The recorded history of Nepal begins when the Kiratis from the eastern part of the country started to rule the country. The first known rulers of the Kathmandu valley were Kiratis. Yalamar, was the first of their king, he was also mentioned in the Hindu epic the Mahabharata. During the Kirati period that Buddhism first arrived in the country, Krakuchhanda Buddha, Kanak Muni Buddha and Kashyapa Buddha visited the Kathmandu valley to worship Swayambhunath. After Kiratis, the Lichhavis as the second ruler of the country began ruling 4th to 7th century. The temple of Changunarayan was built in Licchavi period, which can be seen now a day.

The Malla period was golden period of Kathmandu valley when great numbers of art, statues and temples were built. During the 14th century Malla ruled this valley for a total period of 568 years. At that period this country was divided into small principalities and kingdoms of 24 groups in western and 22 groups in far western Kathmandu valley was divided into three states of Kantipur, Lalitpur & Bhaktapur.

From the tiny Kingdom of Gorkha, halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara the king of Shah Dynasty gradually strengthened and extended their power. In 1768 king Prithivi Narayan Shah defeated the Malla kings and Nepal has been ruled by Shah Kings ever since. His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is the twelth king in this shah dynasty.