Footloose in Kathmandu: Spanning history and the hippy trail

Devastated by civil war and earthquakes, Nepal's capital is now safe and welcoming

There is no better place to start an exploration of the Kathmandu Valley than in its heart, Durbar Square, one of several World Heritage Sites in the area. (All photos by Tom Vater)

TOM VATER, Contributing writer

December 21, 2024 08:29 JST

KATHMANDU -- Until the 1950s, Nepal's Kathmandu Valley was a place many had heard of but few had seen. That enigmatic image has changed radically over the decades, but many precious aspects of traditional Nepali culture remain -- the valley is still home to countless temples and palaces and boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.