There have been numerous efforts over the years to map the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. This study acquired for comparison several land use/land cover maps for the Valley. This manuscript includes both an examination of the differences in the creation and content of the maps and also an analysis of the urban changes in the Valley. The most difficult issue in comparing the maps is the varied classification systems and definitions. Change analysis between 1978 and 2000 determined an increase in urban extent of over 14,000 ha, about a 450 percent increase. While not directly documented in these maps, the tremendous pace of urban growth has resulted in multiple infrastructure and environmental challenges. This study also used the more recent land use/land cover map and a Kathmandu Valley Geographic Information System (KVGIS) to model future urban growth. That model indicated a future urban growth of about 13,000 ha. These map comparisons and models are potentially useful for administrators and planners in Nepal and as a case study, of value and interest to a broader community.