Kathmandu

qas: question: What country is Kathmandu the capital of?
answers: text: Nepal

question: What does Upa-Mahanagar mean in English?
answers: text: Sub-Metropolitan City

question: Along with "KTM," what is another nickname of Kathmandu?
answers: text: tri-city

question: How many people lived in Kathmandu in 2011?
answers: text: 975,453

question: How many square kilometers in size is Kathmandu?
answers: text: 49.45
context: Kathmandu(/ˌkɑːtmɑːnˈduː/; Nepali pronunciation: [kɑʈʰmɑɳɖu]) is the capital and largest municipality of Nepal. It also hosts the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It is the only city of Nepal with the administrative status of Mahanagar (Metropolitan City), as compared to Upa-Mahanagar (Sub-Metropolitan City) or Nagar (City). Kathmandu is the core of Nepal's largest urban agglomeration located in the Kathmandu Valley consisting of Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur and a number of smaller communities. Kathmandu is also known informally as "KTM" or the "tri-city". According to the 2011 census, Kathmandu Metropolitan City has a population of 975,453 and measures 49.45 km2 (19.09 sq mi).

qas: question: About how long has Kathmandu existed?
answers: text: 2000

question: What suggests that Kathmandu is as old as it is?
answers: text: inscriptions

question: What is Kathmandu's majority religion?
answers: text: Hinduism

question: What do most Kathmandu residents speak?
answers: text: Nepali

question: What secondary language do educated people in Kathmandu speak?
answers: text: English
context: The city has a rich history, spanning nearly 2000 years, as inferred from inscriptions found in the valley. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Most of Kathmandu's people follow Hinduism and many others follow Buddhism. There are people of other religious beliefs as well, giving Kathmandu a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the most commonly spoken language in the city. English is understood by Kathmandu's educated residents. Historic areas of Kathmandu were devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 25 April 2015.

qas: question: What does काष्ठ mean in English?
answers: text: wood

question: What is the English translation of Mandap?
answers: text: covered shelter

question: What do Newar speakers call Kasthamandap temple?
answers: text: Maru Satal

question: Who was responsible for the construction of Kasthamandap temple?
answers: text: King Laxmi Narsingh Malla

question: On what date was Maru Satal destroyed?
answers: text: 25 April 2015
context: The city of Kathmandu is named after Kasthamandap temple, that stood in Durbar Square. In Sanskrit, Kastha (काष्ठ) means "wood" and Mandap (/मण्डप) means "covered shelter". This temple, also known as Maru Satal in the Newar language, was built in 1596 by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. The two-storey structure was made entirely of wood, and used no iron nails nor supports. According to legend, all the timber used to build the pagoda was obtained from a single tree. The structure collapsed during the major earthquake on 25 April 2015.

qas: question: What is the ancient name of Kathmandu?
answers: text: Kasthamandap Mahanagar

question: How does कान्तिपुर transliterate into English?
answers: text: Kantipur

question: Who is also called Kanti?
answers: text: Lakshmi

question: How do you say place in Sanskrit?
answers: text: pur

question: What is the English translation of Mahanagar?
answers: text: great city
context: The colophons of ancient manuscripts, dated as late as the 20th century, refer to Kathmandu as Kasthamandap Mahanagar in Nepal Mandala. Mahanagar means "great city". The city is called "Kasthamandap" in a vow that Buddhist priests still recite to this day. Thus, Kathmandu is also known as Kasthamandap. During medieval times, the city was sometimes called Kantipur (कान्तिपुर). This name is derived from two Sanskrit words - Kanti and pur. "Kanti" is one of the names of the Goddess Lakshmi, and "pur" means place.

qas: question: According to legend, what body of water once existed on the site of Kathmandu?
answers: text: lake

question: What animals notably resided in Nagdaha?
answers: text: snakes

question: Who was the founder of Manjupattan?
answers: text: Bodhisatwa Manjusri

question: What type of creature was Banasur?
answers: text: demon

question: Who was Banasur's murderer?
answers: text: Krishna
context: The ancient history of Kathmandu is described in its traditional myths and legends. According to Swayambhu Purana, present-day Kathmandu was once a huge and deep lake names "Nagdaha" as it was full of snakes. The lake was cut drained by Bodhisatwa Manjusri with his sword and the water was evacuated out from there and he established a city called Manjupattan and made Dharmakar the ruler of the valley land. After sometimes, a demon named Banasur closed the outlet and the valley was again a lake. Then lots Krishna came to Nepal, killed Banasur and again drained out water. He has brought some Gops with him and made Bhuktaman the king of Nepal. 

qas: question: Who was the founder of the Kirata dynasty?
answers: text: Yalamber

question: What geographical part of Kathmandu did Yambu once occupy?
answers: text: northern

question: Speakers of what languages sometimes call Kathmandu Yambu?
answers: text: Sino-Tibetan

question: Where in Kathmandu was Yengal located?
answers: text: southern half

question: What religion did the Sankhu monastery belong to?
answers: text: Buddhist
context: Very few historical records exist of the period before the medieval Licchavis rulers. According to Gopalraj Vansawali, a genealogy of Nepali monarchs, the rulers of Kathmandu Valley before the Licchavis were Gopalas, Mahispalas, Aabhirs, Kirants, and Somavanshi. The Kirata dynasty was established by Yalamber. During the Kirata era, a settlement called Yambu existed in the northern half of old Kathmandu. In some of the Sino-Tibetan languages, Kathmandu is still called Yambu. Another smaller settlement called Yengal was present in the southern half of old Kathmandu, near Manjupattan. During the reign of the seventh Kirata ruler, Jitedasti, Buddhist monks entered Kathmandu valley and established a forest monastery at Sankhu.

qas: question: Who won the war between the Licchavis and the Kiratas?
answers: text: Licchavis

question: Who did the migrating Shakyas pretend to be?
answers: text: Koliyas

question: What sect of Buddhism is the only remaining one based in Sanskrit?
answers: text: Newar

question: Who killed the Shakyas?
answers: text: Virudhaka

question: Under the Licchavi dynasty, what name was typically used to refer to Yengal?
answers: text: Dakshin Koligram
context: The Licchavis from the Indo-Gangetic plain migrated north and defeated the Kiratas, establishing the Licchavi dynasty. During this era, following the genocide of Shakyas in Lumbini by Virudhaka, the survivors migrated north and entered the forest monastery in Sankhu masquerading as Koliyas. From Sankhu, they migrated to Yambu and Yengal (Lanjagwal and Manjupattan) and established the first permanent Buddhist monasteries of Kathmandu. This created the basis of Newar Buddhism, which is the only surviving Sanskrit-based Buddhist tradition in the world. With their migration, Yambu was called Koligram and Yengal was called Dakshin Koligram during most of the Licchavi era.

