This verdant valley was once a huge lake, legend dictates that in the middle of the lake was a brilliant flame emanating from a Lotus flower. People would come from miles around to wonder and worship the flame. A Chinese disciple Bodhisattva Manjushree, wishing to worship the flame more closely sliced a portion of the hills with his sword draining its waters and thus the fertile Kathmandu valley was created.

Chovar gorge where the valley waters drain today remains the focus of the legend. In the years since, the Kathmandu valley has seen many dynasties and empires come and go, each leaving their own mark on the valley's mystique.

The valley today incorporates three major settlements, all have their own distinctive character with outstanding temples, works of art and architecture and a varied calendar of feasts and festivals, their roots in being capital cities of the valleys three principality's in times gone by. Between them they boast the highest density of World Heritage Sites to be found anywhere in the World, seven in total. There are many other fascinating settlements in the valley offering their own reasons for being there.

The Capital and home to Nepal's only International Airport is a buzzing vibrant place, although like so many capital cities in the developing world it begins to show signs of congestion over the past few years, this hardly detracts from its mystery and celebration of life. So much history interwoven and sitting strangely in harmony with the modern Kathmandu. Ancient temples in a medieval atmosphere sit side by side with Internet cafes. Old blends with new ways…Welcome to Kathmandu.

Patan (The city of beauty) is situated on the southern bank of the holy river Bagamti (a tributary of the Ganges) some five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. Nowadays, it has virtually become part of sub metropolitan Kathmandu. The city is famed for its wealth of Buddhist and Hindu temples with an abundance of fine bronze gateways and wonderful carvings. Patan is known for its expert craftsmen and metal workers.

Bhaktapur is situated 14 km east of Kathmandu and is the least developed of the three cities in the valley. Translated Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. The most laid back of the three valley towns its narrow brick paved streets harbor hidden shrines and statues around every corner. It is quite easy to spend a whole day here relaxing and taking in an almost surreal atmosphere. Bhaktapur is famed for its woodcarvings, pottery and cloth weaving. Many of Bhaktapur's practices have changed little over the centuries..

Nepal, for its entire massive mountain peaks and impressive geography, is actually an incredibly fragile environment. At Ultimate Descents our lives have revolved around the free flowing river. We feel an increased responsibility to protect and preserve these wild places. Not only do we leave every campsite cleaner than when we've arrived; we've taken steps to protect Nepal's rivers and the people who live along them.

If you would like membership information on the Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) or like to join our yearly trip in September to support Eco-conscious tourism along Nepal's rivers, simply contact us here.