--- title: Kathmandu — English Wikipedia · full text with trees · page 2 description: Wikipedia's «Kathmandu», whole, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics, CC BY-SA 4.0. It begins: Kathmandu (Nepali: काठमाडौँ [kaʈʰmaɖʌ̃ũ̯]), locally known as Yẽn (Nepal Bhasa: 𑐫𑐾𑑃‎ [jẽ]) is the capital and largest city of Nepal, situated in the central part of the country within the --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/page/2/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/) / [en](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/) / Kathmandu # Kathmandu · page 2 From Wikipedia, [«Kathmandu»](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu), revision of the 2026-09-01 dump, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). The trees and pragmatics of these pages, Mova's parse of that text, are CC BY-SA 4.0 too. [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/) **2** [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/page/3/) [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/page/4/) ### Modern History (2000-Present) The turn of the 21st century brought major political and social upheavals to Kathmandu.[111](../../111/ "tree and pragmatics") In June 2001, the [Nepalese royal massacre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepalese_royal_massacre) at [Narayanhiti Palace](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayanhiti_Palace_Museum) claimed the lives of [King Birendra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birendra_of_Nepal), Queen Aishwarya, Crown Prince Dipendra, and several others, and following Dipendra's brief, comatose reign, [Gyanendra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyanendra_of_Nepal) was appointed king.[112](../../112/ "tree and pragmatics") After the [2006 Revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Nepalese_revolution), it was turned into a museum.[113](../../113/ "tree and pragmatics") Kathmandu later became the center of the 2006 People's Movement ([Jana Andolan II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Nepalese_revolution)), when widespread protests forced King Gyanendra to restore parliament on 24 April 2006 and set Nepal on the path toward becoming a federal democratic republic.[\[32\]](../../page/4/#ref-32 "note 32")[114](../../114/ "tree and pragmatics") On 28 February 2025, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck north of Kathmandu, Nepal, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre.[115](../../115/ "tree and pragmatics") The quake, centered in [Sindhupalchok District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindhupalchowk_District) near the Himalayan border with [Tibet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet), was measured at magnitudes ranging from 5.5 to 6.1 by different agencies.[116](../../116/ "tree and pragmatics") Despite strong tremors that startled residents, no significant damage or casualties were reported, except for a minor landslide and a prison inmate who sustained a broken hand while fleeing.[117](../../117/ "tree and pragmatics") Local officials confirmed structural cracks in a police post but no major destruction.[\[33\]](../../page/4/#ref-33 "note 33")[118](../../118/ "tree and pragmatics") In September 2025, widespread [Gen Z protests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Nepalese_Gen_Z_protests) erupted in Kathmandu after the government imposed a ban on multiple social media platforms.[119](../../119/ "tree and pragmatics") The protests quickly grew to include complaints about corruption, nepotism, and lack of opportunity.[\[34\]](../../page/4/#ref-34 "note 34")[120](../../120/ "tree and pragmatics") The army was deployed on the streets of Kathmandu, and many government buildings and residences of important government officials were burnt.[\[35\]](../../page/4/#ref-35 "note 35")[121](../../121/ "tree and pragmatics") Security forces responded with lethal force, resulting in dozens of casualties and major damage to government property, and the prime minister eventually resigned.[122](../../122/ "tree and pragmatics") Following the unrest, President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Nepal's first female prime minister, and parliament was dissolved with fresh elections scheduled for March 2026.[\[36\]](../../page/4/#ref-36 "note 36")[123](../../123/ "tree and pragmatics") ## Geography Kathmandu is in the northwestern part of the [Kathmandu Valley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu_Valley) to the north of the [Bagmati River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagmati_River) and covers an area of 50.7 km2.[124](../../124/ "tree and pragmatics") The average elevation is 1400 m [above sea level](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Above_mean_sea_level).[\[37\]](../../page/4/#ref-37 "note 37")[125](../../125/ "tree and pragmatics") The city is bounded by several other municipalities of the Kathmandu valley: south of the Bagmati by [Lalitpur Metropolitan City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lalitpur,_Nepal) (Patan), with which it forms one urban area surrounded by a [ring road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_Road_%28Kathmandu%29), to the southwest by [Kirtipur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirtipur) and to the east by [Madyapur Thimi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhyapur_Thimi).[126](../../126/ "tree and pragmatics") To the north the urban area extends into several municipalities; [Nagarjun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagarjun_Municipality), [Tarakeshwor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarakeshwar), [Tokha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokha), [Budhanilkantha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budhanilkantha), [Gokarneshwor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gokarneshwar) and [Kageshwori Manohara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kageshwari-Manohara).