qas: question: Kathmandu resulted from the merger of what two settlements?
answers: text: Dakshin Koligram

question: Who is Kathmandu's historical founder?
answers: text: Gunakamadeva

question: Who did Chandrahrasa belong to?
answers: text: Manjushri

question: How many barracks guarded ancient Kathmandu?
answers: text: eight

question: Trade between what two countries typically went through ancient Kathmandu?
answers: text: India and Tibet
context: Eventually, the Licchavi ruler Gunakamadeva merged Koligram and Dakshin Koligram, founding the city of Kathmandu. The city was designed in the shape of Chandrahrasa, the sword of Manjushri. The city was surrounded by eight barracks guarded by Ajimas. One of these barracks is still in use at Bhadrakali (in front of Singha Durbar). The city served as an important transit point in the trade between India and Tibet, leading to tremendous growth in architecture. Descriptions of buildings such as Managriha, Kailaskut Bhawan, and Bhadradiwas Bhawan have been found in the surviving journals of travelers and monks who lived during this era. For example, the famous 7th-century Chinese traveller Xuanzang described Kailaskut Bhawan, the palace of the Licchavi king Amshuverma. The trade route also led to cultural exchange as well. The artistry of the Newar people—the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley—became highly sought after during this era, both within the Valley and throughout the greater Himalayas. Newar artists travelled extensively throughout Asia, creating religious art for their neighbors. For example, Araniko led a group of his compatriot artists through Tibet and China. Bhrikuti, the princess of Nepal who married Tibetan monarch Songtsän Gampo, was instrumental in introducing Buddhism to Tibet.

qas: question: Who ruled Nepal after the Licchavi?
answers: text: Malla

question: Along with Khas, who attacked Nepal in the early Malla period?
answers: text: Turk Muslims

question: What fraction of Kathmandu's population died in an ancient earthquake?
answers: text: third

question: Along with the Mangriha, what Licchavi-era building was destroyed in an ancient earthquake?
answers: text: Kailashkut Bhawan

question: What notable Nepali figure died in a Kathmandu earthquake?
answers: text: Abhaya Malla
context: The Licchavi era was followed by the Malla era. Rulers from Tirhut, upon being attacked by Muslims, fled north to the Kathmandu valley. They intermarried with Nepali royalty, and this led to the Malla era. The early years of the Malla era were turbulent, with raids and attacks from Khas and Turk Muslims. There was also a devastating earthquake which claimed the lives of a third of Kathmandu's population, including the king Abhaya Malla. These disasters led to the destruction of most of the architecture of the Licchavi era (such as Mangriha and Kailashkut Bhawan), and the loss of literature collected in various monasteries within the city. Despite the initial hardships, Kathmandu rose to prominence again and, during most of the Malla era, dominated the trade between India and Tibet. Nepali currency became the standard currency in trans-Himalayan trade.

qas: question: How many cities were present in the Kathmandu Valley in the late Malla period?
answers: text: four

question: In the waning years of the Malla dynasty, what fortified cities existed in the Kathmandu Valley?
answers: text: Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur

question: What cultures influenced Nepal in the later Malla era?
answers: text: India, Tibet, China, Persia, and Europe

question: What is an example of a book of medicine from the Malla period?
answers: text: Haramekhala

question: When does Amarkosh date to?
answers: text: 1381
context: During the later part of the Malla era, Kathmandu Valley comprised four fortified cities: Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur. These served as the capitals of the Malla confederation of Nepal. These states competed with each other in the arts, architecture, aesthetics, and trade, resulting in tremendous development. The kings of this period directly influenced or involved themselves in the construction of public buildings, squares, and temples, as well as the development of water spouts, the institutionalization of trusts (called guthis), the codification of laws, the writing of dramas, and the performance of plays in city squares. Evidence of an influx of ideas from India, Tibet, China, Persia, and Europe among other places can be found in a stone inscription from the time of king Pratap Malla. Books have been found from this era that describe their tantric tradition (e.g. Tantrakhyan), medicine (e.g. Haramekhala), religion (e.g. Mooldevshashidev), law, morals, and history. Amarkosh, a Sanskrit-Nepal Bhasa dictionary from 1381 AD, was also found. Architecturally notable buildings from this era include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the former durbar of Kirtipur, Nyatapola, Kumbheshwar, the Krishna temple, and others.

qas: question: Who won the Battle of Kathmandu?
answers: text: Gorkha Kingdom

question: What battle inaugurated the conquering of the Kathmandu Valley by the Gorkha?
answers: text: Kirtipur

question: How many stories high was the Basantapur tower?
answers: text: nine

question: What European country did Bhimsen Thapa oppose?
answers: text: Great Britain

question: How many stories made up the Dharahara tower?
answers: text: nine
context: The Gorkha Kingdom ended the Malla confederation after the Battle of Kathmandu in 1768. This marked the beginning of the modern era in Kathmandu. The Battle of Kirtipur was the start of the Gorkha conquest of the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu was adopted as the capital of the Gorkha empire, and the empire itself was dubbed Nepal. During the early part of this era, Kathmandu maintained its distinctive culture. Buildings with characteristic Nepali architecture, such as the nine-story tower of Basantapur, were built during this era. However, trade declined because of continual war with neighboring nations. Bhimsen Thapa supported France against Great Britain; this led to the development of modern military structures, such as modern barracks in Kathmandu. The nine-storey tower Dharahara was originally built during this era.

qas: question: What river is south of Kathmandu?
answers: text: Bagmati

question: What geographic portion of the Kathmandu Valley houses Kathmandu?
answers: text: northwestern

question: About how many feet above sea level is Kathmandu?
answers: text: 4,600

question: How large is Kathmandu in terms of square miles?
answers: text: 19.56

question: Where does the Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City stand in relation to the Bagmati River?
answers: text: south
context: Kathmandu is located in the northwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley to the north of the Bagmati River and covers an area of 50.67 km2 (19.56 sq mi). The average elevation is 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level. The city is directly bounded by several other municipalities of the Kathmandu valley: south of the Bagmati by Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City (Patan) with which it today forms one urban area surrounded by a ring road, to the southwest by Kirtipur Municipality and to the east by Madyapur Thimi Municipality. To the north the urban area extends into several Village Development Committees. However, the urban agglomeration extends well beyond the neighboring municipalities, e. g. to Bhaktapur and just about covers the entire Kathmandu valley.

qas: question: How many rivers travel through Kathmandu?
answers: text: eight

question: Where did the canal that once terminated in Kathmandu originate?
answers: text: Nagarjuna hill

question: How many feet high are the mountains from which the Bagmati flows?
answers: text: 4,900–9,800
context: Kathmandu is dissected by eight rivers, the main river of the valley, the Bagmati and its tributaries, of which the Bishnumati, Dhobi Khola, Manohara Khola, Hanumant Khola, and Tukucha Khola are predominant. The mountains from where these rivers originate are in the elevation range of 1,500–3,000 metres (4,900–9,800 ft), and have passes which provide access to and from Kathmandu and its valley. An ancient canal once flowed from Nagarjuna hill through Balaju to Kathmandu; this canal is now extinct.

