---
title: "Kathmandu: Capital of Nepal | Model Diplomat"
description: "Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, serving as the seat of government and SAARC headquarters, vital for regional diplomacy."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/kathmandu"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, seat of its federal government and the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
- Where is the SAARC Secretariat located, and where was the SAARC Charter signed?
- What is the constitutional and political status of Kathmandu?
- Why is SAARC considered dormant despite Kathmandu hosting it?
- What disaster struck Kathmandu in 2015 and what were its effects?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Research Kathmandu like a delegate

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## Timeline

1. 20 September 2015

   It is the political seat designated under the Constitution of Nepal, 2015 (which came into force on ), housing the bicameral Federal Parliament, the Presiden…

2. 28 May 2008

   Following Nepal's transition from a Hindu monarchy to a secular federal republic, formally abolishing the Shah dynasty by the Constituent Assembly declaratio…

3. 8 December 1985

   For exam purposes Kathmandu's diplomatic significance dominates: it is the permanent headquarters of the SAARC Secretariat, established under the SAARC Chart…

4. 16 January 1987

   For exam purposes Kathmandu's diplomatic significance dominates: it is the permanent headquarters of the SAARC Secretariat, established under the SAARC Chart…

5. 25 April 2015

   The Gorkha earthquake (magnitude 7.8) devastated Kathmandu, killing nearly 9,000 nationally and damaging heritage sites including Dharahara tower and Durbar…

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Example

In November 2014 Kathmandu hosted the 18th SAARC Summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterparts adopted the Kathmandu Declaration and signed the SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation.

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## Go deeper than the definition

Lessons

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