The mythical melds with the modern.
Kathmandu is really two cities: a fabled capital of convivial pilgrims and carved rose-brick temples, and a frenetic sprawl of modern towers, mobbed by beggars and monkeys and smothered in diesel fumes. It simultaneously reeks of history and the encroaching wear and tear of the modern world.
Travellers to Kathmandu are advised to exercise caution and steer clear of any anti-China protests. Following recent riots and demonstrations in Tibet, Tibetan exiles in Kathmandu staged three protests in one week. Nepalese authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance attitude towards the protesters.
Although the Maoist insurgency has ended, travellers should monitor the situation and keep abreast of warnings. Fatal bomb blasts that occurred on 2 September highlighted ongoing security concerns.
severity: Mid-level alert
700,000
Name: Nepalese Rupee
Code: NPR
Symbol: Rs
230V 50Hz
Official: Nepali
GMT/UTC +5.75
+977
Metric
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