qas: question: How many districts make up the Kathmandu Valley urban area?
answers: text: three

question: What are Madhyapur Thimi, Kirtipur and Bhaktapur?
answers: text: municipalities

question: How many sub-metropolitan cities are present in the districts that make up the Kathmandu valley?
answers: text: 1

question: About how many people live in a square kilometer in Gonggabu VDC?
answers: text: 20,000

question: What is another term for VDCs?
answers: text: villages
context: The agglomeration of Kathmandu has not yet been officially defined. The urban area of the Kathmandu valley is split among three different districts (collections of local government units within a zone) which extend very little beyond the valley fringe, except towards the southern ranges, which have comparatively small population. They have the three highest population densities in the country. Within the districts lie VDCs (villages), 3 municipalities (Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, Madhyapur Thimi), 1 sub-metropolitan city (Lalitpur), and 1 metropolitan city (Kathmandu). Some district subdivisions remain legally villages yet are densely populated, Gonggabu VDC notably recorded a density over 20,000 people/km2. (2011 census). The following data table describes the districts considered part of the agglomeration:

qas: question: What is the Kathmandu Valley's average temperature in winter, in degrees Fahrenheit?
answers: text: 50.2

question: Along with a subtropical highland climate, what climate classification covers Kathmandu?
answers: text: humid subtropical climate

question: What is the Köppen abbreviation for a humid subtropical climate?
answers: text: Cwa

question: How many meters up is the Cool Temperate Zone?
answers: text: 2,100–3,300

question: How many significant climate regions exist in Nepal?
answers: text: Five
context: Five major climatic regions are found in Nepal. Of these, Kathmandu Valley is in the Warm Temperate Zone (elevation ranging from 1,200–2,300 metres (3,900–7,500 ft)), where the climate is fairly temperate, atypical for the region. This zone is followed by the Cool Temperate Zone with elevation varying between 2,100–3,300 metres (6,900–10,800 ft). Under Köppen's climate classification, portions of the city with lower elevations have a humid subtropical climate (Cwa), while portions of the city with higher elevations generally have a subtropical highland climate. In the Kathmandu Valley, which is representative of its valley's climate, the average summer temperature varies from 28–30 °C (82–86 °F). The average winter temperature is 10.1 °C (50.2 °F).

qas: question: What sort of temperature is typical on a Kathmandu morning?
answers: text: cool

question: About what percentage of Kathmandu's annual rainfall falls during the monsoon months?
answers: text: 65

question: On what date in 2013 was it 15.4 degrees Fahrenheit in Kathmandu?
answers: text: January 10

question: In what months does the monsoon occur in Nepal?
answers: text: June to August

question: In what year did the most rain in recorded history fall on Kathmandu?
answers: text: 2003
context: The city generally has a climate with warm days followed by cool nights and mornings. Unpredictable weather is expected, given that temperatures can drop to 1 °C (34 °F) or less during the winter. During a 2013 cold front, the winter temperatures of Kathmandu dropped to −4 °C (25 °F), and the lowest temperature was recorded on January 10, 2013, at −9.2 °C (15.4 °F). Rainfall is mostly monsoon-based (about 65% of the total concentrated during the monsoon months of June to August), and decreases substantially (100 to 200 cm (39 to 79 in)) from eastern Nepal to western Nepal. Rainfall has been recorded at about 1,400 millimetres (55.1 in) for the Kathmandu valley, and averages 1,407 millimetres (55.4 in) for the city of Kathmandu. On average humidity is 75%. The chart below is based on data from the Nepal Bureau of Standards & Meteorology, "Weather Meteorology" for 2005. The chart provides minimum and maximum temperatures during each month. The annual amount of precipitation was 1,124 millimetres (44.3 in) for 2005, as per monthly data included in the table above. The decade of 2000-2010 saw highly variable and unprecedented precipitation anomalies in Kathmandu. This was mostly due to the annual variation of the southwest monsoon.[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 contrast, 2001 recorded only 356 mm (14 in) of precipitation due to an extraordinarily weak monsoon season.

qas: question: What religion proliferated throughout Central Asia in part due to the efforts of Lhasa Newar merchants?
answers: text: Buddhism

question: Existing between what two countries contributed to Kathmandu becoming a center of trade?
answers: text: India and China

question: Other than trade, what was the traditional basis of Kathmandu's economy?
answers: text: agriculture
context: The location and terrain of Kathmandu have played a significant role in the development of a stable economy which spans millennia. The city is located in an ancient lake basin, with fertile soil and flat terrain. This geography helped form a society based on agriculture. This, combined with its location between India and China, helped establish Kathmandu as an important trading center over the centuries. Kathmandu's trade is an ancient profession that flourished along an offshoot of the Silk Road which linked India and Tibet. 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. Other traditional occupations are farming, metal casting, woodcarving, painting, weaving, and pottery.

qas: question: Approximately what portion of Nepal's GDP is produced by the Kathmandu metropolitan area?
answers: text: one third

question: What do Kathmandu residents earn per capita each year?
answers: text: $2200

question: What is the GDP of Kathmandu?
answers: text: 6.5billion

question: What percentage of Kathmandu's economy is trade?
answers: text: 21

question: What portion of Kathmandu's economy consists of agriculture?
answers: text: 9%
context: 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.s 550 billion approximately per year $2200 per capital income approx three times national average. Kathmandu exports handicrafts, artworks, garments, carpets, pashmina, paper; trade accounts for 21% of its finances.[which?] Manufacturing is also important and accounts for 19% of the revenue that Kathmandu generates. Garments and woolen carpets are the most notable manufactured products. Other economic sectors in Kathmandu include agriculture (9%), education (6%), transport (6%), and hotels and restaurants (5%). Kathmandu is famous for lokta paper and pashmina shawls.

qas: question: Approximately when did the Nepalese tourism industry begin?
answers: text: 1950

question: What city was connected to Kathmandu via the Tribhuvan Highway?
answers: text: Raxaul

question: When did construction on the Tribhuvan Highway begin?
answers: text: 1956
context: Tourism is considered another important industry in Nepal. This industry started around 1950, as the country's political makeup changed and ended the country's isolation from the rest of the world. In 1956, air transportation was established and the Tribhuvan Highway, between Kathmandu and Raxaul (at India's border), was started. Separate organizations were created in Kathmandu to promote this activity; some of these include the Tourism Development Board, the Department of Tourism and the Civil Aviation Department. Furthermore, Nepal became a member of several international tourist associations. Establishing diplomatic relations with other nations further accentuated this activity. The hotel industry, travel agencies, training of tourist guides, and targeted publicity campaigns are the chief reasons for the remarkable growth of this industry in Nepal, and in Kathmandu in particular.

qas: question: What is the most significant industry in Nepal?
answers: text: tourism

question: Along with Buddhists, what religion's devotees visit Kathmandu?
answers: text: Hindu

question: How many tourists visited Kathmandu in the period 1961-62?
answers: text: 6,179

question: What event led to an increase in tourism in 2009?
answers: text: end of the Maoist insurgency

question: What Nepalese mountains are claimed to attract tourists?
answers: text: Himalayas
context: Since then, tourism in Nepal has thrived; it is the country's most important industry.[citation needed] Tourism is a major source of income for most of the people in the city, with several hundred thousand visitors annually. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world visit Kathmandu's religious sites such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Budhanilkantha. From a mere 6,179 tourists in 1961/62, the number jumped to 491,504 in 1999/2000. Following the end of the Maoist insurgency, there was a significant rise of 509,956 tourist arrivals in 2009. Since then, tourism has improved as the country turned into a Democratic Republic. In economic terms, the foreign exchange registered 3.8% of the GDP in 1995/96 but then started declining[why?]. The high level of tourism is attributed to the natural grandeur of the Himalayas and the rich cultural heritage of the country.

