Patan (Lalitpur)

Founded in 3rd century BCE, Patan is renowned for its exquisite Newari architecture, ancient Buddhist monuments, and living craft traditions.

Must-Visit Heritage Sites

  • Patan Durbar Square - UNESCO World Heritage Site with royal palace complex
  • Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) - 12th century Buddhist monastery covered in gold
  • Kumbheshwar Temple - Five-tiered pagoda dedicated to Shiva
  • Mahaboudha Temple - "Temple of Thousand Buddhas" with terracotta tiles
  • Rato Machhindranath Temple - Important site for the chariot festival

Museums in Patan

Museum Highlights Entry Fee
Patan Museum Bronze statues, sacred art in former royal palace NPR 1,000 (foreigners)
Nepal Art Council Contemporary Nepali art exhibitions Free
Mahaboudha Cultural Center Traditional crafts and architecture NPR 200

Traditional Craft Centers

  • Patan Metal Craft Street - Watch artisans create bronze statues
  • Thangka Painting Schools - Buddhist scroll painting workshops
  • Pottery Square - Traditional clay pottery making demonstrations
  • Dhaka Weaving Centers - Traditional Nepali fabric production

Patan's Living Culture

  • Morning rituals at Krishna Temple with local devotees
  • Evening aarti ceremonies at Kumbheshwar
  • Local teashops serving chiya (Nepali tea) with sweets
  • Traditional Newari festivals throughout the year

Hidden Gems

Place Description Location
Jawalakhel Zoo Small zoo featuring Nepali wildlife Jawalakhel
Patan Industrial Estate Authentic handicraft workshops Lagankhel
Pulchowki Hill Nature hikes with valley views City outskirts

Visitor Information

  • Entry Fee: NPR 1,000 for Durbar Square area (foreigners)
  • Best Time: Mornings (7-10am) for photography and rituals
  • Guides: Licensed guides available at museum entrance
  • Transport: 5km from Kathmandu, 30min by taxi or local bus

Nearby Attractions

  • Patan Dhoka - Ancient city gate with stone sculptures
  • Jawalakhel Handicraft Center Tibetan refugee carpet weaving Jawalakhel

    Local Experiences

    • Take a Newari cooking class
    • Try traditional Newari lunch at a local bhojanalaya
    • Attend a morning chanting session at a Buddhist monastery
    • Browse the Sunday farmers market at Jawalakhel

    Getting Around Patan

    • On foot: Best way to explore the dense old city
    • Cycle rickshaws: Available for short distances
    • Taxis: Easy to find near major squares
    • Local buses: Connect to Kathmandu and Bhaktapur