Kathmandu (Nepal)
Kathmandu, as the gateway to Nepal Tourism, is the nerve centre of the country’s economy. With the most advanced infrastructure among urban areas in Nepal, Kathmandu’s economy is tourism centric.
City’s rich history is nearly 2000 years old, as inferred from an inscription in the valley. Its religious affiliations are dominantly Hindu followed by Buddhism. People of other religious beliefs also live in Kathmandu giving it a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the common language of the city, though many speak the Nepal Bhasa Newari as it is the center of the Newar (meaning: citizens of Nepal) people and culture. English is understood by all of the educated population of the city. Literacy rate is 98% in the city.
Kathmandu is now the premier cultural and economic hub of Nepal and is considered to have the most advanced infrastructure among urban areas in Nepal. From the point of view of tourism, economy and cultural heritage, the sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur are integral to Kathmandu. Even the cultural heritage recognition under the World Heritage list of the UNESCO has recognized all the monuments in the three urban agglomerates as one unit under the title Kathmandu Valley-UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pokhara (Nepal)
Pokhra, the city of lakes, is blessed with extreme natural beauty. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. It is also called the Switzerland of Nepal. It is located at an altitude of 827m, 200 km west to Kathmandu valley.
The city is famous for the adventure opportunities it offer that include sightseeing, white water rafting, kayaking and mountaineering. Most of the visiters are here for the start or end of a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp and Mustang. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in the whole wide world.
