Pashupatinath Temple

The Holiest Hindu Temple

Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple’s existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as ‘The Temple of Living Beings’.

Fast Facts

Location	5 km north-east of Kathmandu
Category	UNESCO listed World Cultural Heritage Site
Era	Prior to 400 A.D
Unique Features	» Only four priests, appointed by the King, can touch the idol of Lord Shiva. » The priests are always from south India. » It is believed that this tradition have been started by Sage Shankaracharaya in 6th century.

What to See
» Gold-painted images of guardian deities
» Chaturmukha (four-faced statue)
» Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century
» Brahma Temple
» Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken
» Arya Ghat
» Gauri Ghat (holy bath)
» Pandra Shivalaya (15 shrines)
» Gorakhnath and Vishwarup Temples
» Guhyeshwari (Guhjeshwari) Temple
» Kirateshwar Mahadeva Mandir and Surya Ghat

Architecture
» The two level roofs of the temple are embellished with gold and the four main doors are adorned with silver.
» The temple is famous for its awe-inspiring and astounding pagoda architecture.
» The western door has a statue of a large Bull, Nandi, is ornamented in gold. This black stone idol, about 6 ft in height and circumference, adds to the beauty and charisma of the temple.
» The present architectural nature of Pashupatinath temple came into existence as a result of renovation by Queen Gangadevi during the reign of Shivasimha Malla (1578-1620 AD).

Legends
There are many legends describing as to how the temple of Lord Pashupatinath came to existence here. Some of them are narrated below:-

The Cow Legend
Legend says that Lord Shiva once took the form of an antelope and sported unkown in the forest on Bagmati river’s east bank. The gods later caught up with him, and grabbing him by the horn, forced him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a linga but overtime it was buried and lost. Centuries later an astonished herdsmen found one of his cows showering the earth with milk. Digging deep at the site, he discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath.

The Linchchhavi Legend
According to Gopalraj Vamsavali, the oldest ever chronicle in Nepal, this temple was built by Supus Padeva, a Linchchhavi King, who according to the stone inscription erected by Jayadeva 11 in the courtyard of Pashupatinath in 753 AD, happened to be the ruler 39 generations before Manadeva (464-505 AD).

The Devalaya Legend
Another chronicle states that Pashupatinath Temple was in the form of Linga shaped Devalaya before Supus Padeva constructed a five storey temple of Pashupatinath in this place. As the time passed, the need for reparing and renovating this temple arose. It is learnt that this temple was reconsturcted by a mediaeval King named Shivadeva (1099-1126 AD). It was renovated by Ananta Malla adding a roof to it.

Festivals
» Pashupati area is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimages for the followers of Hinduism. Thousands of devotees from within and outside the country come to pay homage to Pashupatinath every day. And on special occasions like Ekadasi, Sankranti, Mahashivratri, Teej Akshaya, Rakshabandhan, Grahana (eclipse), Poornima (Full moon day) the whole atmosphere turns festive and mirthful as people congregate here in a far greater number.
» During the Shivaratri (also spelled Shivratri) festival Pashupatinath temple is lit with ghee lamps throughout the night and the temple remains open all night. Thousands of devotees take ritual baths in the Bagmati river on the day of the festival and observe a fast for the whole day. Hundreds of sadhus (sages) from different parts of Nepal and India come here on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Auspicious Days to Visit
In August, during the Teej festival, thousands of women visit the temple to bathe in the holy waters of the Bagmati River. Because this ritual is meant to bring a long and happy marriage, many women dress in red saris, which are traditionally worn for wedding ceremonies. Full moon and New moon days are also considered auspicious to visit the temple.

Good to know
According to a legend recorded in local texts, especially the Nepalamahatmya and the Himavatkhanda, the Hindu Lord Shiva once fled from the other gods in Varanasi to Mrigasthali, the forest on the opposite bank of the Bagmati River from the temple. There, in the form of a gazelle, he slept with his consort Parvati. When the gods discovered him there and tried to bring him back to Varanasi, he leapt across the river to the opposite bank, where one of his horns broke into four pieces. After this, Shiva became manifest as Pashupati (Lord of Animals) in a four-face (chaturmukha) linga.

