Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley (, ), historically known as Nepal Valley or Nepa Valley, lies at the crossroads of ancient civilizations of South Asia and the broader Asian continent, and has at least 130 important monuments, including several pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. The valley comprises of 3 districts that are Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur, all having the combined population of about 5 million people. There are seven World Heritage Sites within the valley.Rajendra S. Khadka Travelers' Tales Nepal

Historically, the valley and adjoining areas made up a confederation known as the Nepal Mandala. Until the 15th century, Khwopa was its capital, when two other capitals, Kathmandu and Yala, were established.Slusser, Mary (1982). Nepal Mandala: A Cultural Study of the Kathmandu Valley. Princeton University. . Page vii. After the annexation of the valley by the Gorkha Kingdom, and subsequent conversion of the Valley as the capital of their empire, the designation of "Nepal" was extended to all the lands they had conquered.

Related pages
 Nepal
 Theravada

 References 

Category:Geography of Nepal
Category:Valleys
Category:Newar
Category:Kathmandu