Last Updated: September 7, 2022
Located in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley, the ancient city of Patan, also known as “Lalitpur, the city of beauty” and “Yala” among the Newars, is renowned for its fine arts and amazing architecture. It is believed to be the oldest city in the Kathmandu Valley.
Most travelers visit Patan on a day trip from Kathmandu and usually stick to the Durbar Square. But Patan is way more than its temples and Durbar square. With its rich cultural heritage, authentic local markets, scenes of arts and crafts and laid-back atmosphere, Patan is a captivating city with a blend of traditional and modern ways of life.
Patan is the perfect location to immerse yourself in the local life, and a very enjoyable place to stay while visiting the Valley (more authentic than the touristy Thamel in our opinion). Definitely worth a day (or two) on everyone’s itinerary!
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Watch our video and discover 40+ unique things to see and do in Patan
What to see and what to do in Patan?
Patan Durbar Square
Entry Fee: 1,000NPR.
Note: The ticket is only available one day. However, you can extend your ticket for free for the duration of your visa directly at the ticket booth.
With Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares (“Durbar” means palace in Nepali) in the Kathmandu Valley. It is where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur once resided.
The site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Badly damaged by the 2015 Earthquake, Patan Durbar Square is now almost restored to its former glory. I personally think they did an amazing job restoring this Durbar. It is, in fact, in much better shape than the one in Kathmandu. The distinctive and beautiful temples and monuments are classical examples of the Newar’s remarkable architecture and show exquisite craftsmanship.
Main Temples and Monuments in Patan Durbar Square
Krishna Mandir Temple
Located in front of the Royal Palace, Krishna Mandir is one of the most beautiful temples in Patan. The Hindu Shikhara-style temple was built in 1637 by King Siddhi Narasimha Malla after he dreamt that Lord Krishna and his consort Radha were standing in front of his Palace; he then ordered the construction of the temple on the exact same spot.
The stone temple displays the incredible craftsmanship that reflects the Malla era. The first floor is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the second floor to Lord Shiva and the third floor to Lord Lokeshwor (Avalokiteshvara).
A statue of Garuda atop of a pillar stands in front of the temple.
Damaged by the 2015 Earthquake, the temple is now completely restored.
Chyasin Dewal (Krishna Temple)
Built in 1723 by Yogamati, the daughter of King Yoganarendra Malla, Chyasin Dewal is the other temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is a beautiful octagonal stone temple (the word ‘Chyasin’ means eight-sided in reference to its octagonal structure).
It is said that the temple was built in memory of the 32 women (more precisely 8 wives and 24 concubines) of King Yoganarendra Malla who committed satis after the death of the King (sati was an ancient inhumane practice in which a widow had to self-immolate during the funeral ceremony of her deceased husband).
Luckily, Chyasin Dewal wasn’t much impacted by the 2015 Earthquake.
Bhimsen Temple
Built in 1681 by King Srinivasa Malla, the Bhimsen Temple is dedicated to one of the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata: Bhimsen, the God of Business and Trade. The three-storey pagoda is particularly famous for its three interconnected golden windows.
Vishwanath Temple
Built in 1627 by King Siddhi Narasimha Malla, Vishwanath Temple is a remarkable two-storey temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Two stone elephants are guarding the entrance of this temple. There is a Shiva Linga inside the temple.
Taleju bell
The Taleju bell is a huge cast-iron bell located next to Chyasin Dewal. The bell was erected by King Vishnu Malla in 1736. The people used the bell to alert the King of their grievances. It was also used as an alarm to warn the King when his enemies were approaching.
Hari Shankar Temple
The Hari Shankar temple was destroyed by the 2015 earthquake but was completely restored in 2019.
Built in 1705 by the daughter of King Yoganarendra Malla, the Hari Shankar Temple is a three-storey temple dedicated to both Lord Shiva (Shankar) and Lord Vishnu (Hari).