How to Reach
» There are regular bus services from Kathmandu (from Ratna Park or City Bus Station) to Patan,. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Goshala, the stop for Pashupatinath.
» Battery-operated Safaa tempos depart from near the Ratna Park office in Kathmandu and drops the pilgrims at Ring Road, west of Pashupatinath. Thereafter, a tempo going to Chabahil or Bodhnath can be hired.

Mount Everest

Where Sky Meets the Earth…

Want to experience the intense pleasure of being alive, aware and adventurous…set yourself to a trekking and mountaineering expedition to the world’s mightiest peak Mt. Everest. Set against the brilliant blue sky, the view of Mount Everest’s radiant snow peaks is jaw dropping. And how it feels like being so close to the sky is a thrill beyond imagination.

Fast Facts

Age of Everest	60 million years
Elevation	8,848 meters (29,028 feet)
Range	Khumbal Himal
Easiest Route	South Col (Nepal)
Nearest Access	Kathmandu
Normal Weather Conditions	5°C to 20°C
Medical / Emergency Facilities	Small Health Care Facilities available in most of the trail
Rescue Operations	Helicopter Flights from Kathmandu (Normally within 50 Minutes)
Communication Facilities	Telephones available at Ghandrung till Chhomrong
Season(s)	Spring: March – June Autumn: September – November
Guidebook(s)	Trekking in Nepal Himalaya – Lonely Planet

The Route
Mount Everest, or the ‘Mother of the Universe’ (called by the Nepalese) is known as Sagarmatha in Nepal. Towering egoistically heavenwards, it is 8850 meters above the sea level. The route can be sensational only if you ward off all your fears and get ready to see the deepest ditches and touch the highest peaks. So come, let’s feel the energy of the mountains and experience how it looks when the sky meets the earth.

Arrive in Kathmandu
The trip begins in the ancient and colourful city of Kathmandu. During day time, we can explore the 17th century splendours of the Monkey Temple, the Durbar Square and the old Kings’ Palaces, as well as the ancient city of Patan.

Fly to Lukla
Early next morning we fly to Lukla at 2860 metres, where we meet the yak drivers, and porters. We can trek to Monjo (2652m) and spend the night there.

Explore Sherpa Villages
We will continue our trek up to Namche Bazaar (3446m), the capital of the Sherpa Kingdom. Here we rest for a day to acclimate and enjoy the hospitality of the fascinating people, then proceed up to Deboche (3757m) for a night, and finally to Lobuche (4930m), where we have another acclimatization day.

Reach the Base Camp
Finally, we make the last trek to basecamp at 5300 metres. After resting, organizing, and training in the basecamp for a day, we will begin our climb.

Hiking at the Khumbu Icefall
We start with a day hike through the awe inspiring Khumbu Icefall, followed by a trip to the plateau of the Western Cwm, for our first glimpse of Camp I, at 5800 metres.

Reach Western Cwm
From Camp I at 6000 metres, the route traverses the flattish bottom of the Western Cwm, to 6200 metres where Camp II is located. Camp III is on the head wall of the Lhotse face at about 7200 metres. Known as the ‘Valley of Silence’, the Western Cwm is a relatively flat gently rising valley, marked by huge lateral crevasses in the centre.

Ascend Lhotse Face
From Camp II, we will ascend the Lhotse face on fixed ropes up to a small edge 7,470 m (24,500 feet). Then we will climb another 500 meters to Camp III on the South Col at 7,920 m(26,000 feet). From camp III to Camp IV we will have to face two altitudinal challenges: the Geneva Spur and the Yellow Band.

The Geneva Spur is an anvil shaped, snow covered rib of a black rock named by a Swiss in 1952 Swiss expedition. The Yellow band is a section of sedimentary sandstone which requires 100 meters of rope for traversing it.

Reach the Death Zone
On South Col, we enter the death zone, where we will spend maximum 2 or 3 days before beginning our summit push. Within 10 to 12 hours, we’ll reach ‘The Balcony’ at 8,400 m (927,700 feet). The Balcony provides spectacular views to the radiant peaks.

Follow Cornice Tracerse
At 8,750 m (28,700 feet), a small table-sized dome of is snow marks the South Summit. From South summit, we will follow the knife-edge southeast ridge along the ‘Cornice Traverse’ where snow clings to intermittent rock. This is the most exposed section of the climb as a misstep to the left would send one 2,400 m (8,000 ft) down the southwest face while to the immediate right is the 3,050 m (10,000 ft) Kangshung face. At the end of this traverse is an imposing 12 m (40 ft) rock wall called the ‘Hillary Step’ at 8,760 m (28,750 ft).