[127](../../127/ "tree and pragmatics") However, the urban agglomeration extends well beyond the neighbouring municipalities, e.g. to [Bhaktapur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhaktapur), and nearly covers the entire [Kathmandu Valley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu_Valley).[128](../../128/ "tree and pragmatics") Kathmandu is dissected by eight rivers, the main river of the valley, the [Bagmati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagmati_River) and its tributaries, of which the [Bishnumati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisnumati_River), Dhobi Khola, Manohara Khola, Hanumante Khola, and Tukucha Khola are predominant.[129](../../129/ "tree and pragmatics") The mountains from where these rivers originate are in the elevation range of 1500–3000 m, and have passes which provide access to and from Kathmandu and its valley.[\[38\]](../../page/4/#ref-38 "note 38")[\[39\]](../../page/4/#ref-39 "note 39")[\[40\]](../../page/4/#ref-40 "note 40")[130](../../130/ "tree and pragmatics") An ancient canal once flowed from Nagarjuna Hill through Balaju to Kathmandu; this canal is now extinct.[131](../../131/ "tree and pragmatics") The city of Kathmandu and the surrounding valley are in the Deciduous Monsoon Forest Zone (altitude range of 1200–2100 m), one of five vegetation zones defined for Nepal.[132](../../132/ "tree and pragmatics") The dominant tree species in this zone are [oak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak), [elm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elm), [beech](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beech), [maple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple) and others, with [coniferous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coniferous) trees at higher altitude.[\[41\]](../../page/4/#ref-41 "note 41")[133](../../133/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Kathmandu administration Kathmandu and adjacent cities are composed of [neighbourhoods](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_neighborhoods_of_Kathmandu), which are utilized quite extensively and more familiar among locals.[134](../../134/ "tree and pragmatics") However, administratively the city is divided into 32 wards, numbered from 1 to 32.[135](../../135/ "tree and pragmatics") Earlier, there were 35 wards which made it the metropolitan city with the largest number of wards.[136](../../136/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Climate Under [Köppen's climate classification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Köppen_climate_classification), portions of the city at lower elevations (1300-1400m), which make up 88% of the total area, have a [humid subtropical climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humid_subtropical_climate) (Cwa), while portions of the city with higher elevations generally have a [subtropical highland climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtropical_highland_climate) (Cwb).[137](../../137/ "tree and pragmatics") In the Kathmandu Valley, which is representative of its valley's climate, the average summer temperature varies from 22 to 25 C. The average winter temperature is 10.1 C. Five major climatic regions are found in Nepal.[138](../../138/ "tree and pragmatics") Of these, High hills of Kathmandu Valley including Chandragiri hill is in the Warm [Temperate Zone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperate_climate) (elevation ranging from 1200 to 2300 m), where the climate is fairly temperate, atypical for the region.[139](../../139/ "tree and pragmatics") This zone is followed by the Cool Temperate Zone with elevation varying between 2100 and 3300 m.[140](../../140/ "tree and pragmatics") The city generally has a climate with warm days followed by cool nights and mornings.[141](../../141/ "tree and pragmatics") Unpredictable weather is expected, given that temperatures can drop to 0 C or less during the winter.[\[42\]](../../page/4/#ref-42 "note 42")[142](../../142/ "tree and pragmatics") The lowest ever temperature of −3.5 °C was recorded in 1978.[\[42\]](../../page/4/#ref-42 "note 42")[143](../../143/ "tree and pragmatics") While snowfall is generally confined to the hills surrounding the city,[\[43\]](../../page/4/#ref-43 "note 43") there have been a few instances of snowfall in city, most notably in 1945 and 2007.[\[44\]](../../page/4/#ref-44 "note 44")[144](../../144/ "tree and pragmatics") Rainfall is mostly [monsoon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsoon)-based (about 65% of the total concentrated during the monsoon months of June to September), and decreases substantially (100 to 200 cm) from eastern Nepal to western Nepal.[145](../../145/ "tree and pragmatics") The average annual rainfall for the city is around 1400 mm (55 in).[\[45\]](../../page/4/#ref-45 "note 45")[146](../../146/ "tree and pragmatics") On average [humidity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidity) is 75%.[\[38\]](../../page/4/#ref-38 "note 38")[\[46\]](../../page/4/#ref-46 "note 46")[\[47\]](../../page/4/#ref-47 "note 47")[147](../../147/ "tree and pragmatics") The chart below is based on data from the Nepal Bureau of Standards & Meteorology, Weather Meteorology for 2005.[148](../../148/ "tree and pragmatics") The chart provides minimum and maximum temperatures during each month.[149](../../149/ "tree and pragmatics") The annual amount of precipitation was 1124 mm for 2005, as per monthly data included in the table above.