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Patan Durbar Square

Kathmandu Valley · UNESCO World Heritage

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, sits just across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu and has the finest collection of Newar architecture in the valley. Its Durbar Square packs stone temples, pagodas and a royal palace into one compact space, and feels calmer than its counterpart in Kathmandu.

Patan is also known for its metalworkers and woodcarvers, and the lanes around the square are full of small workshops and courtyards worth exploring on foot.

What to see

  • Krishna Mandir. A stone temple from the 17th century built in the shikhara style, with carved friezes telling stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
  • The Patan Museum. Set in a restored courtyard of the old palace, it is one of the best museums in Nepal, explaining Hindu and Buddhist art and the metalwork Patan is famous for.
  • Sundari Chowk. A palace courtyard with an ornate sunken royal bath, Tusha Hiti, decorated with carvings of gods and goddesses.
  • The Golden Temple. A short walk north of the square, this Buddhist monastery has a gilded facade and a courtyard where monks still worship. A small separate fee applies.

Tips for your visit

  • Allow time for the museum: many visitors say it is the highlight of Patan.
  • The Mahabouddha Temple, covered in terracotta tiles of the Buddha, is a 10 minute walk south east of the square.
  • Patan is a good place to buy singing bowls and metal statues directly from workshops.
  • Rooftop cafes around the square give good views over the temples.

Multi-day tours that visit Patan Durbar Square

Every tour here includes Patan Durbar Square in its itinerary. Best rated first.

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Combine it with

Kathmandu Durbar Square

UNESCO

The old royal palace square of Kathmandu, home to the Hanuman Dhoka palace and the house of the Kumari, the living goddess.

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square

UNESCO

The best preserved of the valley's old royal cities, with brick lanes, pottery squares and the five storey Nyatapola Temple. Worth a full day or an overnight stay.

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Patan Durbar Square: questions

How much is the entry fee for Patan Durbar Square?

Foreign visitors pay NPR 1,000 at the ticket booths around the square. Fees change from time to time, so check on the day.

Is Patan worth visiting if I have seen Kathmandu Durbar Square?

Yes. Patan is more compact and less hectic, its temples are among the finest in the valley, and the Patan Museum is one of the best places in Nepal to understand the art and history of the region.

How do I get to Patan from Thamel?

A taxi takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Most multi-day Nepal tours include a guided visit with transport.

Is Patan the same as Lalitpur?

Yes. Lalitpur is the official name of the city, while Patan is the name most visitors use for the historic centre.

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