Nuwakot

Nuwakot occupies a hill country north of the Kathmandu Valley. Its name means nine forts or sacred hilltops, traditionally associated with deities who protect the region. The town controlled an important route between the valley and Tibet, making it a valuable possession for the Malla rulers of Kantipur and a target for the neighbouring kingdom of Gorkha.

After earlier attacks had failed, Prithvi Narayan Shah prepared a new campaign and captured Nuwakot in 1744. He gathered weapons and trained soldiers before the assault, dividing his army into three groups. The victory gave Gorkha a foothold on the approaches to the valley and its northern trade. He made Nuwakot a capital of his expanding kingdom; later he died at Devighat, where the Tadi and Trishuli rivers meet.