qas: question: What Kathmandu neighborhood is noted for its abundance of tourists?
answers: text: Thamel

question: What neighborhood is also known as Jhamel?
answers: text: Jhamsikhel

question: What is the traditional name for Freak Street?
answers: text: Jhochhen Tol

question: What tourists first brought attention to Jhocchen Tol?
answers: text: hippies
context: The neighbourhood of Thamel is Kathmandu's primary "traveller's ghetto", packed with guest houses, restaurants, shops, and bookstores, catering to tourists. Another neighbourhood of growing popularity is Jhamel, a name for Jhamsikhel coined to rhyme with Thamel. Jhochhen Tol, also known as Freak Street, is Kathmandu's original traveler's haunt, made popular by the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s; it remains a popular alternative to Thamel. Asan is a bazaar and ceremonial square on the old trade route to Tibet, and provides a fine example of a traditional neighbourhood.

qas: question: How many stars is Kathmandu's Grand Hotel?
answers: text: four

question: What type of hotel is Aloha Inn?
answers: text: three-star

question: De L'Annapurna is an example of what sort of hotel?
answers: text: five-star

question: What attractions are present at Hotel Yak & Yeti and the Hyatt Regency?
answers: text: casinos
context: With the opening of the tourist industry after the change in the political scenario of Nepal in 1950, the hotel industry drastically improved. Now Kathmandu boasts several luxury such as the Hyatt Regency, Dwarika's, theYak & Yeti, The Everest Hotel, Hotel Radisson, Hotel De L'Annapurna, The Malla Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel (which is not operated by the Shangri-La Hotel Group) and The Shanker Hotel. There are several four-star hotels such as Hotel Vaishali, Hotel Narayani, The Blue Star and Grand Hotel. The Garden Hotel, Hotel Ambassador, and Aloha Inn are among the three-star hotels in Kathmandu. Hotels like Hyatt Regency, De L'Annapurna and Hotel Yak & Yeti are among the five-star hotels providing casinos as well.

qas: question: How many sectors make up the Kathmandu metropolitan area?
answers: text: five

question: What sector of Kathmandu doesn't have the word 'sector' in its name?
answers: text: City Core

question: What is the purpose of Kathmandu being divided into 35 wards?
answers: text: civic administration

question: How many members of the Council received their positions via nomination rather than election?
answers: text: 20

question: How many hectares in size is Kathmandu's ward 26?
answers: text: 4
context: Metropolitan Kathmandu is divided into five sectors: the Central Sector, the East Sector, the North Sector, the City Core and the West Sector. For civic administration, the city is further divided into 35 administrative wards. The Council administers the Metropolitan area of Kathmandu city through its 177 elected representatives and 20 nominated members. It holds biannual meetings to review, process and approve the annual budget and make major policy decisions. The ward's profile documents for the 35 wards prepared by the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council is detailed and provides information for each ward on population, the structure and condition of houses, the type of roads, educational, health and financial institutions, entertainment facilities, parking space, security provisions, etc. It also includes lists of development projects completed, on-going and planned, along with informative data about the cultural heritage, festivals, historical sites and the local inhabitants. Ward 16 is the largest, with an area of 437.4 ha; ward 26 is the smallest, with an area of 4 ha.

qas: question: What is Kathmandu's fire department called?
answers: text: Barun Yantra Karyalaya

question: What year saw the founding of Kathmandu's fire department?
answers: text: 1937

question: When did Bhaktapur receive coverage from the fire department?
answers: text: 1944

question: How many fire trucks did West Germany donate to Kathmandu?
answers: text: seven

question: What is the mission of FAN?
answers: text: raising public awareness about fire and improving safety
context: The fire service, known as the Barun Yantra Karyalaya, opened its first station in Kathmandu in 1937 with a single vehicle. An iron tower was erected to monitor the city and watch for fire. As a precautionary measure, firemen were sent to the areas which were designated as accident-prone areas. In 1944, the fire service was extended to the neighboring cities of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. In 1966, a fire service was established in Kathmandu airport. In 1975, a West German government donation added seven fire engines to Kathmandu's fire service. 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.

qas: question: What was the population of Kathmandu in 1991?
answers: text: 427,045

question: About how many people are likely to live in Kathmandu in 2021?
answers: text: 1,319,597

question: How dense was the population of Kathmandu in 1991?
answers: text: 85

question: How many acres of land did the KMC control in 2001?
answers: text: 20,300
context: Over the years the city has been home to people of various ethnicities, resulting in a range of different traditions and cultural practices. In one decade, the population increased from 427,045 in 1991 to 671,805 in 2001. The population was projected to reach 915,071 in 2011 and 1,319,597 by 2021. To keep up this population growth, the KMC-controlled area of 5,076.6 hectares (12,545 acres) has expanded to 8,214 hectares (20,300 acres) in 2001. With this new area, the population density which was 85 in 1991 is still 85 in 2001; it is likely to jump to 111 in 2011 and 161 in 2021.

qas: question: What percentage of Kathmandu residents are Chettris?
answers: text: 18.5

question: What is the third largest ethnic group in Kathmandu?
answers: text: Khas Brahmins

question: What are Kathmandu's primary religions?
answers: text: Hinduism and Buddhism

question: What Kathmandu industry is particularly known for its English speakers?
answers: text: service

question: Along with Nepali, what is Kathmandu's main language?
answers: text: Nepal Bhasa
context: The largest ethnic groups are Newar (29.6%), Matwali (25.1% Sunuwar, Gurung, Magars, Tamang etc.), Khas Brahmins (20.51%) and Chettris (18.5%) . Tamangs originating from surrounding hill districts can be seen in Kathmandu. More recently, other hill ethnic groups and Caste groups from Terai have come to represent a substantial proportion of the city's population. The major languages are Nepali and Nepal Bhasa, while English is understood by many, particularly in the service industry. The major religions are Hinduism and Buddhism.

qas: question: What religion does Changunarayan belong to?
answers: text: Hindu

question: What Buddhist monuments are present at Boudhanath?
answers: text: stupas

question: How many acres are the Kathmandu valley monument zones?
answers: text: 466.9

question: In hectares, how large is the Kathmandu valley monument buffer zone?
answers: text: 239.34

question: When did the Kathmandu valley monuments receive WHS status?
answers: text: 2006
context: The ancient trade route between India and Tibet that passed through Kathmandu enabled a fusion of artistic and architectural traditions from other cultures to be amalgamated with local art and architecture. The monuments of Kathmandu City have been influenced over the centuries by Hindu and Buddhist religious practices. The architectural treasure of the Kathmandu valley has been categorized under the well-known seven groups of heritage monuments and buildings. In 2006 UNESCO declared these seven groups of monuments as a World Heritage Site (WHS). The seven monuments zones cover an area of 188.95 hectares (466.9 acres), with the buffer zone extending to 239.34 hectares (591.4 acres). 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.

