# The Newars: Builders of the Kathmandu Valley

_Published 9 June 2026_

The temples, palaces and courtyards that make the Kathmandu Valley so special were built by the **Newars**, the valley's historic people, whose culture remains vibrant today.

**Quick answer:** the Newars are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley. They speak **Nepal Bhasa** (Newari), follow both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and are renowned for **architecture, metalwork, woodcarving and painting**, rich **festivals** such as Indra Jatra and Bisket Jatra, and distinctive **food**.

## Art and architecture

Pagoda temples, carved windows, courtyards and stupas across [Patan](/places/patan), [Bhaktapur](/places/bhaktapur) and Kathmandu. See [traditional crafts](/category/traditional-crafts-of-nepal).

## Festivals

- [Indra Jatra](/blog/indra-jatra-festival) and the Kumari's chariot procession
- [Bisket Jatra](/blog/bisket-jatra-bhaktapur) in Bhaktapur
- [Gai Jatra](/blog/gai-jatra-festival)
- Yomari Punhi, with sweet dumplings in winter

## Food

Samay baji, bara, chatamari, choila and juju dhau. See our [Newari food guide](/blog/newari-food-guide).

## Community life

Traditional **guthi** associations maintain temples, organise festivals and support members. The Newars also use their own lunar calendar, Nepal Sambat.

## Experience it

See our [Patan heritage walk](/patan-heritage-walk), [Bhaktapur tour](/bhaktapur-half-day-tour) and [Newar village tour](/kirtipur-bungamati-khokana-tour).

## Frequently asked questions
### Who are the Newars?
The indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley.

### What language do Newars speak?
**Nepal Bhasa** (Newari).

### What are Newars famous for?
Architecture, crafts, festivals and food.

### What is a guthi?
A traditional community association.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/newar-culture-guide