We have finally completed our trek to Mount Everest. Now it’s time to descend.

Route Map
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300 meters)

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2860m). Walk to Phakding (2652m)

Day 3: In Kathmandu, visit temples, tour the city, shop

Day 4: Walk to Namche Bazaar (3446m)

Day 5: Rest and acclimatization in Namche

Day 6: Walk to Pangboche (3757m)

Day 7: Walk to Pheriche (4250m). Visit the Himalayan Rescue Association health clinic.

Day 8: Walk to Lobuche (4930m)

Day 9: Rest in Lobuche

Day 10: Walk to basecamp (5300m)

Day 11: Rest and training day in basecamp

Day 12: Climb partway to camp 1 at 5800 metres. Return to basecamp

Day 13: Climb to camp 1 at 5800 metres. Return to basecamp.

Day 14: Walk to camp 2 at 6200 metres, return to camp 1, sleep there

Day 15: Rest in camp 2

Day 16: Explore route to Camp 3 (7300m), return to camp 2

Day 17: Return to basecamp

Day 18: Explore route to camp 4 at 8000 metres, return to camp 2.

Day 19: Attempt summit. Return to camp 4.

Day 20: Return to camp 2 and then to the Base Camp

Day 21, 22: Attempt summit.

Day 23: Return to camp 2 and then to the Base Camp.

Day 24: Trek down to Pheriche. Camp.

Day 25: Trek down to Pangboche. Teahouse or camping.

Day 26: Trek to Namche, Teahouse or camping.

Day 27: Trek to Lukla. Teahouse or camping.

Day 28: Flight to Kathmandu. Hotel.

Day 29: Fly Home. Thanks for joining our mounatineering expedition!

Facts

• Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician and surveyor from Bengal, was the first to identify Everest as the world’s highest peak in 1852, using trigonometric calculations based on measurements of “Peak XV”.
• Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Britain were the first to climb Mount Everest successfully in 1953.
• In Nepal, the mountain is called Sagarmatha meaning ‘Goddess of the Sky’. This name was invented in the early 1960s by Baburam Acharya when the Nepalese government realized that Mount Everest had no Nepalese name.
• Everest has been named after Sir George Everest in 1865, the British surveyor-general of India. The mountain was once known as Peak 15.

Quotes-Unquotes
“Everest for me, and I believe for the world, is the physical and symbolic manifestation of overcoming odds to achieve a dream”

Tom Whittaker

“The highest of the world’s mountains, it seems, has to make but a single gesture of magnificence to be the lord of all, vast in unchallenged and isolated supremacy”

George Mallory

“Everest is a matter of universal of human endeavor, a cause from which there is no withdrawal, whatever loses it may demand”

G O Dyrenfurth

Tips

• Get your oxygen masks and protective clothes before starting.
• Get your medical check up done in advance.
• While trekking be with the group and do not go off the track.
• Do not experiment with the route.
• Get the prerequisite permission from the Nepal Mountaineering Association

Nepal Information

The information on Nepal given below will serve as a guide to the tourists before they actually venture into the beautiful mountain kingdom of Nepal. The site will provide the tourists detailed information on the weather, climatic conditions, history, lifestyle, health, festivals and entertainment sources in Nepal.

Country Description
Known as the Land of Everest, Nepal is a developing country with extensive tourist facilities. Cited below is a table on the important facts of Nepal.

Name of the Country	Kingdom of Nepal
Area	140,800 sq km
Population	23 million (20001 census)
Capital City	Kathmandu
People	Hindus, Newars, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas
National Language	Nepali (Khaskura)
Other Languages	Awadhi, Newari, Hindi, Bahing, Limbu, Maithili, Mundari
Tourist Language	English
Religion	Hindu
Government	Parliamentary Democracy & Constitutional Monarchy
Major Industries	Tourism, Handicraft, Agriculture and Water Resources

Nepal Weather

Nepal has great variations in its climatic conditions. But the weather conditions are generally predicatable and pleasent. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons in Nepal and most apt for touring the counrty. Winter temperatures drop to freezing degrees with a high level of snowfall in the mountains. Summer and late spring temperatures range from 28ºC (83ºF) in the hill regions to more than 40ºC (104ºF) in the Terai.