King Yoganarendra Malla’s Column
Near the Hari Shankar temple, you’ll find the statue of King Yoganarendra Malla sitting atop a pillar with his two wives, a cobra next to them and a bird on the head of the cobra. The legend says that as long as the bird is on the statue, the King Yoganarendra Malla will eventually return to his Kingdom. That is why a window of the Palace is always kept open. The King shortly disappeared after this proclamation, and the people of Patan still believe in his return.
Char Narayan Temple
The Char Narayan temple was also completely destroyed by the 2015 earthquake but was fully restored in January 2020.
The Char Narayan temple, also known as the ‘Jagan Narayan temple’, was originally built in 1566 by Purandarasimha. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is the oldest temple in the Durbar Square.
The Royal Palace and Patan Museum
The ancient Royal Palace where the Malla Kings once resided is the main attraction of Patan. The complex possesses three main Chowks (meaning “courtyards” in Nepali): Keshav Narayan Chowk, Mul Chowk and Sundari Chowk.
Keshav Narayan Chowk & Patan Museum
Built in 1734, Keshav Narayan Chowk was the residential courtyard of the Royal Palace of the Malla Kings. You’ll find the Keshav Narayan Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu) at the center of the chowk. This chowk is famous for its stunning Golden Gate and its two lions (one female and one male) guarding the entrance. Keshav Narayan Chowk also houses the Patan museum.
Inaugurated in 1997 by King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah, the Patan museum holds one of the finest collections of religious art in Nepal with the display of many Buddhism and Hinduism relics and artifacts. It also houses some of the most beautiful traditional Newari crafts and bronze statues. You do not have to pay any extra for visiting the museum as the entrance is included in your Patan Durbar Square ticket. The Patan Museum turned out to be my favorite museum in the Kathmandu Valley.
Behind the Chowk, you’ll find a little garden and a coffee shop (Patan Museum Cafe ~ by the Dwarika’s group). The perfect spot for a lunch!
Mul Chowk
Rebuilt in 1666 by King Srinivasa Malla, Mul Chowk is the largest of the Royal Palace’s three main chowks. At the center of Mul Chowk, you’ll find a beautiful shrine dedicated to Yantaju, a personal deity of the Malla Kings. It is also inside Mul Chowk that you’ll be able to see the impressive Taleju Bhawani Temple (built in 1671) and the Degutale Temple (built in 1661), both dedicated to Goddess Taleju.
Sundari Chowk
Built in 1627, Sundari Chowk, the smallest of the Royal Palace’s three main chowks, is probably the prettiest. Sundari Chowk is particularly famous for its gorgeous sunken Royal bath, known as ‘Tusha Hiti’, built in 1647 by King Siddhi Narasimha Malla.
Bhandarkhal garden
Behind the Mul Chowk and Sundari Chowk, do not miss the Bhandarkhal garden and its water tank. Built in 1647, the Bhandarkhal water tank was the main water supply for the Royal Palace.
Main Temples and Stupas in Lalitpur outside the Durbar Square
Many visitors limit their visit to Patan Durbar Square and do not explore further ~ They are definitely missing out. There’s so much to see outside the Durbar square.
Here are the most remarkable temples and stupas in Lalitpur (outside the Durbar Square):
The Golden temple
The Golden Temple is my favorite temple in Patan. Founded in 1045 by King Bhaskar Deva Varma and built in its current form in 1409, the Golden Temple, also known as ‘Kwa Bahal’ or ‘Hiranya Varna Mahavihar’, is, in fact, a magnificent three storey Buddhist monastery (‘Hiranya Varna Mahavihar’ means ‘Monastery with a Golden color’). The head priest of Kwa Bahal is a young boy under 12 years old from the Shakya caste, who serves for one month before being replaced by another young boy.
