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.
When did Bhaktapur receive coverage from the fire department?
1944
In 1975, a West German government donation added seven fire engines to Kathmandu's fire service.
How many fire trucks did West Germany donate to Kathmandu?
seven
The fire service in the city is also overlooked by an international non-governmental organization, the Firefighters Volunteer Association of Nepal (FAN), which was established in 2000 with the purpose of raising public awareness about fire and improving safety.
What is the mission of FAN?
raising public awareness about fire and improving safety
In one decade, the population increased from 427,045 in 1991 to 671,805 in 2001.
What was the population of Kathmandu in 1991?
427,045
The population was projected to reach 915,071 in 2011 and 1,319,597 by 2021.
About how many people are likely to live in Kathmandu in 2021?
1,319,597
With this new area, the population density which was 85 in 1991 is still 85 in 2001;
How dense was the population of Kathmandu in 1991?
85
6 hectares (12,545 acres) has expanded to 8,214 hectares (20,300 acres) in 2001.
How many acres of land did the KMC control in 2001?
20,300
51%) and Chettris (18.5%) .
What percentage of Kathmandu residents are Chettris?
18.5
), Khas Brahmins (20.
What is the third largest ethnic group in Kathmandu?
Khas Brahmins
The major religions are Hinduism and Buddhism.
What are Kathmandu's primary religions?
Hinduism and Buddhism
The major languages are Nepali and Nepal Bhasa, while English is understood by many, particularly in the service industry.
What Kathmandu industry is particularly known for its English speakers?
service
The major languages are Nepali and Nepal Bhasa, while English is understood by many, particularly in the service industry.
Along with Nepali, what is Kathmandu's main language?
Nepal Bhasa
The Seven Monument Zones (Mzs) inscribed originally in 1979 and with a minor modification in 2006 are Durbar squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Boudhanath.
What religion does Changunarayan belong to?
Hindu
The Seven Monument Zones (Mzs) inscribed originally in 1979 and with a minor modification in 2006 are Durbar squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur, Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Boudhanath.
What Buddhist monuments are present at Boudhanath?
stupas
95 hectares (466.9 acres), with the buffer zone extending to 239.
How many acres are the Kathmandu valley monument zones?
466.9
9 acres), with the buffer zone extending to 239.34 hectares (591.
In hectares, how large is the Kathmandu valley monument buffer zone?
239.34
In 2006 UNESCO declared these seven groups of monuments as a World Heritage Site (WHS).
When did the Kathmandu valley monuments receive WHS status?
2006
There are three preserved Durbar Squares in Kathmandu valley and one unpreserved in Kirtipur.
Where is a Durban Square located that is not preserved?
Kirtipur
the earliest is the Licchavi dynasty.
What is the oldest dynasty to be represented with buildings in Kathmandu's Durbar Square?
Licchavi
The complex has 50 temples and is distributed in two quadrangles of the Durbar Square.
How many temples are present in Kathmandu's Durbar Square?
50
The squares were severely damaged in the April 2015 Nepal earthquake.
When did a notable earthquake occur that damaged Kathmandu's Durbar Square?
April 2015
The Durbar Square of Kathmandu is located in the old city and has heritage buildings representing four kingdoms (Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur);
How many kingdoms have buildings present in the Durbar Square of Kathmandu?
four
Kumari is believed to be the bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju (the Nepali name for Durga) until she menstruates, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body.
What is Durga called in Nepali?
Taleju
Kumari is believed to be the bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju (the Nepali name for Durga) until she menstruates, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body.
How long is Kumari believed to incarnate Taleju?
until she menstruates
The current Royal Kumari, Matina Shakya, age four, was installed in October 2008 by the Maoist government that replaced the monarchy.
Who was the Royal Kumari as of late 2008?
Matina Shakya
The current Royal Kumari, Matina Shakya, age four, was installed in October 2008 by the Maoist government that replaced the monarchy.
What type of government did Nepal have after the monarchy?
Maoist
The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupati).
When was the Pashupatinath Temple built?
5th century
The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupati).
What faith does the Pashupatinath Temple serve?
Hindu
The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupati).
What is another name for Pashupati?
Lord Shiva
It served as the seat of national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, until Nepal was secularized.
Prior to the secularization of Nepal, who was the country's national god?
Lord Pashupatinath
However, a significant part of the temple was destroyed by Mughal invaders in the 14th century and little or nothing remains of the original 5th-century temple exterior.
Who damaged the Pashupatinath Temple in the 14th century?
Mughal invaders
Believers in Pashupatinath (mainly Hindus) are allowed to enter the temple premises, but non-Hindu visitors are allowed to view the temple only from the across the Bagmati River.
What people make up the majority of Pashupatinath followers?
Hindus
The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Brahmins from Karnataka, South India since the time of Malla king Yaksha Malla.
In what part of India do the Pashupatinath priests originate?
South
The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Brahmins from Karnataka, South India since the time of Malla king Yaksha Malla.
What dynasty did Yaksha Malla belong to?
Malla
This tradition is believed to have been started at the request of Adi Shankaracharya who sought to unify the states of Bharatam (Unified India) by encouraging cultural exchange.
Who supposedly encouraged the usage of Karnataka Brahmin priests at Pashupatinath Temple?
Adi Shankaracharya
This tradition is believed to have been started at the request of Adi Shankaracharya who sought to unify the states of Bharatam (Unified India) by encouraging cultural exchange.
What is another term for Bharatam?
Unified India
The Boudhanath, (also written Bouddhanath, Bodhnath, Baudhanath or the Khāsa Chaitya), is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, along with Swayambhu.