[\[47\]](../../page/4/#ref-47 "note 47")[150](../../150/ "tree and pragmatics") The decade of 2000–2010 saw highly variable and unprecedented precipitation anomalies in Kathmandu.[151](../../151/ "tree and pragmatics") This was mostly due to the annual variation of the southwest monsoon.[152](../../152/ "tree and pragmatics") For example, 2001 recorded only 356 mm of precipitation due to an extraordinarily weak monsoon season.[153](../../153/ "tree and pragmatics") In contrast, 2003 was the wettest year ever in Kathmandu, totaling over 2900 mm of precipitation due to an exceptionally strong monsoon season.[154](../../154/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Air quality Air pollution is a major issue in the Kathmandu Valley.[\[48\]](../../page/4/#ref-48 "note 48")[\[49\]](../../page/4/#ref-49 "note 49")[\[50\]](../../page/4/#ref-50 "note 50")[155](../../155/ "tree and pragmatics") According to the 2016 World Health Organization's Ambient Air Pollution Database,[\[51\]](../../page/4/#ref-51 "note 51") the annual average [PM2.5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Particulates#Size,_shape_and_solubility_matter) (particulate matter) concentration in 2013 was 49 μg/m3, which is 4.9 times higher than recommended by the [World Health Organization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization).[\[52\]](../../page/4/#ref-52 "note 52")[\[53\]](../../page/4/#ref-53 "note 53")[156](../../156/ "tree and pragmatics") Starting in early 2017, the Government of Nepal and the Embassy of the United States in Kathmandu have monitored and publicly share real-time air quality data.[157](../../157/ "tree and pragmatics") In Nepal and Kathmandu, the annual premature deaths due to air pollution reached 37,399 and 9,943 respectively, according to a Republica news report published on 23 November 2019.[158](../../158/ "tree and pragmatics") This indicates, around a quarter of the total deaths due to air pollution in Nepal are in Kathmandu.[\[54\]](../../page/4/#ref-54 "note 54")[\[55\]](../../page/4/#ref-55 "note 55")[159](../../159/ "tree and pragmatics") ## Demographics Kathmandu's urban cosmopolitan character has made it the most populous city in Nepal.[160](../../160/ "tree and pragmatics") According to the National Population Census of 2011, the total population of Kathmandu city was 975,543 in 254,292 households with an annual growth rate of 6.12% with respect to the population figure of 2001.[\[56\]](../../page/4/#ref-56 "note 56")[161](../../161/ "tree and pragmatics") 70% of the total population residing in Kathmandu are aged between 15 and 59.[162](../../162/ "tree and pragmatics") In one decade, the population increased from 427,045 in 1991 to 671,805 in 2001.[163](../../163/ "tree and pragmatics") The population was projected to reach 915,071 in 2011 and 1,319,597 by 2021.[164](../../164/ "tree and pragmatics") To keep up this population growth, the KMC-controlled area of 5076.6 ha expanded to 8214 ha in 2001.[165](../../165/ "tree and pragmatics") With this new area, the population density which was 85 in 1991 remained 85 in 2001; it is likely to jump to 111 in 2011 and 161 in 2021.[\[57\]](../../page/4/#ref-57 "note 57")[166](../../166/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Languages As of the 2011 census, [Nepali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepali_language) is the most common mother tongue in Kathmandu, with 62% of the population speaking it as their mother tongue.[167](../../167/ "tree and pragmatics") [Newari](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar_language) is spoken by 19%, and the other languages spoken in the city include [Tamang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamang_language) (6%), [Maithili](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maithili_language) (3%), [Bhojpuri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhojpuri_language) (2%), [Gurung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurung_language) (2%), [Magar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magar_language) (2%) and [Sherpa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherpa_language) (1%) as their first language.[168](../../168/ "tree and pragmatics") English is also spoken by many.[\[58\]](../../page/4/#ref-58 "note 58")[169](../../169/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Ethnic groups The largest group is the native [Newars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar_people), whose various sub-groups combine to make up 24.59% of the population.[170](../../170/ "tree and pragmatics") The [Bahuns](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahun), also known as Hill-Brahmin or Khas Brahmin, representing 21.62% of the population.[171](../../171/ "tree and pragmatics") They are part of the broader Khas community, as are the [Chhetri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhetri), the third largest group, who account for 18.66% of the population.[172](../../172/ "tree and pragmatics") [Tamang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamang_people) community composites of 7.74% making them 4th largest group in Kathmandu metropolitan.