The design of the complex is absolutely astonishing. Inside the courtyard, you’ll find a remarkable shrine with a tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. You’ll see exquisite craftsmanship all around you. You can take the stairs and visit the monastery upstairs. Do not miss the 4 monkeys’ statues holding jackfruits in each corners of the courtyard.
It is said that rice is kept inside the temple to feed the mice as per the age-old custom; the tradition started when King Bhaskar Varma had a vision that a golden rat was chasing a cat inside the temple.
There is a small entrance fee to access Kwa Bahal (100NPR) but is well worth it.
The Kumbeshwar temple & Baglamukhi temple
The Kumbeshwar temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Patan. It was built in the 14th century (allegedly in 1392) by King Jayashiti Malla. The five-storey temple is one of the tallest temples in the Kathmandu valley (and one of the only two five-storey temples in Nepal ~ the other is Nyatapola temple in Bhaktapur), and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are two ponds (hitis) inside the complex; the legend says that the water in the ponds is coming directly from Gosaikunda, a lake formed by Shiva’s trident to extract water after he swallowed poison and needed to quench his thirst.
It is inside the Kumbeshwar complex that you’ll find the famous Baglamukhi temple, dedicated to Goddess Baglamukhi (Parvati, the consort of Shiva).
Rudra Varna Mahavihar
Rudra Varna Mahavihar, also known as ‘Uku Bahal’, is one of Patan’s oldest Buddhist monasteries, believed to have been founded in 590-604. The beauty of the main courtyard is just mind-blowing. It is a very peaceful place (at least all the times we’ve been there, we were (almost) always alone and felt totally at peace). You won’t see many tourists there (which is a little surprising but could be explained by the fact that it is quite outside the tourist ‘normal’ path, and I guess people don’t bother to do the detour ~ they are DEFINITELY missing out!).
There is a small entrance fee to access the monastery (50NPR); the ticket is also valid for the Mahabuddha temple.
The Mahabuddha temple
Dedicated to Siddhartha Gautama, the Mahabuddha temple, also known as the ‘Temple of a thousand Buddhas’, is a beautiful Buddhist temple. The temple was allegedly built in 1585 (although some sources say 1564-1565 and achieved around 1601, sometimes 1610). The Mahabuddha temple has hundreds of images of the Buddha carved in terracotta tiles (hence the nickname ‘Temple of a thousand Buddhas’). Unfortunately, the structure was damaged by the April 2015 Earthquake and was still under renovation last time we were visiting.
There is a small entrance fee to access the structure (50NPR); the ticket is also valid for Rudra Varna Mahavihar (Uku Bahal).
The Rato Machhendranath temple
Built in 1673, the Rato Machhendranath temple is a beautiful three-storey temple dedicated to Machhendranath – the God of Rain and Harvest (an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara for the Buddhists and an incarnation of Lord Shiva for the Hindus). The temple is surrounded by a blue metal fence; the fence was installed after thieves stole few artifacts from the temple. Do not hesitate to venture inside the courtyard to see the temple up close. There is no entrance fee to access the temple.
Ashoka Stupas
Located at the four cardinal directions of Patan, the ‘Four Ashoka Stupas’ mark the former boundaries of the city. The Ashoka Stupas were built in the 3rd century by Buddhist Emperor Ashoka when he was visiting the Kathmandu valley with his daughter, Charumati.
Lagan Thura: The Southern stupa is located in Lagankhel. It is the largest and probably the best-preserved stupa of the four, and without doubt, it is the most beautiful.
Ibahi Thura: The Northern stupa is located in Ibahi. The stupa is smaller than the other stupas but considered more ‘complex’ in its design.
Teta Thura: The Eastern stupa is located in Teta, outside of Ring Road.
Pulchowk Thura (Pucho Thura): The Western stupa is located in Pulchowk; unfortunately, the stupa, highly venerated by Buddhists, is now surrounded by many (taller) buildings obstructing its beauty and holiness.
What else to do in Patan?
