Historic Images of Century – Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley, known as city of temples is believed to have originated in the 8th century or even before. It boasts seven mounments listed under World Heritage Sites within a range of 7km – Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan, Bouddhanath Stupa,  Swayambhunath Stupa & Pashupatinath Temple. Here are some of the snapshots of the valley and its monuments as seen in the past centuries.

View from Basantapur Durbar Square in 1920. Taleju temple, the then highest building is visible in background.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur still retains the beauty and traditions of the old days.

Dharahara, also known as “Bhimsen Tower”

Bhimsen Tower, Ram Chandra Temples and Bag Durbar. Bag Durbar or Tiger Palce was constructed in 18th century for Bhimsen Thapa, and was so called because he kept cage with living tigers at the entrance.

Seto Machindranath, or white Machindranath festival in Kathmandu in 19th century. The chariot is made entirely of wood & the festival is still the same today. A similar red machindranath chariot is pulled in Patan as well.

Patan Durbar Square in the 19th century. The statue in the middle has now been transfered to Patan Museum.

The Garden at Kaishar Mahal, now opened to public as “Garden of Dreams”.  Established by Kaishar Shumsher, it also holds the Asia’s largest private library – the Kaishar Library.

Swayambhunath Stupa, aslo known as “Monkey Temple” as seen in the 1960.

All photographs are from “Images of a Century – The Changing Landscapes of the Kathmandu Valley”