The Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust is working to restore the historic 11th century Itumbaha, one of the 18 ancient monasteries of Kathmandu. The earthquake of 1934 and urban incursions have taken their toll, and the historic courtyard is in a state of disrepair. The World Monument Watch has put Itumbaha on its list of 100 most-endangered sites in the world.

Now, the trust with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and the German Embassy are getting together to restore Itumbaha. The project will begin in March 2003 and will last two years. Most restoration work in Kathmandu Valley so far has been focussed on World Heritage sites, other sites have been largely neglected, but this is beginning to change, says Kathmandu Valley historian Niels Gutschow.