To what religion is Boudhanath holy?
Buddhist
Boudhanath is known as Khāsti by Newars and as Bauddha or Bodhnāth by speakers of Nepali.
What do the Newars call Boudhanath?
Khāsti
Boudhanath is known as Khāsti by Newars and as Bauddha or Bodhnāth by speakers of Nepali.
What is Boudhanath called in Nepali?
Bauddha or Bodhnāth
Located about 11 km (7 mi) from the center and northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, the stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal.
How far is Boudhanath from Kathmandu in miles?
7
Boudhanath became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
When did UNESCO make Boudhanath a World Heritage Site?
1979
The base of the stupa has 108 small depictions of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha.
Who is pictured on the stupa's base?
Dhyani Buddha Amitabha
At the northern entrance where visitors must pass is a shrine dedicated to Ajima, the goddess of smallpox.
What is Ajima the deity of?
smallpox
The influx of many Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan gompas (monasteries) around Boudhanath.
What are gompas?
monasteries
Every year the stupa attracts many Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims who perform full body prostrations in the inner lower enclosure, walk around the stupa with prayer wheels, chant, and pray.
Visitors from what faith routinely visit the stupa?
Tibetan Buddhist
It is surrounded with a brick wall with 147 niches, each with four or five prayer wheels engraved with the mantra, om mani padme hum.
What mantra is engraved on the stupa's prayer wheels?
om mani padme hum
Swayambhu is a Buddhist stupa atop a hillock at the northwestern part of the city.
In what part of Kathmandu is Swayambhu located?
northwestern
Swayambhu is a Buddhist stupa atop a hillock at the northwestern part of the city.
What faith does Swayambhu belong to?
Buddhist
Although the site is considered Buddhist, it is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
Other than Buddhists, who worships at Swayambhu?
Hindus
above the dome, there is a cubic structure with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions.
In how many directions does the Buddha of Swayambhu look?
four
Above all the tiers, there is a small space above which lies a gajur.
In Swayambhu, what is present in the small area above the tiers?
gajur
Kathmandu valley is described as "an enormous treasure house of art and sculptures", which are made of wood, stone, metal, and terracotta, and found in profusion in temples, shrines, stupas, gompas, chaityasm and palaces.
Kathmandu valley contains art made of metal, terracotta, wood and what other substance?
stone
Most art is in the form of icons of gods and goddesses.
What is the most typical type of art in the Kathmandu valley?
icons
Kathmandu valley has had this art treasure for a very long time, but received worldwide recognition only after the country opened to the outside world in 1950.
In what year could Nepal be said to have been discovered by the outside world?
1950
The religious art of Nepal and Kathmandu in particular consists of an iconic symbolism of the Mother Goddesses such as: Bhavani, Durga, Gaja-Lakshmi, Hariti-Sitala, Mahsishamardini, Saptamatrika (seven mother goddesses), and Sri-Lakshmi(wealth-goddess).
What types of deities are Bhavani and Durga?
Mother Goddesses
The religious art of Nepal and Kathmandu in particular consists of an iconic symbolism of the Mother Goddesses such as: Bhavani, Durga, Gaja-Lakshmi, Hariti-Sitala, Mahsishamardini, Saptamatrika (seven mother goddesses), and Sri-Lakshmi(wealth-goddess).
What is Sri-Lakshmi a deity of?
wealth
From the 3rd century BC, apart from the Hindu gods and goddesses, Buddhist monuments from the Ashokan period (it is said that Ashoka visited Nepal in 250 BC) have embellished Nepal in general and the valley in particular.
By tradition, what notable figure came to Nepal 250 years before the birth of Christ?
Ashoka
These art and architectural edifices encompass three major periods of evolution: the Licchavi or classical period (500 to 900 AD), the post-classical period (1000 to 1400 AD), with strong influence of the Palla art form;
When did the Licchavi period end?
900
These art and architectural edifices encompass three major periods of evolution: the Licchavi or classical period (500 to 900 AD), the post-classical period (1000 to 1400 AD), with strong influence of the Palla art form;
What is another name for the Licchavi period?
classical
Kathmandu is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Nepal and the Natural History Museum of Nepal.
Along with the National Museum of Nepal, what notable Nepalese museum is present in Kathmandu?
Natural History Museum of Nepal
The museums display unique artifacts and paintings from the 5th century CE to the present day, including archeological exportation.
From what time period are the oldest artifacts in Kathmandu museums?
5th century
Nepal's art and architecture is an amalgamation of two ancient religions, Hinduism and Buddhhism.
Along with Buddhism, what religion has had a significant influence on Nepal?
Hinduism
These are amply reflected in the many temples, shrines, stupas, monasteries, and palaces in the seven well-defined Monument Zones of the Kathmandu valley are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What Kathmandu valley area was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO?
Monument Zones
These are amply reflected in the many temples, shrines, stupas, monasteries, and palaces in the seven well-defined Monument Zones of the Kathmandu valley are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How many Monument Zones are present in the Kathmandu valley?
seven
The National Museum is located in the western part of Kathmandu, near the Swayambhunath stupa in an historical building.
In what area of Kathmandu is the National Museum?
western
The National Museum is located in the western part of Kathmandu, near the Swayambhunath stupa in an historical building.
What stupa is close to the National Museum?
Swayambhunath
This building was constructed in the early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa.
Who built the building that contains the National Museum?
Bhimsen Thapa
The museum was established in 1928 as a collection house of war trophies and weapons, and the initial name of this museum was Chhauni Silkhana, meaning "the stone house of arms and ammunition".
When was the National Museum founded?
1928