qas: question: Where is a Durban Square located that is not preserved?
answers: text: Kirtipur

question: What is the oldest dynasty to be represented with buildings in Kathmandu's Durbar Square?
answers: text: Licchavi

question: How many temples are present in Kathmandu's Durbar Square?
answers: text: 50

question: When did a notable earthquake occur that damaged Kathmandu's Durbar Square?
answers: text: April 2015

question: How many kingdoms have buildings present in the Durbar Square of Kathmandu?
answers: text: four
context: The literal meaning of Durbar Square is a "place of palaces". There are three preserved Durbar Squares in Kathmandu valley and one unpreserved in Kirtipur. The Durbar Square of Kathmandu is located in the old city and has heritage buildings representing four kingdoms (Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur); the earliest is the Licchavi dynasty. The complex has 50 temples and is distributed in two quadrangles of the Durbar Square. The outer quadrangle has the Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple; the inner quadrangle has the Hanuman Dhoka palace. The squares were severely damaged in the April 2015 Nepal earthquake.

qas: question: What is Durga called in Nepali?
answers: text: Taleju

question: How long is Kumari believed to incarnate Taleju?
answers: text: until she menstruates

question: Who was the Royal Kumari as of late 2008?
answers: text: Matina Shakya

question: What type of government did Nepal have after the monarchy?
answers: text: Maoist
context: Kumari Ghar is a palace in the center of the Kathmandu city, next to the Durbar square where a Royal Kumari selected from several Kumaris resides. Kumari, or Kumari Devi, is the tradition of worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or devi in South Asian countries. In Nepal the selection process is very rigorous. 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. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury are also causes for her to revert to common status. The current Royal Kumari, Matina Shakya, age four, was installed in October 2008 by the Maoist government that replaced the monarchy.

qas: question: When was the Pashupatinath Temple built?
answers: text: 5th century

question: What faith does the Pashupatinath Temple serve?
answers: text: Hindu

question: What is another name for Pashupati?
answers: text: Lord Shiva

question: Prior to the secularization of Nepal, who was the country's national god?
answers: text: Lord Pashupatinath

question: Who damaged the Pashupatinath Temple in the 14th century?
answers: text: Mughal invaders
context: The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous 5th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Pashupati). Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It served as the seat of national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, until Nepal was secularized. 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. The temple as it stands today was built in the 19th century, although the image of the bull and the black four-headed image of Pashupati are at least 300 years old. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shivaratri, or the night of Lord Shiva, is the most important festival that takes place here, attracting thousands of devotees and sadhus.[citation needed]

qas: question: What people make up the majority of Pashupatinath followers?
answers: text: Hindus

question: In what part of India do the Pashupatinath priests originate?
answers: text: South

question: What dynasty did Yaksha Malla belong to?
answers: text: Malla

question: Who supposedly encouraged the usage of Karnataka Brahmin priests at Pashupatinath Temple?
answers: text: Adi Shankaracharya

question: What is another term for Bharatam?
answers: text: Unified India
context: 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. The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Brahmins from Karnataka, South India since the time of Malla king Yaksha 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. This procedure is followed in other temples around India, which were sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya.

qas: question: To what religion is Boudhanath holy?
answers: text: Buddhist

question: What do the Newars call Boudhanath?
answers: text: Khāsti

question: What is Boudhanath called in Nepali?
answers: text: Bauddha or Bodhnāth

question: How far is Boudhanath from Kathmandu in miles?
answers: text: 7

question: When did UNESCO make Boudhanath a World Heritage Site?
answers: text: 1979
context: The Boudhanath, (also written Bouddhanath, Bodhnath, Baudhanath or the Khāsa Chaitya), is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, along with Swayambhu. It is a very popular tourist site. Boudhanath is known as Khāsti by Newars and as Bauddha or Bodhnāth by speakers of Nepali. 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. Boudhanath became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

qas: question: Who is pictured on the stupa's base?
answers: text: Dhyani Buddha Amitabha

question: What is Ajima the deity of?
answers: text: smallpox

question: What are gompas?
answers: text: monasteries

question: Visitors from what faith routinely visit the stupa?
answers: text: Tibetan Buddhist

question: What mantra is engraved on the stupa's prayer wheels?
answers: text: om mani padme hum
context: The base of the stupa has 108 small depictions of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. 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. At the northern entrance where visitors must pass is a shrine dedicated to Ajima, the goddess of smallpox. 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. Thousands of prayer flags are hoisted up from the top of the stupa downwards and dot the perimeter of the complex. The influx of many Tibetan refugees from China has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan gompas (monasteries) around Boudhanath.

qas: question: In what part of Kathmandu is Swayambhu located?
answers: text: northwestern

question: What faith does Swayambhu belong to?
answers: text: Buddhist

question: Other than Buddhists, who worships at Swayambhu?
answers: text: Hindus

question: In how many directions does the Buddha of Swayambhu look?
answers: text: four

question: In Swayambhu, what is present in the small area above the tiers?
answers: text: gajur
context: Swayambhu is a Buddhist stupa atop a hillock at the northwestern part of the city. This is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. Although the site is considered Buddhist, it is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. The stupa consists of a dome at the base; above the dome, there is a cubic structure with the eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions.[clarification needed] There are pentagonal Toran above each of the four sides, with statues engraved on them. Behind and above the torana there are thirteen tiers. Above all the tiers, there is a small space above which lies a gajur.

qas: question: Kathmandu valley contains art made of metal, terracotta, wood and what other substance?
answers: text: stone

question: What is the most typical type of art in the Kathmandu valley?
answers: text: icons

question: In what year could Nepal be said to have been discovered by the outside world?
answers: text: 1950
context: 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. The art objects are also seen in street corners, lanes, private courtyards and in open ground. Most art is in the form of icons of gods and goddesses. 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.

qas: question: What types of deities are Bhavani and Durga?
answers: text: Mother Goddesses

question: What is Sri-Lakshmi a deity of?
answers: text: wealth

question: By tradition, what notable figure came to Nepal 250 years before the birth of Christ?
answers: text: Ashoka

question: When did the Licchavi period end?
answers: text: 900

question: What is another name for the Licchavi period?
answers: text: classical
context: 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). 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. 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; the Malla period (1400 onwards) that exhibited explicitly tantric influences coupled with the art of Tibetan Demonology.

qas: question: Along with the National Museum of Nepal, what notable Nepalese museum is present in Kathmandu?
answers: text: Natural History Museum of Nepal

question: From what time period are the oldest artifacts in Kathmandu museums?
answers: text: 5th century

question: Along with Buddhism, what religion has had a significant influence on Nepal?
answers: text: Hinduism

question: What Kathmandu valley area was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO?
answers: text: Monument Zones

question: How many Monument Zones are present in the Kathmandu valley?
answers: text: seven
context: Kathmandu is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Nepal and the Natural History Museum of Nepal. Nepal's art and architecture is an amalgamation of two ancient religions, Hinduism and Buddhhism. 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. This amalgamation is also reflected in the planning and exhibitions in museums and art galleries throughout Kathmandu and its sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. The museums display unique artifacts and paintings from the 5th century CE to the present day, including archeological exportation.