[173](../../173/ "tree and pragmatics") Broad Caste and Ethnicity category (2011 Census)[174](../../174/ "tree and pragmatics") | Broad Ethnic Category | Sub Category[\[59\]](../../page/4/#ref-59 "note 59") | Linguistic Family | Population Percentage | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Khas Aryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khas_people) (Hill/Pahari Caste Groups) | [Khas Brahmin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahun), [Chhetri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhetri), [Kami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kami_%28caste%29), [Thakuri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thakuri), [Damai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damai) [Sarki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarki_%28ethnic_group%29), [Sanyasi/Dasnami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daśanāmi_Sampradaya) | [Indo-Aryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_languages) | 46.3% | | [Newar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar) (Kathmandu Valley Caste Groups) | [Newari Brahmin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajopadhyaya), [Shrestha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shresthas#Sr.C4.93.E1.B9.A3.E1.B9.ADha_sub-caste_groups), [Tamrakar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamrakar), [Dangol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dangol), [Maharjan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharjan), [Rajkarnikar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajkarnikar), etc. | [Sino-Tibetan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Tibetan) | 24.7% | | [Janajati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janajati) (Hill Tribal Groups) | [Magar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magar_people), [Tamang](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamang_people), [Gurung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurung_people), [Sherpa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherpa_people), [Rai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rai_people), [Limbu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbu_people), etc. | [Sino-Tibetan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Tibetan) | 19.2% | | [Maithil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maithil_people) (Terai Caste Groups) | [Maithil Yadav](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maithil_Yadav), [Maithil Brahmins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maithil_Brahmins), [Chamar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamar), [Kushwaha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kushwaha), [Musahar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musahar), [Kurmi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurmi), [Dhanuk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhanuk), etc. | [Indo-Aryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_languages) | 4.1% | | Muslim[\[61\]](../../page/4/#ref-61 "note 61") | – | [Indo-Aryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_languages) | 1.8% | | [Marwadi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marwari_people), [Rajbanshi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajbongshi_people) | - | [Indo-Aryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_languages) | 1.6% | | Adibasi (Terai Indigenous Groups) | [Tharu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tharu_people), [Rajbanshi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajbanshi_people), Tajpuriya, [Santhal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santal_people) etc. | [Indo-Aryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_languages) And [Sino-Tibetan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Tibetan) | 1.5% | | Others | – | [Indo-Aryan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_languages) and [Sino-Tibetan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Tibetan) | 1.5% | ### Hinduism [Hinduism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism) is one of the indigenous beliefs of the city.[175](../../175/ "tree and pragmatics") Assumedly, together with the kingdom of Licchhavi (c. 400 to 750), Hinduism and the [endogam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endogamy) [social stratification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_stratification) of the [caste](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste_system_in_Nepal) was established in Kathmandu Valley.[176](../../176/ "tree and pragmatics") The [Pashupatinath Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashupatinath_Temple), [Changu Narayan Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changu_Narayan_Temple), and the [Kasthamandap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasthamandap) are of particular importance to Hindus.[177](../../177/ "tree and pragmatics") Other notable Hindu temples in Kathmandu and the surrounding valley include [Bajrayogini Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bajrayogini_Temple), [Dakshinkali Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakshinkali_Temple), [Guhyeshwari Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guhyeshwari_Temple), and the [Shobha Bhagawati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shobha_Bhagawati) shrine.[178](../../178/ "tree and pragmatics") The [Bagmati River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagmati_River) which flows through Kathmandu is considered a [holy river](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_river) both by Hindus and Buddhists, and many Hindu temples are on the banks of this river.[179](../../179/ "tree and pragmatics") The importance of the Bagmati also lies in the fact that Hindus are cremated on its banks, and Kirants are buried in the hills by its side.[180](../../180/ "tree and pragmatics") According to the Nepali Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati before cremation.[181](../../181/ "tree and pragmatics") The chief mourner (usually the first son) who lights the funeral pyre must take a holy riverwater bath immediately after cremation.