The
mountain kingdom of
Nepal has its
capital in the remarkable city of Kathmandu. It is one of the
strangest and most
romantic cities of the world.
Kathmandu is in a valley 1,341 m (4,400 ft) above sea level where
farmers cultivate summer rice and
winter wheat as their
ancestors have done for centuries. The city itself is a strange collection of dull
brown houses and colourful
temples. The central square is surrounded by
magnificent pagoda-style temples and beautifully carved
statues. Yet it is here that the
market is held. Farmers try to sell their
produce and woodmen sell
firewood as
fuel.