In winter, the average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7ºC (45ºF) to a mild 23ºC (74ºF). The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling bellow freezing point and a chilly 12ºC (54ºF) maximum. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 1310 m (4297ft), has a mild climate, ranging from 19-27ºC (67-81ºF) in summer, and 2-20ºC (36-68ºF) in winter.

Climatic Seasons in Nepal

Season	Months
Spring	March-May
Summer	June-August
Monsoon	End June-Mid September
Autumn	September-November
Winter	December-February

Nepal Visa

Passports and Visas are required except for Indian nationals holding proof of nationality and coming from India. Nepal Visa can be obtained from Nepalese embassies abroad. Visas issued are valid for 60 days and are to be used within six months of the date of issue.

» Visa fee is required to be paid at the embassy, airport or other entry points along with two passport-sized photo.
» Visa is valid for Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara Valley, Royal Chitwan National Park and motarable roads throughout the country.
» For trekking, a separate permit is required which is issued and can be extended only in Kathmandu and Pokhara Immigration Office.
» There are regular permit checking-points along the trails.
» No visa fee is charged for children under 10 years of age.

Visa Extension
A tourist visa can be extended at the ‘Department of Immigration, Kathmandu’ or the ‘Immigration Office, Pokhara’ for a total of 120 days. If tourists require a visa extension beyond 120 days, an additional 30-day visa can be granted on reasonable grounds by the Department with the approval of the Home Ministry. In one visa year (January to December) a t,ourist will not get extension longer than a cumulative 120 days.

Customs
» Travellers are allowed to carry 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, one bottle of spirits and two bottles or 12 cans of beer free of duty.
» Personal effects exempts from duty include binoculors, cameras, film stock, record player, tape recorder, transistor, radio, and fishing rod and accessories.
» Firearms and ammunition, radio transmitters, walkie-talkies and drugs are not allowed unless import license obtained in advance.
» It is illegal to export antiques; objects like metal statue, sacred images, paintings, manuscripts, which are 100 years old or over.
» The Department of Archaeology at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country.

Transport in Nepal

Nepal can be entered by air and road. Air transport in Nepal is easier and more comfortable than road journey since Nepal is a mountainous country. Most tourists in Nepal enter through the Tribhuvan International Airport which is 5 miles or 8 kilometers from the heart of Kathmandu.

Transport to Nepal
By Air
The national flag carrier is the Royal Nepal Airlines. Capital Kathmandu is linked by air services to cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Hong Kong, Karachi, Dubai, Bangkok, Lhasa, Paro, Yangon, Dhaka, Colombo and Singapore. Major international airlines that operate scheduled air services to Nepal are mentioned below.

Royal Nepal Airlines (National Flag Carrier)	New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Banglore, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Osaka via shanghai
Necon AirPatna, Calcutta	Patna, Calcutta
Aeroflot Russian Airlines	Moscow
Austrian Airlines	Vienna
Biman Bangladesh airlines	Dhaka
China southwest Airlines	Paro, New Delhi
Gulf-Air	Abu Dhabi, London
Indian Airlines	Calcutta, New Delhi, Baranasi
Pakistan Int’l Airlines	Karachi
Qatar Airlines	Doha, London
Singapore Airlines	Singapore
Thai Airways	Bangkok
Transavia Airlines	Amsterdam

Departure and Airport Tax
Passengers departing from the Tribhuvan International Airport are required to pay an airport tax if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). Tax is bit higher for other international destinations. Domestic air port tax is much less.

By Road
There are several entry points by road route. Among road transportion entry points, Birganj, Belahia and Kakarvita are entry points at Indo-Nepal border, while Kodari entry point is at Tibet (China)-Nepal border. Birganj is the most common place for entry of tourists travelling overland.

