20 Places to visit in Patan

Witness some of the exquisite works of religious art and architecture you will find many places to visit in Patan. The city is also considered to be focal point for many adventurous travellers. You can involve yourself in trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting and some aerial exploration too. Apart from just adventure activities the city also has the four Ashoka Stupas which marks the corners of Patan.

You can also get the chance to see Golden Temple which is richly adorned with golden images of Lord Buddha, wall carvings and a prayer wheel. Get the chance to be fascinated by Machhindranath Temple which is dedicated to the rain Gods. If you want to see extreme royalty, you can see Rudra Varna Mahavihar which is a Buddhist monastery where royal kings were crowned earlier.

Some of the best places to visit in Patan:

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Durbar (Central) Square

Image Credit : Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Want to travel to an era bygone? Then Durbar Square is the place to be! The Durbar Square Central is a popular place among the tourists. It is well known for the ancient Royal Palace, which faces next to the square.

Durbar (Central) Square

Image Credits : Matt Zimmerman

Highlights:The concentrated mass of temples in this region is perhaps one of the biggest highlights of this place. It is here that you will find a stunning display of Newari architecture. The temple construction here happened from 14thto 18thcenturies, especially during the reign of King Siddhinarsingh Malla. The Durbar Central Square is one of the perfect places where you can wander around for hours, looking at magnificent buildings.

Location: The Durbar Square is located in Patan Nepal.

Timings: Entry is from 7 am to 7 pm.

Price: For foreign travelers, the prices are from USD 3-8.

Patan Industrial Estate

Image Credit : S Pakhrin

For a really long time, Nepal didn’t have an industrial revolution. The industrial changes began in the early 20thcentury, when different industrial units, small scale factories and manufacturing centers were set up. The best part about these centers is the fact that they use exquisite craftsmanship and employ the right kind of artists to manufacture some unique, luxury products. Patan Industrial Estate is a reflection of the same.

Image Credits : S Pakhrin

Highlights: The industrial estate is a tourist centered area, where a number of craft items are sold from all over the country. This place has several workshop showrooms where you can find some of the most delicately crafted carpets, metalwork and woodcarvings. The place offers a variety of other products as well, most of which are skillfully developed by artisans. It is located close to the Lagankhel Bus Stand.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Timings: 10am to 5pm.

Patan Gate

Image Credit : randomix

Sometimes, you have to open the gates to discover a bygone era. If you want to transcend into the world that existed some centuries ago, then you have to step through the Patan Gate. Patan’s Golden Gate is the entryway to the Patan Museum. The gate, which was installed almost three centuries ago is a gilded gateway with windows made from gold foil wrapped around timber frame.

Image Credits : Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Highlights: The major highlight of this gate is the pediment that’s made of gold. The pediment shows Shiva, Parvati, Kumar and Ganesha through excellent carvings. The gate, which has a window in gold was once used by the king to make public appearances. Today, this gate marks the entrance into the world of a bygone era. The museum that comes after the gate is known for its artifacts and displays from all over the world. If you are visiting the museum, make sure that you view the beauty of this gate as well.

Location: Patan Museum, Patan.

Taleju Bell

Image Credit : Antoine 49

When the kings ruled over Nepal, grievances were not solved through a toll free, customer care number. Rather, it was solved with the Taleju Bell. Of course, there weren’t any phones back then so the rulers found out new, unique ways to hear their disciples. The bell, which is ancient and huge hangs between two stout pillars, providing access to be rung.

Image Credits : Chris Richardson

Highlights: The bell was erected by King Vishnu Malla in 1736. The idea for its construction was to make kings more accountable to the citizens. Over the years, petitioners have rung this bell to alert the king about their grievances. And their issues were sorted out. The bell was broken during the 2015 earthquake disaster, however the pavilion stayed intact. The place is being restored. The bell pavilion has an ornamental bridge that should be explored as well.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Timings: From morning to evening.

Baha Bahi

Patan is one of the oldest cities in Nepal. It is also the home to Durbar Square, which is a beautiful monster. The Buddhist monastery is one of the oldest in the world and is built on a quadrangle, which represents traditional Nepalese architecture. Designed to be flanked by black lions, this monastery is an exciting way to discover Buddhist cultures.

Highlights: The large, new looking doorway of the monastery brings you to inside. Baha Bahi has Cheshire cat grins that capture attention. Founded in 1427, this old styled Buddhist monastery was restored by Japanese architects in the early 1990s.

