Katmandu or
Kantipur is the capital of Nepal. It lies in the hilly region of Nepal, near the confluence of the Bagmati and Bishnumati Rivers. It is located at an elevation of 4,344 feet (1,324 meters) above sea level.
It was founded in 723 AD by King Gunakamadeva. Its early name was Manju-Patan. The present name “Kathmandu” refers to a wooden temple (
Kath, “wood”;
mandir, “temple” or “edifice”. Kastamandap which is said to have been built from the wood of a single tree by Raja Lachmina Singh in 1596 was a kettledrum from which the name of the city was derived. The Kastamandap still stands in the central square and is used for the accommodation of
Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley
The
Manaslu Trek with Tsum Valley explores one of the most remote regions of Nepal. The diverse trek lasts several weeks and circumnavigates
Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth highest mountain in the world. The trail is a bit of a challenge, and it’s longer and less luxurious than the
Annapurna or
Everest region treks, but the payoff is worth it! Be blown away by the sheer mountains, lush valleys, and kind villagers throughout the trail.
If you have some experience in the back country and want a trail that is off the beaten path, the Manaslu with Tsum Valley Trek is for you. It is in fact one of the most underrated treks in Nepal. During the journey, we get plenty of snowy peak views, including
Warm for the Winter Coat Drive – Collecting donations of winter apparel through Friday. Donations taken at all Brookfield Properties shopping centers, including Spokane Valley Mall, 14700 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley, and NorthTown Mall, 4750 N. Division St. Collection boxes placed at mall entrances. (509) 926-5575.
Virtual Holiday Artists’ Shop – An online catalog of items created by 19 regional artists, including fiber arts, fused glass, metal art, baskets, copper wire work, cutting boards, books, wooden bowls, jewelry, painted bags, beaded art, cards, succulents in pottery and more. Visit createarts.org to view. Available through December. 900 W. Fourth St., Newport. (509) 447-9277.
Festival of Trees – Vote on a display of Christmas trees, through Dec. 19 in the Center windows adjacent to the Colfax Library on the Whitman County Library Facebook page or whitco.lib.wa.us. Tree winner and prize to be announced Dec. 22. Colfax Library, 102 S. Main St., Colfax. Free. (509