City Tour of Patan

Patan Durbar Square

Patan is 5 km away from the capital city, Kathmandu, and is reached by crossing the Bagmati River. Patan Durbar Square (durbar means palace), a UNESCO World HeritageSite is the major attraction with the old royal palace and a host of artistically designed temples all within the square. Temple construction in the square went into overdrive during the Malla period (14th to 18th centuries). A remarkable terracotta temple worth a visit is the Mahabouddha, a shikara style temple with a thousand images of the Buddha. Visitors enjoy the peaceful ambience of Patan and the predominance of art. It’s well worth at least a half-day trip from Kathmandu. An entrance tickets entitles you to visit the palace and other sites in Patan like Oku Bahal, Mahabouddha, Kumbheswar and Patan Museum.

The Patan Museum within the palace has a fine collection of metal craft, wood carvings and a precious Malla era throne. In the Durbar Square is the beautiful Krishna temple built entirely of stone which is the most important Krishna shrine of the valley. Just beyond the square are many restaurants and cafes, some with rooftop views. Despite its proximity to Kathmandu, it still retains its old world charm and traditional professions such as woodcarving and especially metal crafts. As you walk through the city you still hear the tapping of tiny hammers as a craftsman works on a statuette or ornament. This concentrated mass of temples is perhaps the most visually stunning display of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal.

Trip Overview

    Transfer from Hotel to Patan Durbar Square and Vice Versa