qas: question: In what area of Kathmandu is the National Museum?
answers: text: western

question: What stupa is close to the National Museum?
answers: text: Swayambhunath

question: Who built the building that contains the National Museum?
answers: text: Bhimsen Thapa

question: When was the National Museum founded?
answers: text: 1928

question: What does Chhauni Silkhana mean?
answers: text: the stone house of arms and ammunition
context: The National Museum is located in the western part of Kathmandu, near the Swayambhunath stupa in an historical building. This building was constructed in the early 19th century by General Bhimsen Thapa. It is the most important museum in the country, housing an extensive collection of weapons, art and antiquities of historic and cultural importance. 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". Given its focus, the museum contains many weapons, including locally made firearms used in wars, leather cannons from the 18th–19th century, and medieval and modern works in wood, bronze, stone and paintings.

qas: question: When did Tribhuvan die?
answers: text: 1955

question: What was the birth year of King Mahendra?
answers: text: 1920

question: How many museums are in the Hanumandhoka Palace?
answers: text: three

question: Who was the penultimate king of Nepal?
answers: text: Birendra

question: During what era was the Hanumandhoka Palace constructed?
answers: text: medieval
context: The Tribhuvan Museum contains artifacts related to the King Tribhuvan (1906–1955). It has a variety of pieces including his personal belongings, letters and papers, memorabilia related to events he was involved in and a rare collection of photos and paintings of Royal family members. The Mahendra Museum is dedicated to king Mahendra of Nepal (1920–1972). Like the Tribhuvan Museum, it includes his personal belongings such as decorations, stamps, coins and personal notes and manuscripts, but it also has structural reconstructions of his cabinet room and office chamber. The Hanumandhoka Palace, a lavish medieval palace complex in the Durbar, contains three separate museums of historic importance. These museums include the Birendra museum, which contains items related to the second-last monarch, Birendra of Nepal.

qas: question: Where in Kathmandu is Narayanhity Palace Museum located?
answers: text: north-central

question: In what year was Narayanhity constructed?
answers: text: 1970

question: Whose marriage led to the construction of Narayanhity?
answers: text: Birenda Bir Bikram Shah

question: How many acres is the Narayanhity Palace?
answers: text: 74

question: What god is Narayana?
answers: text: Vishnu
context: The enclosed compound of the Narayanhity Palace Museum is in the north-central part of Kathmandu. "Narayanhity" comes from Narayana, a form of the Hindu god Lord Vishnu, and Hiti, meaning "water spout" (Vishnu's temple is located opposite the palace, and the water spout is located east of the main entrance to the precinct). Narayanhity was a new palace, in front of the old palace built in 1915, and was built in 1970 in the form of a contemporary Pagoda. It was built on the occasion of the marriage of King Birenda Bir Bikram Shah, then heir apparent to the throne. The southern gate of the palace is at the crossing of Prithvipath and Darbar Marg roads. The palace area covers (30 hectares (74 acres)) and is fully secured with gates on all sides. This palace was the scene of the Nepali royal massacre. After the fall of the monarchy, it was converted to a museum.

qas: question: What is the Taragaon Museum dedicated to?
answers: text: modern history of the Kathmandu Valley

question: Who is the designer of the Taragaon Museum?
answers: text: Carl Pruscha

question: In what year was the Taragaon Museum built?
answers: text: 1971

question: What stupa is located close to the Taragaon Museum?
answers: text: Boudhnath

question: What was the Taragaon Museum prior to being a museum?
answers: text: hostel
context: The Taragaon Museum presents the modern history of the Kathmandu Valley. It seeks to document 50 years of research and cultural heritage conservation of the Kathmandu Valley, documenting what artists photographers architects anthropologists from abroad had contributed in the second half of the 20th century. The actual structure of the Museum showcases restoration and rehabilitation efforts to preserve the built heritage of Kathmandu. It was designed by Carl Pruscha (master-planner of the Kathmandy Valley ) in 1970 and constructed in 1971. Restoration works began in 2010 to rehabilitate the Taragaon hostel into the Taragaon Museum. The design uses local brick along with modern architectural design elements, as well as the use of circle, triangles and squares. The Museum is within a short walk from the Boudhnath stupa, which itself can be seen from the Museum tower.

qas: question: Contemporary Kathmandu art combines traditional influences with what type of art?
answers: text: modern

question: How many types are Nepali works of art typically divided into?
answers: text: two

question: What do the Tibetans call traditional idealistic paintings?
answers: text: Thangkas

question: What UK charity works on behalf of Kathmandu art?
answers: text: Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre

question: What do the Nepalese call Thangkas?
answers: text: Paubhas
context: Kathmandu is a center for art in Nepal, displaying the work of contemporary artists in the country and also collections of historical artists. Patan in particular is an ancient city noted for its fine arts and crafts. Art in Kathmandu is vibrant, demonstrating a fusion of traditionalism and modern art, derived from a great number of national, Asian, and global influences. Nepali art is commonly divided into two areas: the idealistic traditional painting known as Paubhas in Nepal and perhaps more commonly known as Thangkas in Tibet, closely linked to the country's religious history and on the other hand the contemporary western-style painting, including nature-based compositions or abstract artwork based on Tantric elements and social themes of which painters in Nepal are well noted for. Internationally, the British-based charity, the Kathmandu Contemporary Art Centre is involved with promoting arts in Kathmandu.

qas: question: Where can one find the Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery?
answers: text: Bhrikutimandap Exhibition grounds

question: The Moti Azima Gallery contains objects that might be found in a Nepalese house of what time period?
answers: text: medieval

question: What art gallery is located close to the Durbarmarg Royal Palace?
answers: text: J

question: Where can the Nepal Art Council Gallery be found?
answers: text: Babar Mahal

question: In which of Nepal's art galleries can one take an art class?
answers: text: Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery
context: The Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery, located inside the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition grounds, hosts the work of contemporary painters and sculptors, and regularly organizes exhibitions. It also runs morning and evening classes in the schools of art. Also of note is the Moti Azima Gallery, located in a three storied building in Bhimsenthan which contains an impressive collection of traditional utensils and handmade dolls and items typical of a medieval Newar house, giving an important insight into Nepali history. The J Art Gallery is also located in Kathmandu, near the Royal Palace in Durbarmarg, Kathmandu and displays the artwork of eminent, established Nepali painters. The Nepal Art Council Gallery, located in the Babar Mahal, on the way to Tribhuvan International Airport contains artwork of both national and international artists and extensive halls regularly used for art exhibitions.

qas: question: How many volumes are contained in Nepal's National Library?
answers: text: 70,000

question: Along with Hindi, Sanskrit, Nepali and English, the National Library contains books in what language?
answers: text: Nepal Bhasa

question: What government department is located in the same building as the Kaiser Library?
answers: text: Ministry of Education

question: How many volumes does the Kaiser Library contain?
answers: text: 45,000

question: Who did the Kaiser Library's books previously belong to?
answers: text: Kaiser Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana
context: The National Library of Nepal is located in Patan. It is the largest library in the country with more than 70,000 books. English, Nepali, Sanskrit, Hindi, and Nepal Bhasa books are found here. The library is in possession of rare scholarly books in Sanskrit and English dating from the 17th century AD. Kathmandu also contains the Kaiser Library, located in the Kaiser Mahal on the ground floor of the Ministry of Education building. This collection of around 45,000 books is derived from a personal collection of Kaiser Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana. It covers a wide range of subjects including history, law, art, religion, and philosophy, as well as a Sanskrit manual of Tantra, which is believed to be over 1,000 years old. The 2015 earthquake caused severe damage to the Ministry of Education building, and the contents of the Kaiser Library have been temporarily relocated.