Entry Point	Location
Kakarvita, Jhapa	Eastern Nepal
Birganj, Parsa	Central Nepal
Kodari	Central Nepal at Northern Border with Autonomous Region of Tibet, China
Belahia, Bhairahwa	Rupandehi, Western Nepal
Jamunaha, Nepalganj	Banke, Mid-western Nepal
Mohana, Dhangadhi	Kailali, Far Western Nepal
Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar	Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal
Purang, Muchu	Simikot, Far-Western Nepal at the Tibet, China-Nepal Border

Kathmandu
Kathmandu is connected with India through roads which pass through very picturesque highways. Tourists are allowec to drive their own cars. However, their vehicle must have an international carnet. Buses runs regularly from border entry points to Kathmandu. Interior parts of the country are also linked by buses from Kathmandu.

Railways
Nepal has railway connections with its neighbouring country, India. Two short stretches of railway are Raxaul (India) to Amlekhganj (Nepal) as well as Raxaul (India) to Janakpur (Nepal). Capital Kathmandu has no railway connectivity. However, buses are available for Kathmandu from Janakpur and Amlekhganj.

Transport in Nepal
Planes

Planes are the best way to reach remote parts of the mountainous country. Royal Nepal Airlines operatess air services in the interior parts of the country. Besides it airlines like Nepal Airways, Everest Air, Necon Air And Asian Helicopters also provide air services, both regular and charter, to various destinations in Nepal. Most widely known tourist flight is Everest Experience which takes one above the marvellous snow capped mountains. One can even have a look on Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, from the sky. Everest Experience is definitely an experience one never forgets

Helicopters
Helicopter charters are becoming increasingly popular in Nepal, especially in tourism sector for sightseeing. Helicopter journey is very useful for tourists who desire to drink the tourism cup in Nepal but don’t have much time to spare. The helicopter journey is very thrilling and rewarding. Experience of looking at snow-capped peaks from sky is unforgettable. Lots of domestic airlines provide helocopter services.

Buses
Buses are the cheapest means of transport in Nepal. They ply for both long and short journeys. While bus journeys one gets chance to freely interact with the locals and taste indigenous dishes on the way. Tourists who have sufficient time must definitely try local buses. Tourist buses are also run by private bus companies and travel agencies.

Cars & Motorbikes
Cars and motorbikes can be rented in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other prominent towns. For driving a bike, you are required to have a driving license and passport from your home country. Riding a bike in old parts of Kathmandu is a relishable driving experience. Cars and vans usually come with drivers, but you can drive them yourself also. Car hire can make your tour very comfortable and faster.

Rickshaws
Rickshaws (two-seater tricycles) are very useful for short trips. They can ply easily even in narrow lanes and crowded markets. One is advised to negotiate the fares beforehand. Many tourists find rickshaw trips very enjoyable.

Three-wheeler Autorickshaws
Autorickshaws are used to travel to various corners of the towns, although finding them after sunset is a bit difficult. Numerous taxi companies operate in Nepal. All these autorickshaws, cabs and tempos carry black plates with white numbers, for it has been mandatory by the authorities.

Nepal Pictures

Nepal has many facets. It is crowned by Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world. It has an extremely intriguing culture which passed on through generations through centuries. It is an amazing blend of two religions: Buddhism and Hinduism which have intermingled in such a way that they cannot be seperated. Amazing landscape, impressive scenic views, evocative palaces and museums, sacred religious places, thrilling adventure activities, Nepal seems to have it all. Here is a collection of beautiful Nepal pictures. Have a virtual tour of Nepal with this photo gallery.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Pokhara City

Climbing Sarangkot

Pashupatinath Temple

Phewa Lake

Dhobi Khola

Mount Everest

Boating

Nepal Map

The map of Nepal will familiarize you to various mountains, famous cities, wildlife sanctuaries, exotic destinations, pilgrimage sites, major travelling routes and more. The country’s trekking, river rafting and mountaineering venues are second to none, and the mysterious capital city of Kathmandu and its royal palace are a ‘must see’. Nepal is a spiritual journey, as Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples are inspiring stops along the way.

Map not to Scale

Cities
There are 58 cities in Nepal, which are also listed as municipalities. Kathmandu, which is the capital city of Nepal, is also the largest city. The major cities of Nepal are:

» Kathmandu
» Patan/Lalitpur
» Bhaktpur
» Pokhara
» Tansen
» Gorkha
» Chitwan
» Lumbini
» Janakpur

Wildlife sanctuaries
Among the 14 national parks and wildlife reserves in Nepal, the Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq kilometers) is the most popular safari destination among visitors.

