29/09/2025
Kirtipur,
The sleepy town of Kirtipur comes like a breath of fresh air amidst the other dust laden villages and cities. Thanks to the stunning ancient temples that are scattered along its backstreets and the authentic experience of the Newari culture that it offers, the town has been gaining more and more popularity in the past few decades, and today it stands as a symbol of the faded grandeur of the bygone era. Located just five kilometres to the southwest of Kathmandu, the town of Kirtipur is perched upon a rocky hill and is an excellent place to visit, especially for someone who is stepping out of Kathmandu for only a few hours.
Not only is the aesthetic appeal and charm of the town worth commending, but it also boasts of having an impressive historical background attached to it. When Prithvi Narayan Shah entered this valley in 1768, he made it a point to capture Kirtipur, so that it could act as a base for his further attacks. The locals resisted, and consequently, the town was captured. The residents had to pay a hefty price for trying to safeguard their homeland. The king ordered that the lips and nose of every male inhabitant be chopped off, saving those who were experts at playing wind instruments and could entertain the king!
Offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley, the town gracefully hides some of the best Newari restaurants in the valley. Being vehicle free, the town is well safeguarded and is ideal for strolling and wandering in the mornings and evenings.