qas: question: Where can the National Dance Theatre be found in Kathmandu?
answers: text: Kanti Path

question: What year saw the beginning of the Aarohan Theater Group?
answers: text: 1982

question: What gathering is the work of the Gurukul School of Theatre?
answers: text: Kathmandu International Theater Festival

question: Who constructed the theater in Hanumandhoka Durbar Square?
answers: text: Durbar Conservation and Promotion Committee
context: Kathmandu is home to Nepali cinema and theaters. The city contains several theaters, including the National Dance Theatre in Kanti Path, the Ganga Theatre, the Himalayan Theatre and the Aarohan Theater Group founded in 1982. The M. Art Theater is based in the city. The Gurukul School of Theatre organizes the Kathmandu International Theater Festival, attracting artists from all over the world. A mini theater is also located at the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, established by the Durbar Conservation and Promotion Committee.

qas: question: What meat is very rarely eaten in Kathmandu?
answers: text: beef

question: What animal does buff come from?
answers: text: water buffalo

question: What people are particularly known for eating buff?
answers: text: Newars

question: What cuisine notably makes use of pork?
answers: text: Kirat

question: What do Kathmandu residents typically eat for breakfast?
answers: text: Momo or Chowmein
context: Most of the cuisines found in Kathmandu are non-vegetarian. However, the practice of vegetarianism is not uncommon, and vegetarian cuisines can be found throughout the city. Consumption of beef is very uncommon and considered taboo in many places. Buff (meat of water buffalo) is very common. There is a strong tradition of buff consumption in Kathmandu, especially among Newars, which is not found in other parts of Nepal. Consumption of pork was considered taboo until a few decades ago. Due to the intermixing with Kirat cuisine from eastern Nepal, pork has found a place in Kathmandu dishes. A fringe population of devout Hindus and Muslims consider it taboo. The Muslims forbid eating buff as from Quran while Hindus eat all varieties except Cow's meat as the consider Cow to be a goddess and symbol of purity. The chief breakfast for locals and visitors is mostly Momo or Chowmein.

qas: question: How many restaurants in the western style were present in Kathmandu circa 1955?
answers: text: one

question: What chain restaurants are present in Kathmandu?
answers: text: Pizza Hut and KFC

question: How is the egg in American chop suey prepared?
answers: text: fried

question: Along with locals and tourists, who eats at Kathmandu's restaurants?
answers: text: expatriates

question: Along with Nepali, Indian and Chinese cuisines, what cuisine has been a focus of Kathmandu restaurants?
answers: text: Tibetan
context: Kathmandu had only one western-style restaurant in 1955. A large number of restaurants in Kathmandu have since opened, catering Nepali cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, Chinese cuisine and Indian cuisine in particular. Many other restaurants have opened to accommodate locals, expatriates, and tourists. The growth of tourism in Kathmandu has led to culinary creativity and the development of hybrid foods to accommodate for tourists such as American chop suey, which is a sweet-and-sour sauce with crispy noodles with a fried egg commonly added on top and other westernized adaptations of traditional cuisine. Continental cuisine can be found in selected places. International chain restaurants are rare, but some outlets of Pizza Hut and KFC have recently opened there. It also has several outlets of the international ice-cream chain Baskin-Robbins

qas: question: What beverage is consumed by more people in Kathmandu, coffee or tea?
answers: text: tea

question: How might a western traveler find the tea served in Kathmandu?
answers: text: extremely weak

question: What is used to make thwon?
answers: text: rice

question: What are bhattis?
answers: text: alcohol serving eateries

question: What goes through a fermentation process to create tongba?
answers: text: millet or barley
context: Kathmandu has a larger proportion of tea drinkers than coffee drinkers. Tea is widely served but is extremely weak by western standards. It is richer and contains tea leaves boiled with milk, sugar and spices. Alcohol is widely drunk, and there are numerous local variants of alcoholic beverages. Drinking and driving is illegal, and authorities have a zero tolerance policy. Ailaa and thwon (alcohol made from rice) are the alcoholic beverages of Kathmandu, found in all the local bhattis (alcohol serving eateries). Chhyaang, tongba (fermented millet or barley) and rakshi are alcoholic beverages from other parts of Nepal which are found in Kathmandu. However, shops and bars in Kathmandu widely sell western and Nepali beers.

qas: question: To what era do a majority of Kathmandu's festivals date back to?
answers: text: Malla

question: Before the modern era, who mostly celebrated Kathmandu festivals?
answers: text: Newars

question: In what direction out of Kathmandu did the Khas originate from?
answers: text: west

question: What does Ghode mean?
answers: text: horse

question: In relation to Kathmandu, where do the Tibetans hale?
answers: text: north
context: Most of the fairs and festivals in Kathmandu originated in the Malla period or earlier. Traditionally, these festivals were celebrated by Newars. In recent years, these festivals have found wider participation from other Kathmanduites as well. As the capital of the Republic of Nepal, various national festivals are celebrated in Kathmandu. With mass migration to the city, the cultures of Khas from the west, Kirats from the east, Bon/Tibetan from the north, and Mithila from the south meet in the capital and mingle harmoniously. The festivities such as the Ghode (horse) Jatra, Indra Jatra, Dashain Durga Puja festivals, Shivratri and many more are observed by all Hindu and Buddhist communities of Kathmandu with devotional fervor and enthusiasm. Social regulation in the codes enacted incorporate Hindu traditions and ethics. These were followed by the Shah kings and previous kings, as devout Hindus and protectors of Buddhist religion.

qas: question: In addition to Hindus, who regards the Bagmati River as sacred?
answers: text: Buddhists

question: What is done with Hindus after they die?
answers: text: cremated

question: What are done with the bodies of Kirants after death?
answers: text: buried

question: In a Hindu funeral, who is typically the main mourner?
answers: text: first son

question: Before Hindus are cremated, how many times are their bodies placed in the Bagmati?
answers: text: three
context: The Bagmati River which flows through Kathmandu is considered a holy river both by Hindus and Buddhists, and many Hindu temples are located on the banks of this river. 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. According to the Nepali Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati before cremation. The chief mourner (usually the first son) who lights the funeral pyre must take a holy riverwater bath immediately after cremation. Many relatives who join the funeral procession also take bath in the Bagmati River or sprinkle the holy water on their bodies at the end of cremation as the Bagmati is believed to purify people spiritually.

qas: question: In what century was Bhrikuti said to live?
answers: text: 7th

question: When did Araniko die?
answers: text: 1306

question: What religion did Araniko help to evangelize?
answers: text: Buddhism

question: How many Newar Buddhist monasteries are present in Kathmandu?
answers: text: 108

question: Approximately how many monasteries in the Kathmandu area are run by Tibetan Buddhists?
answers: text: fifty
context: Legendary Princess Bhrikuti (7th-century) and artist Araniko (1245 - 1306 AD) from that tradition of Kathmandu valley played a significant role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet and China. There are over 108 traditional monasteries (Bahals and Bahis) in Kathmandu based on Newar Buddhism. 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. Also, with the modernization of Newar Buddhism, various Theravada Bihars have been established.