» Annapurna Conservation Area
» Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
» Kanchanjunga Conservation Area
» Royal Chitwan National Park
» Sagarmatha National Park
» Royal Bardia National Park
» Langtang National Park
» Khaptad National Park
» Rara National Park
» Shey-Phoksundo National Park
» Makalu-Barun National Park
» Royal Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve
» Parsa Wildlife Reserve
» Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

The Key Travel Destinations of Nepal :
» Annapurna Range
» Mount Everest Trekking Route
» Royal Chitwan National Park
» Pashupatinath Temple
» Syambunath
» Changu Naryan Temple
» Bhaktapur Durbar Square
» Kathmandu Durbar Square
» Bouddhnath Stupa
» Hanuman Dhoka

Language of Nepal

Though Nepali (Khaskura bhasha) is the official language or the mother tongue of Nepal, there are as many as 126 listed languages spoken in Nepal. Out of these, three languages, Dura, Kusunda and Waling have become extinct. Apart from Nepali, the other most commonly spoken languages in Nepal are:

• Awadhi
• Newari
• Hindi
• Bahing
• Limbu
• Maithili
• Mundari

Status of Nepali language

Spoken In	Nepal, India, Bhutan.
Region	South Asia.
Total speakers	35 million approx.
Ranking	57
Language family	Indo-European Indo-Iranian Indo-Aryan Pahari (Northern zone) Eastern Pahari
Writing System	Devanagari script

Nepal Bhasa (NB) Speakers in Nepal

Region	Newars	NB Speakers	Retaination
Eastern	148305	40644	27.16
Central	740868	586722	79.19
Western	126455	57999	45.86
Mid-Western	17787	3662	20.58
Far-Western	6197	940	15.16
Total in Nepal	1041090	690007	66.27

Creative literature at a glance

First Story Book	Tantrakhyan (1518 A.D.)
First Song	Walangata Simule Swambaraya (In reign of Pranmol malla, 1523-1550 A.D.)
First One-act Play	Ekadashi Brata (1633A.D.) by Sidhhinarasingha Malla
First Drama	Mooldev Shashidev by Jagat Prakash Malla (1645-1673 A.D.)

Nepal History

Nepal has been a Kingdom for over 1500 years from now. The Newars are thought to have lived in the Nepal Valley since the 4th century AD, developing a Hindu-Buddhist culture. Cited below is a brief chronology of the important events that happened in Nepal.

