On a spur at the southwestern side of the Kathmandu valley, 4 kilometer from the city, is the town of Kirtipur. This ancient town is historically significant for it stood in the way of King Prithivi Narayan Shah's quest to unity Nepal in the late 18th Century. It's eventual defeat paved the way for the conquering of Kathmandu Valley by the Shah dynasty, which still reigns to this day

Kritipur is also the setting of colorful festivals of the Newars, notably the Indreni Jatra that takes place each year between the month of December and January. This is a colorful occasion that lasts for three days.