Patan Travel Guide

Today in Nepal: Govardhan Puja (2 Nov)

Trek Zone

City • Area

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Nepal's Central Development Region, Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is a city steeped in cultural heritage and artistic tradition. Renowned for its craftsmanship, Patan is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, intricate carvings, and a vibrant tapestry of history that predates the centuries.

Patan Durbar Square, the city's focal point, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts an array of temples, shrines, and palaces. The majestic former royal palace complex is the epitome of the city's historical significance and architectural grandeur. Visitors can explore the courtyards and galleries that are adorned with exquisite wood and stone carvings, reflecting the pinnacle of Newari craftsmanship.

The city is also famous for its metalwork and the Patan Museum, housed within the palace complex, offers an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The museum's collection includes traditional art, sculptures, and artifacts that chronicle the city's storied past.

Patan is also a hub for traditional Nepalese art, especially Thangka paintings and intricate handicrafts which can be seen in the bustling marketplaces. The city's artisans are known for their skill in creating beautiful pieces of jewelry, pottery, and textiles, making it a perfect destination for those seeking authentic Nepalese souvenirs.

The Golden Temple, also known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, is another highlight of Patan. This three-story golden pagoda of Lokeshwar (Lord Buddha) was built in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Varma and stands as a testament to the city's religious significance.

Patan is not just about history and art; it is a living city with a contemporary edge. The Patan Academy of Health Sciences is a notable institution, aiming to improve the health conditions of the local population. Moreover, the city's culinary scene offers delectable local dishes such as momo (dumplings), dal bhat (lentils and rice), and Newari cuisine that is sure to tantalize the taste buds of food enthusiasts.

Local name: ललितपुर महानगरपालिका Population: 183.3 thous. (2019)Area: 6.18 mi²Elevation: 4364 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 27°40'0"N, 85°19'23"E

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CentralNepal

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Patan Top Attractions

Patan Attractions - What to See and Explore

Patan offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Patan Durbar Square, Tusha Hiti, Krishna Mandir, Mahabouddha Temple. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Square • Historical place
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square, nestled at the heart of the vibrant city of Patan in Nepal, is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess. This ancient royal palace complex, dating back to the 3rd century, is renowned for its exquisite...
Square
Tusha Hiti
Nestled within the ancient city of Patan in Nepal, Tusha Hiti is an exquisite subterranean water spout that stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural grandeur of the region. This historical stone bath, located in Sundari Chowk within the Royal Palace...
Temple
Krishna Mandir
The Krishna Mandir stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of Patan, Nepal. This Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is a masterpiece of stone architecture and a pivotal site of spirituality and history in the city's Durbar...

Temple
Mahabouddha Temple
Nestled in the heart of Patan, Nepal, the Mahabouddha Temple stands as a magnificent example of traditional terracotta architecture that has withstood the test of time. This sacred site, also known as the "Temple of the Thousand Buddhas," is a revered place of worship...
Zoo • Animal shelter
Central Zoo
The Central Zoo is a 6-hectare zoo in Jawalakhel, Nepal. It is home to some 870 animals in 109 species, and is operated by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. Although it was originally a private zoo, it was opened to the public in 1956.
Museum
Park Gallery
Park Gallery is an artist-run space which is located in Patan, Nepal. It was founded by Rama Nanda Joshi, artist, art teacher and art activist in 1970.
Temple
Pimbahal Pond
Pimbahal Pond is an artificial pond located in Lalitpur, Nepal. According to Nepalese folklore, the pond was built by Lakheys, a type of demon. In 1967, the Nepalese government tried to turn the pond into a market, but received local resistance.
Temple
Kumbheshwar temple complex
The Kumbheshwar temple complex is one of the oldest and busiest religious place of the old Patan town lying on its northern part.
Palace
Harihar Bhawan
Harihar Bhawan is a Rana palace in Patan, Nepal the capital of the Nepal. The palace complex, located west of the Sri Durbar, was incorporated in an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings.
Temple
Kumbheshwar Temple
Kumbheshwar Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples, situated 200m from the northern part of Patan Durbar Square. It was built in the 14th century by King Jayasthiti Malla that makes it the oldest temple in Patan.
Church
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral is a religious building located in the city of Kathmandu, capital of the Asian country of Nepal. It began as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption which was dedicated by Cardinal Jozef Tomko, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on 15 August 1995.
Temple • Sacred and religious sites • Buddhist temple
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
Hiraṇyavarṇa Mahāvihāra, also Kwa Baha: informally called The Golden Temple with literal meaning "Gold-colored Great Monastery", is a historical vihara situated in Patan, Nepal. It is known locally as the "Golden Temple" and it is famous for feeding rats.
Museum
Yalamaya Kendra
Yalamaya Kendra is a heritage center in Kathmandu, Nepal. It comprises three conference halls i.e. Baggi Khana, Gaushala1, Gaushala2 and a restaurant Dhokaima Cafe. Yala is the ancient name of Patan City. These halls are made by moderating the stables and cowshed of Rana General Madan Samsher.
Palace
Shree Durbar
Shree Durbar is a Rana palace in Kathmandu, Patan, Nepal the capital of Nepal. The palace complex, located east of the Lazimpat Durbar next to Patan Dhoka, was incorporated in an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings.
27°40'7"N • 85°19'35"E
Rudravarna Mahavihar
Temple
27°40'31"N • 85°19'29"E
Golden Temple
Temple
27°40'27"N • 85°19'38"E
Bhimsen Temple
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Park
Nagbahal
Nagbahal is located in the heart of the city of Lalitpur in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Nagbahal was originally a Buddhist monastery, but the original buildings are now gone. What is left is a large courtyard. In spite of that, this bahal still retains its religious and cultural significance.
27°40'24"N • 85°19'30"E
Jagan Narayan Temple
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Day trips

Patan – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Patan, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu), Swayambhunath (Kathmandu), Kathmandu Durbar Square (Kathmandu).

3.3 miNE
Revered, historic Hindu temple
Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
Nestled on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath Temple stands as a testament to Nepal's rich religious heritage and ancient culture. This revered Hindu temple, located in the bustling city of Kathmandu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the...
3.9 miNW
Storied temple complex and pilgrimage site
Swayambhunath, Kathmandu
Perched atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is a resplendent symbol of spirituality and ancient tradition in Nepal. This sacred temple complex, also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large population of monkeys residing there, is a mosaic of stupas...
2.8 miN
Square,
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu
Nestled in the heart of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, lies the historic and architecturally stunning Kathmandu Durbar Square. This ancient square is a spectacle of traditional Nepalese art and a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage.
6.5 miE
Temple
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur
The Nyatapola Temple stands as a towering testament to the architectural and cultural grandeur of Bhaktapur, Nepal. This five-storied edifice is not only the tallest temple in the Kathmandu Valley but also a classic example of the Himalayan region's rich religious...
7.3 miNE
Ancient Hindu temple honoring Vishnu
Changu Narayan Temple, Kathmandu
Nestled atop a high hill in the Kathmandu Valley, the Changu Narayan Temple stands as a testament to Nepal's rich cultural heritage. This ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is revered as the oldest temple in Nepal's history, with origins tracing back...

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Best Time To Visit Patan

Learn when is the best time to travel to Patan weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Patan?

The top attractions to visit in Patan are:

What is the best time to visit Patan?

May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.