Patan, an ancient city in Nepal, was the capital of the Newar Kingdom of Patan from the 11th to the 18th century and also served as a commercial center of the Kathmandu Valley in ancient times. In 1980, it was designated by UNESCO as one of the 18 ancient cities in Asia that are prioritized for preservation. It is said that the entire city of Patan was built according to the design of a Buddhist mandala. The city is home to 136 Buddhist temples and 55 roof-intersecting shrines, reflecting a deep and long-standing Buddhist culture.
During the rule of the Malla dynasty, Patan reached an unprecedented architectural peak. The streets, paved with red bricks, are lined with intricately carved wooden windows, gilded Buddhist stupas, and hidden courtyards, making Patan an open-air museum that preserves ancient art. As a result, it is also known as the “City of Art”.
In Patan, gaze at the golden eaves of the temples as pigeons glide across the sky over Durbar Square, listen to the wind ringing the temple bells, and in the twilight, sip a cup of milk tea with the bronze artisans in their workshops. Time flows differently in this ancient city.
1. Weather
Kathmandu experiences mild seasonal transitions, with pleasant weather throughout the year.
It is suitable for travel year-round, with the best time to visit being from October to April, during the dry season. This period avoids the monsoon rains and high temperatures, offering a cooler and more comfortable climate.
2. Popular Attractions
Patan Durbar Square: It is a rectangular royal square, featuring the palace, the Taleju Temple, the Golden Temple, and the Manjushri Fountain on the east side. On the west side, you’ll find a variety of temples with unique designs, including the Bhairab Temple, the Bhairab Shrine, the Hari Shankar Temple, the Vishnu Temple, and the Vishwanath Temple.
Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar): It is the most famous temple in Patan. The entire structure—from the roof to the eaves, as well as the temple hall, statues, and decorations in the courtyard—is coated in gilded brass, shining brilliantly in the sunlight.
Mahabouddha Temple: Located in the ancient city of Patan, the temple features two red clay stupas, one large and one small. The larger stupa, known as the Thousand Buddha Stupa, is dedicated to Buddha Shakyamuni and is adorned with 9,999 small Buddha carvings. The smaller stupa is one of the few memorials dedicated to Buddha’s mother, Queen Maya.
Patan Museum: Housed in the former royal palace, the Patan Museum offers beautiful views of its lush gardens and an exceptionally rich collection. The museum’s most notable exhibits are the numerous Hindu and Buddhist statues made of cast bronze and gilded copper. Through the wooden windows of the museum, visitors can also enjoy multiple angles of the Durbar Square below.
3. Shopping
Patan Durbar Square: The area around the square is home to many interesting local art galleries and craft shops, where you can purchase various traditional Nepali artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts.
4. Transportation Guide
The attractions in Patan are fairly concentrated and limited in number. If you don’t plan to stay overnight, you can choose to stay in Kathmandu and reserve half a day to explore Patan. From the Thamel area in Kathmandu, it takes about 1 hour by foot or 30 minutes by car to reach Patan.
Walking: The narrow alleys of the ancient city make walking a pleasant way to experience the slow pace of life in Patan.
Bicycle: Bicycle rental shops are concentrated around Durbar Square. Cycling is a more convenient and less tiring option than walking and allows you to explore the surrounding villages as well.
5. Accommodation Recommendations
Around Durbar Square: This area is home to many ancient buildings, offering a chance to admire Nepal’s exquisite architectural artistry. There are also local markets nearby where you can purchase souvenirs and regional specialties.