[182](../../182/ "tree and pragmatics") Many relatives who join the funeral procession also take bath in the Bagmati or sprinkle the holy water on their bodies at the end of cremation as the Bagmati is believed to purify people spiritually.[183](../../183/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Buddhism Buddhism was brought into Kathmandu with the arrival of Buddhist monks during the time of Buddha (c. 563 – 483 BCE[\[62\]](../../page/4/#ref-62 "note 62")).[184](../../184/ "tree and pragmatics") They established a forest monastery in [Sankhu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankhu).[185](../../185/ "tree and pragmatics") This monastery was renovated by [Shakyas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakya) after they fled genocide from [Virudhaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virudhaka) (r. 491–461 BCE).[186](../../186/ "tree and pragmatics") During the Hindu Lichchavi era (c. 400 to 750), various monasteries and orders were created which successively led to the formation of [Newar Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar_Buddhism), which is still practiced in the primary [liturgical language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_language) of Hinduism, [Sanskrit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit).[187](../../187/ "tree and pragmatics") Legendary Princess [Bhrikuti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhrikuti) (7th-century) and artist [Araniko](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araniko) (1245–1306 CE) from that tradition of Kathmandu valley played a significant role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet and China.[188](../../188/ "tree and pragmatics") There are over 108 traditional monasteries (Bahals and Baháʼís) in Kathmandu based on Newar Buddhism.[189](../../189/ "tree and pragmatics") Since the 1960s, the permanent Tibetan Buddhist population of Kathmandu has risen significantly so that there are now over fifty Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the area.[190](../../190/ "tree and pragmatics") Also, with the modernization of Newar Buddhism, various Theravada Bihars have been established.[191](../../191/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Other religions [Sikhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism) is practiced primarily in Gurudwara at Kupundole.[192](../../192/ "tree and pragmatics") An earlier temple of Sikhism is also present in Kathmandu which is now defunct.[193](../../193/ "tree and pragmatics") [Jainism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism_in_Nepal) is practiced by a small community.[194](../../194/ "tree and pragmatics") A Jain temple is present in Gyaneshwar, where Jains practice their faith.[195](../../195/ "tree and pragmatics") According to the records of the [Spiritual Assembly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_Assembly) of the Baháʼís of Nepal, there are approximately 300 followers of the [Baháʼí Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baháʼí_Faith) in Kathmandu valley.[196](../../196/ "tree and pragmatics") They have a national office in Shantinagar, Baneshwor.[197](../../197/ "tree and pragmatics") The Baháʼís also have classes for children at the National Centre and other localities in Kathmandu.[198](../../198/ "tree and pragmatics") In Kathmandu alone there are about 170 Christian churches.[\[63\]](../../page/4/#ref-63 "note 63")[199](../../199/ "tree and pragmatics") Christian missionary hospitals, welfare organizations, and schools are also operating.[200](../../200/ "tree and pragmatics") Nepali citizens who served as soldiers in Indian and British armies, who had converted to Christianity while in service, on return to Nepal continue to practice their religion.[201](../../201/ "tree and pragmatics") They have contributed to the spread of Christianity and the building of churches in Nepal and in Kathmandu, in particular.[\[64\]](../../page/4/#ref-64 "note 64")[\[65\]](../../page/4/#ref-65 "note 65")[202](../../202/ "tree and pragmatics") ## Economy Main article: [Economy of Kathmandu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Kathmandu) The location and terrain of Kathmandu have played a significant role in the development of a stable economy which spans millennia.[203](../../203/ "tree and pragmatics") The city is in an ancient lake basin, with fertile soil and flat terrain.[204](../../204/ "tree and pragmatics") This geography helped form a society based on agriculture.[205](../../205/ "tree and pragmatics") This, combined with its location between India and China, helped establish Kathmandu as an important trading centre over the centuries.[206](../../206/ "tree and pragmatics") Kathmandu's trade is an ancient profession that flourished along an offshoot of the [Silk Road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road) which linked India and Tibet.[207](../../207/ "tree and pragmatics") From centuries past, [Lhasa Newar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lhasa_Newar) merchants of Kathmandu have conducted trade across the Himalaya and contributed to spreading art styles and Buddhism across Central Asia.[\[66\]](../../page/4/#ref-66 "note 66")[208](../../208/ "tree and pragmatics") Other traditional occupations are farming, metal casting, woodcarving, painting, weaving, and pottery.[\[67\]](../../page/4/#ref-67 "note 67")[209](../../209/ "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/) **2** [3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/page/3/) [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/page/4/) - ← previous: [page 1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/) - next →: [page 3](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Kathmandu/page/3/) - ↑ back to [English Wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/)