HISTORY OF NAGARKOT

The ancient text says that the Kathmandu valley was a lake. And then one day a great sage predicted that a Bodhisattva will initiate the human settlement here.Time passed by and eventually Manjushree arrived and stood on the ridge of Mahamandap (present day Nagarkot) and had a first glimpse of the sacred lake.

He then cut open and drained the water at Chobhar gorge and built the Swoyambhu stupa, planted trees and started the human settlement in the Kathmandu Valley, called 'Manjupatan'. Trade and culture began flourishing in the valley. The ancient trade route to Tibet from India passed through Nagarkot.

Literally in Nepali, Nagar means city and Kot means the fort. No wonder Nagarkot was a strategic point to monitor tax and immigration for the Kings of Kathmandu.Father Gruber & Dorville were the first Europeans to enter Kathmandu in 1661 A.D. on their way to Rome from Beijing. The escorts of the King Pratap Malla of Kathmandu received them at Nagarkot.

Nagarkot has been the favorite summer resort of Kings and Maharajas for its cool climate and the scenic beauty around. Rana Priminister Chandra Shumsher who was advised by his physicians to retreat at the Nagarkot built the summer palace called 'Bhangeri Durbar'.During the Coronation of the late King Birendra in 1975, the road was metalled, so that the royal guests from 100 nations, could witness the most spectacular sunset and sunrise over the Himalayas, from the best vantage point. Nagarkot offers the panoramic view of host of 8000 m+ giant peaks of Tibet and Nepal including the Mt. Everest.

source: http://www.mountain-retreats.com