Kathmandu

/ˌkætmænˈdu/ proper noun

Definition

The capital and largest city of Nepal, located in the Kathmandu Valley.

Etymology

From Sanskrit 'Kasthamandap' meaning 'wooden shelter', referring to a wooden temple that once stood in the city center. The name evolved through Nepali pronunciation over centuries.

Kelly Says

Kathmandu's name literally means 'wooden shelter', referring to a single building that has long since disappeared, yet the name endures as one of the world's most evocative city names. The city sits in a high mountain valley that was once a lake, making it a unique blend of accessibility and isolation.

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