Nepal: Chronology of Important Events

Period	Description
ca. 563 B.C.	Buddha born in Lumbini
ca. A.D.400-750	Licchavi kingdom in power in Kathmandu
1100-1484	Khasa Mall kings rule in western Nepal
1200-16	Arimalla, first monarch of the Malla Dynasty, rules in Kathmandu Valley.
1312	Khasa King Ripumalla leads raid in Kathmandu Valley
1345-46	Sultan Shams ud-din Ilyas of Bengal leads raid in Kathmandu Valley.
1382-95	Jayasthitimalla rules as king of united Malla kingdom in Kathmandu Valley.
1428-82	Yakshamalla reigns – height of united Malla kingdom.
1484	Malla kingdom divided; three kingdoms of Kathmandu, Bhadgaon, and Patan established.
1559	Gorkha kindgom established by Dravya Shah.
1606-33	Ram Shah of Gorkha reigns; Gorkha kindgom experiences first expansion.
1743	Prithvi Narayan Shah ascends to throne of Gorkha.
1768-90	Gorkha conquers Kathmandu and Patan, Bhadgaon, eastern Nepal, and western Nepal.
1775	Prithvi Narayan Shah dies, first king of united Nepal.
1814-1816	The Anglo-Nepalese War and the resulting Treaty of Sagauli reduces the territory of Nepal.
1846	Jang Bahadur Rana takes over as prime minister and establishes hereditary Rana rule.
1946	The Nepali Congress Party is founded.
1947	The United States establishes diplomatic relations with Nepal.
1948	The country’s first constitution, the Government of Nepal Act, is promulgated; Prime Minister Padma Shamsher Rana resigns in the wake of opposition to the new constitution from conservative Ranas; Mohan Shamsher becomes prime minister; constitution is suspended.
1951	Mohan Shamsher capitulates; King Tribhuvan is restored to the throne
1952	Koirala resigns; King assumes direct rule.
1953	Koirala is recalled as prime minister.
1955	King Tribhuvan dies and is succeeded by Mahendra; Nepal joins the United Nations; National Police Force is formed; Koirala resigns; Mahendra takes over direct control.
1956	Tanka Prasad Acharya is named prime minister; Border treaty with China concluded;
1957	Acharya resigns; K.I. Singh becomes prime minister for a few months.
1958	USSR opens an embassy at Kathmandu; Subarna Shamsher is named new prime minister.
1959	United States opens an embassy at Kathmandu; New constitution is promulgated, superseding Constitution of 1951; First general elections are held; Nepal Congress Party wins absolute majority; Tribhuvan University founded;
1960	B.P. Koirala heads first popular government; Koirala’s policies are opposed by the king, and Koirala is abruptly dismissed; All political parties are banned; the king takes over direct control of government; Treaty of Peace and Friendship with China is concluded.
1961	Kind proclaims guided democracy; Boundary treaty with China renewed.
1962	New constitution, third since 1951, establishes panchayat form of government; Land Reorganization Act and Mulki Ain, new legal code, are promulgated; Anti-India riots erupt in Kathmandu over Indian aid to dissidents.
1963	Emergency is ended; Panchayat elections begin; National Guidance Council is formed; Tulsi Giri is named prime minister;
1965	Local government reorganized; Giri resigns; Surya Bahadur Thapa is appointed prime minister
1969	Thapa yields office to Kirti Nidhi Bista; Indian military mission withdrawn.
1970	Bista resigns; Raj Bhandari becomes interim prime minister.
1971	Bista is recalled as prime minister; New trade and transit treaty negotiated with India.
1972	Mahedra dies and is succeeded by King Birendra; Development regions are established under National Development Council.
1973	Nagendra Prasad Rijal is named prime minister; Singha Durbar, the seat of government, burns down.
1975	Rijal resigns; Tulsi Giri is appointed prime minister; King Birendra is crowned; “Go to the Village” campaign is launched.
1976	B.P. Koirala returns from India and is arrested; Treaty with India expires and is not renewed.
1977	Tulsi Giri resigns as prime minister in the wake of corruption charges; Former prime minister Kirti Nidhi Bista is reinstated as prime minister.
1979	Following nationwide demonstrations by students, Bista is replaced as prime minister by Surya Bahadur Thapa; King announces referendum on the panchayat form of government.
1980	In national referendum people vote for continuance of the panchayat form of government and against the reintroduction of political parties.
1982	B.P. Koirala, Nepali Congress Party leader dies.
1983	Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa is defeated in the Rastriya Panchayat and is replaced by Lokendra Bahadur Chand.
1986	Second elections to Rastriya Panchayat held; Marich Man Singh Shrestha becomes prime minister.
1989	Failure to renegotiate trade and transit treaties with India disrupts economy.
1990	Demonstrations for the restoration of democracy; Panchayat system is dissolved; Interim government made up of various parties and king’s representatives formed; New constitution promulgated.
1991	Elections to Parliament held; Nepali Congress wins a narrow majority; G.P. Koirala becomes prime minister.President of Nepali Congress and interim prime minister, K.P. Bhattarai, defeated in the polls by the leader of CPN-UML, Madan Bhandari.
1992	Local elections held; Nepali Congress wins a majority of the seats.
1993	Madan Bhandari killed in a mysterious car crash. Violent demonstrations by communists to overthrow Koirala’s government; Devastating floods kill hundreds.
1994	Prime minister Koirala resigns and calls for new elections afte losing a parliamentary vote due to the abstention of 36 members of his own party. New elections in November results in a hung parliament; CPN-UML, which emerged as the single largest party, formes a minority government.
1995	The minority goverment of CPN-UML loses power in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence. A coalition government of Nepali Congress, RPP and Sadhvabana is formed.
1997	The NC-RPP coalition government loses power resulting in a UML-RPP coalition. This government itself loses power six months later to another NC-RPP coalition. Ganesh Man Singh, who led the 1990 democracy movement dies.
1999	The third general elections after restoration of democracy results in Nepali Congress coming back to power with an absolute majority in the House. Krishna P. Bhattarai becomes Prime Minister for the second time.