Kirtipur: Naturally and Culturally Enticing

Kirtipur, the historical town of Nepal, where authenticity meets aesthetic beauty. Located in the proximity of Kathmandu Valley at a distance of only 5 kilometers, Kiritpur serves as the perfect destination to have a sneak peek of Nepal’s history and witness charming Newari culture and tradition. 

Being one of the oldest cities in Nepal, Kirtipur is often listed as one of the must visit place in Nepal. Centuries old tradition and the unique customs and practices brewing under it is one of the major things to witness in Kirtipur. However, this cannot be it. Here are the detailed information on about Kirtipur, its history, things to do in Kirtipur, and many more. 

About Kirtipur

Located in the south-west of Kathmandu just at a distance of 5 km, Kirtipur is an enticing settlement in hill atop draped in with much of history and culture. Apart from is a natural beauty, Kirtipur’s religious sites and shrines are another favorite part for visitors.

Kirtipur is originally a Newar foundation, and it still is the center of Newar culture, which is the indigenous culture of Kathmandu Valley. 

The settlement of Kiritipur is rather striking with narrow-built houses in a perfect array. Walking along the narrow lanes, you will get an opportunity to observe the life of locals who have lived for many generations adhering to the centuries-old tradition and belief. 

Speaking of Newari culture, Kirtipur offers the most authentic mouth-watering Newari cuisine, mainly Newari Khaja accompanied by the famous local wine.

Another popular aspect of Kirtipur is hiking, as it serves as the starting point for day hiking to nearby hills like Champa Devi, which is sought after by tourists to observe the incredible view of the Himalayas and stunning hilly landscapes. Likewise, combining the trip to Chobar, a popular tourist spot of Kathmandu, is equally worthy. 

Not only for the nature lovers, devotes and pilgrims and hikers, but Kirtipur is also a perfect destination for biking enthusiasts. 

Well, with so much to offer for its visitors, Kirtipur is a place you mustn’t miss to visit once you have been in Kathmandu.

A Brief History of Kiritpur

It all dates back to 1099 AD when Kirtipur was part of the territory of Lalitpur at the time of the invasion of Kathmandu Valley by Gorkhali king Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century. 

Kiritpur was annexed by Gokha in 1767 on the third attempt after entering it by trickery. Defeating Kirtipur wasn’t easy for Prithvi Narayan, and when he finally conquered, he showed his aggression to the locals by cutting their noses of both male and female over 13 years. It is also defined as one of the cruelest act in the history of Nepal.

When in 2006, a mass uprising took place that overthrew the power of King, Kirtipur was the very place where an inspirational peaceful demonstration of people had happened. As Kiritpur shares a bitter history against the Shah dynasty, it is also considered as to be an anti-monarchy city.

Further, when the Shah dynasty’s modern founder conquered the city in an insulting manner, which was followed by the negligence of the administration and development by subsequent rulers; Kiritpur’s history with rulers of Nepal.

Places to visit in Kirtipur

Nagar Mandap Shri Kirti Bihar

Built in a traditionally Thai architectural style, Nagar Mandap Shri Kirti Bihar receives many visitors in a day and is a must visit place in Kirtipur. It is a Theravada Buddhist monastery located near the entrance of Kirtipur city.

The monastery might not be all grand, but its serene location and picturesque view of neighboring lush green is the perfect spend of time in Kirtipur.

Uma Maheshwar

As an oldest and a historical town in Nepal, Kirtipur lacks no shrines, and Uma Maheshwar is one of the prominent heritage site and a place to visit while you are in Kirtipur. Also, locally known as Kwacho Dega, it is located at the highest point of Kirtipur at 1,414 meters from where you can enjoy an incredible view of Kathmandu valley and mountains including Langtang, Gaurishankar, Dorge Lakpa, and Chobu Bhamure.

What's even more striking is the architecture of Uma Maheshwar. It is a pagoda-style three-stored temple with an artistic stone gate at the entrance. You will see the impressive stone elephant with sculptures of Bhimsen and Kuber as protector of the temple on each side of the stone staircase leading to the temple.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati, the temple-complex also homes images of other deities like Sarasvati and Mahismardini. Also, the wooden doors, pillars, and beams are crafted with artistic figures of different gods and goddess as Astamatrika and Asta Bhairav.

Chilancho Stupa

It is yet another Buddhist shrine in Kirtipur on the southern hills. It is believed that the stupa was established in the medieval period as the inscription of Nepal Samvat 635 of Licchavi Period is found the complex of Chilancho Stupa. Thus, it is regarded as the most important historical stupa in this region, and a must visit place in Kirtipur.

Bagh Bhairab Temple

The temple is the most dedicated shrine to god Bhariab, who is regarded as the guardian of Kiritpur and all the locals call it Ajudeu, a grandfather god. Munsi Newars (Man Singh Pradhan) mainly worship Bagh Bhairab, who is the terrifying form of Lord Shiva.

There is a tradition of keeping the chest of Bagh Bhairab turn by turn by each family every year and keep it in a secret room and worship twice a day by a male member of the family.

It is believed that Bagh Bhairab Temple was built in the 16th century, and today it is a three-storeyed temple standing in the brick-paved rectangular courtyard. Various small shrines and stone idols are scattered over the complex of the temple. Do visit Bagh Bhairab and witness the centuries-old temples that showcase the unique architectural style of that period.

Champa Devi

Champa Devi is already a popular place in Kathmandu Valley, and once you have been to Kirtipur, you mustn’t miss this place. Champa Devi is a hill located at 2,285 meters, famous for one-day hiking inside the valley and for several pilgrimage sites as well.

It is a very easy and relaxing spend of time for one-day hiking that takes you to the southern hill of Kathmandu Valley and offers mesmerizing natural sceneries and Himalayas view.

The hike is through the lush pine forest on the well-developed trail, which takes around two hours to reach the top of the ridge from the starting of the hike. From the top of Champa Devi, you will get a view of the central and western Himalayan range including Langtang, Gauri Shanker, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal, and others. 

Taudaha

Taudaha Lake yet another place to visit in Kirtipur. The name is a combination of Newari words, Ta meaning snake and Daha meaning lake. 

According to the popular mythology, it is believed that Serpent resides under the lake, with many other mythological creates, and because of this very reason, even today locals do not swim or fish in the lake.

The lake is also best for bird watchers, where around different species of birds have been recorded. White-throated Kingfisher, Red-vented Bulbul, Jungle crown, Common Myna, Black kite, Black drongo and Rose-ringed parakeet are some of the species around the lake. 

Kathmandu to Kirtipur

The distance between Kathmandu and Kirtipur is only 5 kilometers and 340.78 meters, which takes around 45 minutes. But, the traffic jam on the way can certainly lengthen the time. 

And for the biking lovers out there, you can journey towards Kiritipur by biking.