Patan Industrial Estate
Patan Industrial Estate is probably the best place to see craftsmanship in action. If you wish to buy traditional handicrafts first hand, from metalcraft and woodcarving to carpets and textiles, it is certain that you’ll find something for you in the Patan Industrial Estate. Besides, it is not every day that you’ll have the opportunity to get an authentic insight into local artisans’ life.
Visit the House of the Living Goddess, the Kumari of Patan
In my article dedicated to Kathmandu Durbar Square, I explained that Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur have each their own Kumaris, the Kumari of Kathmandu Durbar Square (the Royal Kumari) being the most important of them. The legend says that the spirit of Goddess Taleju is incarnated as a little girl among the Newar Shakya caste. It is believed that the Kumaris have the Goddess living within them until they reach puberty. Then, the Goddess vacates the Kumari’s body, the little girl returns to the civil life and a new Kumari must be selected.
Compared to the Kumari of Kathmandu, it is easier to meet the Living Goddess of Patan and visit her residence. Please know there are rules to follow when visiting the Kumari’s house, those include: removing your shoes before entering the house, not talking to the Kumari and kneeling before her.
Mangal bazaar
Mangal bazaar is the local market of Patan. Conveniently located near the Durbar Square, it is a great place for buying religious souvenirs, but also clothes and jewelry. Mangal bazaar is known for its Newari food. An absolute must try in Patan!
Central zoo of Patan
I’ve never visited it but my husband did long time back. Personally, it makes us both sad to see animals in captivity. We never visit zoos. We are animal and wildlife lovers; and most of the time, we choose to see animals in their natural habitats, in the wild, not behind bars nor glass (even though we don’t always succeed at seeing them in the wild!). We’ve heard many bad things about this zoo. The animal enclosures are very small and dirty, and the animals seem distressed. If you love animals, it might break your heart.
Main Festivals of Patan
Rato Machhindranath Jatra
Rato Machhindranath Jatra is a chariot festival celebrating Machhindranath, the God of rain and harvest (an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara for the Buddhists and an incarnation of Lord Shiva for the Hindus). It is the largest and most impressive street festival held in Lalitpur. The chariot is pulled from Pulchowk to Jawalakhel, passing through Gabahal, Mangalbazar, Patan Sundhara, Mikhabahal, Lagankhel, Tati and Kumaripati. The festival ends with ‘Bhoto Jatra’ (the sacred vest ceremony). Rato Machhindranath Jatra usually falls in May – June – July (before the monsoon) and lasts for a whole month.
Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami is an important Hindu festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Krishna. Every year, the festival brings thousands of devotees to Patan Durbar Square where they can worship Lord Krishna at the Krishna Mandir. Krishna Janmashtami is also known as the ‘festival for kids’; all the parents dress up their kids like little Lord Krishna for the occasion. The festival usually falls inAugust – September.
How to get to Patan?
You can get to Lalitpur by:
- Taxi (around 500NPR from Thamel).
- Bus from Ratna Park (around 25NPR).
- Tootle, a Nepali app that allows you to get an easy ride inside Kathmandu by matching you with bikers who are on your way.
- Or Pathao, the same kind of app as above but working with cars as well.
Map
Where to eat in Patan?
If you want to taste authentic Newari food, you absolutely have to try ‘Honacha’, probably the best Newari restaurant in town (they are particularly reputed for their Chhoilas).
For Yomaris, we recommend Village Café at Pulchowk.
And if you prefer continental food, Café Swotha is a great choice.
Where to stay in Patan?
Patan is a perfect location to immerse yourself in the local life, and a very enjoyable place to stay while visiting the Valley.
Boutique Heritage Home is a Newari family run guesthouse perfectly located near the Durbar Square.
If you are looking for a unique accommodation in Patan, Cosy Nepal is definitely the best choice. Cosy Nepal offers you the opportunity to rent your own traditional Newari-style apartment.
For more travel inspiration in Nepal, visit my Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/paris_kathmandu/
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