Around Patan

DISCOVER PATAN

Explore and wonder at every step

VISIT PATAN

Unforgettable experiences

Patan is one of the most vibrant city of Nepal. Today being part of the broad Kathmandu, it proudly carries its particular history, tradition and atmosphere. Medieval city of artists and craftsman, with hundreds of temples, hidden courtyards, walkways and craft workshops along narrow lanes, in recent time Patan is undergoing a re-birth process. On one hand the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts brought back the Durbar Square and the main heritage sites to the previous beauty, on the other hand many private initiatives are contributing to the restoration of the old houses that are turned into guest-rooms, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, living places where locals and foreign residents enjoy spending time. Patan, before any other place of the Kathmandu valley, is becoming an authentic modern historical town. 


Patan, also called Lalitpur -the city of beauty- is a place of incredible creativity: during centuries the valley’s finest craftsmen and architect realized here exquisite pieces of art as well as magnificent buildings. Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed for ages in religious harmony and as a result several palaces, temples, statues and paintings belonging to both religions can be admired around Patan. But the city is also a great place to hang around, observe the peaceful though hectic all-day life of its inhabitants, shop in the numerous boutiques and enjoy the view from a roof-top terrace.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE

(UNESCO world heritage site)

The Durbar Square is located in the heart of the city and is the main temple square, in front of the historic king palace. With its palaces, temples, pagodas and sunken bath, the square is a display of Newar architecture that reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings.

MAHABOUDDHA

Situated East of Patan Durbar Square, Mahabouddha is an exceptional Buddhist monument of fabulous terra cotta art work. On this 14th-century architectural masterpiece are engraved thousands of images of Lord Buddha.

RUDRA VARNA MAHAVIHAR

Also known as Uku Bahal, it is situated a few steps from Mahabouddha and contains an amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. The kings in ancient times were crowned in this monastery.

HIRANYA VARNA MAHAVIHAR or GOLDEN TEMPLE

Built in the XII century, the temple houses a very much worshipped statue of the Buddha inside the courtyard. The monastery is known for its exceptionally fine wood-carvings and repoussé work. It is a five-minute walk toward North-West, from the Durbar Square.

KUMBHESHWAR

The temple dedicated to Shiva is the only five-storey pagoda in Patan and one of the only three surviving five-storey temples in the country. A natural spring within the courtyard of this temple -built in 1392- is said to have its source in the glacial holy lake of Gosainkunda. A large gathering of devotees can be seen here for a ritual bath on the day of Janai Poornima in August.

PATAN MUSEUM

The Patan museum, located inside the royal palace at the Durbar Square, has been acclaimed by the visitors as one of the finest museums in South Asia. The collaborative effort of the Austrian Government with its Nepalese counterpart did not only restore the historical palace to its original grandeur, but also created a model cultural institution in Nepal.

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