qas: question: What type of religion is Kirant Mundhum?
answers: text: animistic

question: Who follows the Kirant Mudhum faith?
answers: text: Kirat people

question: Who worshipped at Wanga Akash Bhairabh in ancient times?
answers: text: Kirats

question: What is another name for ancestor worship?
answers: text: worship of Ajima
context: Kirant Mundhum is one of the indigenous animistic practices of Nepal. It is practiced by Kirat people. Some animistic aspects of Kirant beliefs, such as ancestor worship (worship of Ajima) are also found in Newars of Kirant origin. Ancient religious sites believed to be worshipped by ancient Kirats, such as Pashupatinath, Wanga Akash Bhairabh (Yalambar) and Ajima are now worshipped by people of all Dharmic religions in Kathmandu. Kirats who have migrated from other parts of Nepal to Kathmandu practice Mundhum in the city.

qas: question: Where can a temple of the Jain faith be found?
answers: text: Gyaneshwar

question: Kathmandu valley is home to about how many Baha'i?
answers: text: 300

question: Where is the Baha'i national office located in Nepal?
answers: text: Shantinagar, Baneshwor

question: About what percentage of the Nepali population follows Islam?
answers: text: 4.2

question: About how many Christian houses of worship exist in Kathmandu?
answers: text: 170
context: Sikhism is practiced primarily in Gurudwara at Kupundole. An earlier temple of Sikhism is also present in Kathmandu which is now defunct. Jainism is practiced by a small community. A Jain temple is present in Gyaneshwar, where Jains practice their faith. According to the records of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Nepal, there are approximately 300 Baha'is in Kathmandu valley. They have a National Office located in Shantinagar, Baneshwor. The Baha'is also have classes for children at the National Centre and other localities in Kathmandu. Islam is practised in Kathmandu but Muslims are a minority, accounting for about 4.2% of the population of Nepal.[citation needed] It is said that in Kathmandu alone there are 170 Christian churches. Christian missionary hospitals, welfare organizations, and schools are also operating. 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. They have contributed to the spread of Christianity and the building of churches in Nepal and in Kathmandu, in particular.

qas: question: Of what university is the Institute of Medicine a constituent college?
answers: text: Tribhuwan

question: In what part of Kathmandu is the Institute of Medicine found?
answers: text: Maharajgunj

question: When did the Institute of Medicine begin to offer education in medicine?
answers: text: 1978

question: What does KUSMS stand for?
answers: text: Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences

question: What institution of tertiary education is known as NAMS?
answers: text: National Academy of Medical Sciences
context: Institute of Medicine, the central college of Tribhuwan University is the first medical college of Nepal and is located in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. It was established in 1972 and started to impart medical education from 1978. A number of medical colleges including Kathmandu Medical College, Nepal Medical College, KIST Medical College, Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences, National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) and Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), are also located in or around Kathmandu.

qas: question: Along with cricket, what sport is highly popular among Nepali youth?
answers: text: Football

question: What body oversees soccer in Nepal?
answers: text: All Nepal Football Association

question: How many people can fit in Dasarath Rangasala Stadium?
answers: text: 25,000

question: In what part of Kathmandu is Dasarath Rangasala Stadium located?
answers: text: Tripureshwor

question: Who assisted Nepal in renovating Dasarath Rangasala Stadium?
answers: text: Chinese
context: Football and Cricket are the most popular sports among the younger generation in Nepal and there are several stadiums in the city. The sport is governed by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) from its headquarters in Kathmandu. The only international football stadium in the city is the Dasarath Rangasala Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium used mostly for football matches and cultural events, located in the neighborhood of Tripureshwor. It is the largest stadium in Nepal with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, built in 1956. Martyr's Memorial League is also held in this ground every year. The stadium was renovated with Chinese help before the 8th South Asian Games were held in Kathmandu and had floodlights installed. Kathmandu is home to the oldest football clubs of Nepal such as RCT, Sankata and NRT. Other prominent clubs include MMC, Machhindra FC, Tribhuwan Army Club (TAC) and MPC.

qas: question: As of 2004, how many kilometers of road existed in Nepal?
answers: text: 17,182

question: Why is travel in Kathmandu mainly via automobile or aircraft?
answers: text: hilly terrain

question: What highway connecting Kathmandu to elsewhere in Nepal is currently being built?
answers: text: BP

question: In what direction out of Kathmandu does the Prithvi Highway travel?
answers: text: west

question: If one wished to travel north out of Kathmandu, what highway would be used?
answers: text: Araniko
context: The total length of roads in Nepal is recorded to be (17,182 km (10,676 mi)), as of 2003–04. This fairly large network has helped the economic development of the country, particularly in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, vegetable farming, industry and also tourism. In view of the hilly terrain, transportation takes place in Kathmandu are mainly by road and air. Kathmandu is connected by the Tribhuvan Highway to the south, Prithvi Highway to the west and Araniko Highway to the north. The BP Highway, connecting Kathmandu to the eastern part of Nepal is under construction.

qas: question: What is Nepal's primary airport for international travel?
answers: text: Tribhuvan International Airport

question: Starting in the center of Kathmandu, how many kilometers must one travel to reach Tribhuvan International Airport?
answers: text: 6

question: How many airlines use Tribhuvan International for international flights?
answers: text: 22

question: From what city does Arkefly offer nonstop flights to Kathmandu?
answers: text: Amsterdam

question: Who operates flights between Kathmandu and Istanbul?
answers: text: Turkish Airlines
context: The main international airport serving Kathmandu and thus Nepal is the Tribhuvan International Airport, located about six kilometers (6 km (3.7 mi)) from the city centre. Operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal it has two terminals, one domestic and one international. At present, about 22 international airlines connect Nepal to other destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to cities such as Istanbul, Delhi, Kolkata, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Islamabad, Paro, Lhasa, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. A recent extension to the international terminal has made the distance to the airplanes shorter and in October 2009 it became possible to fly directly to Kathmandu from Amsterdam with Arkefly. Since 2013, Turkish Airlines connects Istanbul to Kathmandu. Regionally, several Nepali airlines operate from the city, including Agni Air, Buddha Air, Cosmic Air, Nepal Airlines and Yeti Airlines, to other major towns across Nepal.

qas: question: In what US state did Kathmandu first establish an international relationship?
answers: text: Oregon

question: What was Yangon previously known as?
answers: text: Rangoon

question: With what Belorussian city does Kathmandu have a relationship?
answers: text: Minsk

question: In what year did Kathmandu create its initial international relationship?
answers: text: 1975

question: What is KMC an initialism of?
answers: text: Kathmandu Metropolitan City
context: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), in order to promote international relations has established an International Relations Secretariat (IRC). KMC's first international relationship was established in 1975 with the city of Eugene, Oregon, United States. This activity has been further enhanced by establishing formal relationships with 8 other cities: Motsumoto City of Japan, Rochester of the USA, Yangon (formerly Rangoon) of Myanmar, Xi'an of the People's Republic of China, Minsk of Belarus, and Pyongyang of the Democratic Republic of Korea. KMC's constant endeavor is to enhance its interaction with SAARC countries, other International agencies and many other major cities of the world to achieve better urban management and developmental programs for Kathmandu.