Today, this place is home to monks and serves as the modern connect between people and Buddhism. The inscriptions here are widely read, whereas the overall architecture is intriguing. Do visit this place if you are visiting Nepal in general and Patan in particular. It won’t disappoint you.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Bhinchhebahal tole

Searching for different things to do in Lalitpur? Then Bhinchhenbahal should be on your list. Patan is so beautiful and this place in particular is so well maintained. The open space is surrounded by 60 houses and has been designed in a clean area, with two water wells. The hidden treasure is one of those off-beaten tracks that must be visited.

Highlights:There’s a Buddha Temple in the middle that will instantly capture attention. There are chaityas around and the overall environment at the place is quite warm. The major highlight of this place is the stone carvings, which makes it appear like a live museum. Seven minute walk from Sundhara will bring you close to the place. An excellent addition to your itinerary, this simple, serene place is a must visit for travelers.

Location: Bhinchhenbahai, Patan (Lalitpur).

The Ashokan Stupas

Image Credit : Michael Cornelius

Nepal is the center for Buddhist culture in the country. A fine example of Buddhism in the country is its temples and their stupas. This includes the four Ashoka Stupas. Named after the Emperor Ashoka of India, these stupas not just show Buddhist architecture, but they even reflect different wheels of Buddhism- the wheel of righteousness or dharma. These stupas were traditionally built as markings on the four corners of Patan.

Highlights: These stupas are mounds crowned monuments that were erected in 250 century B.C. Three of the mounds that are constructed have been covered in grass. The fourth one has a white mound and a colorful monument. It is believed that such a construction stems out from the fact that Buddhist stupas are supposed to be different from each other. So, certain highlights and changes are made for each of the design to preserve their uniqueness. That’s why each of the stupas should be explored.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Hari Shanker Temple

Image Credit : Antoine 49

There are so many gods who are worshipped in Hinduism. But something as curious a God hybrid comes less often. And this temple is the perfect example of the same. This three storey temple, which is dedicated to Hari Shankar is as curious as it can get. The deity is considered an amalgamation or a hybrid of Vishnu and Shiva, the attributes of both have been taken together.

Hari Shanker Temple

Image Credits : Cheryl Marland

Highlights:This temple is intriguing and not only for the hybrid deity. The Hindu temple manages to intrigue with its roof struts and architecture. The temple, which was designed in the 1704-05 by King Yoganarendra Malla’s daughter is quite popular and located in close proximity to the other temples. The temple was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, but the government is taking steps to restore it. The site is still accessible for travelers in Nepal.

Location:Patan, Nepal.

Jagan Narayan Temple

Image Credit : Antoine 49

If there’s one thing that Nepal is famous for (apart from mountains of course), it is the temples. One of the major temples in the region is Jagan Narayan Temple, which honors Lord Vishnu, the Hindu god of protection and maintenance. The lord, who is also known as Hari is practiced and revered in this temple.

Highlights: This is a tall, imposing temple that has been built in the 17thcentury. The temple is pagoda style, with Shikhara construction, wherein rising towers are built through the temple to make it appear like a mountain peak. The style is heavily detailed to add sophistication and to reflect the carvings from a bygone era. The highly ornate construction has progressively smaller storeys of pavilion. This temple in particular is very calming, spiritual and religious place. The site is perfect for exploring Hinduism and the culture.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Bhimsen Temple

Image Credit : Prashant Shrestha

Dedicated to Bhimsen, one of the five Pandvas, the Bhimsen Temple at the end of Durbar Square is a sacred religious place in the region. Bhimsen is considered to be the god of trade and business. It is also believed that he has superhuman strength. That’s why the drawings and carvings in the temple depict him as a red muscleman, someone who is crushing and elephant with a knee or lifting a horse.

Bhimsen Temple

Image Credits : Deana Zabaldo

Highlights: The pagoda has three storey and what makes it different than other temples is that it has an unusual rectangular plan. The temple was built centuries ago and rebuilt in 1682, after which it has been restored thrice- in 1935, 1967 and most recently after the 2015 earthquake. Non-Hindus can climb to the upper level to view the wide eyed statue once the repairs are complete.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar

A historic Buddhist monastery, Rudra Varna Mahavihar Temple is used for major coronation ceremonies throughout the year. The walls and altars of this place are quite popular for their statues. While the temple is not on the main street and has to be searched in the back alleys of Patan, the place is worth a visit, especially for the bronze pieces inside and on the top of the temple.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar

Image Credits : Juan Antonio F. Segal

Highlights:This is another one of the beautiful temples in the region. While the Buddhist temple appears like a Hindu styled temple, it does have a few pinnacles on the top that distinguishes it from their counterparts. However, it has a similar pagoda style as Indian architecture. The temple has plenty of golden ornamentation and has several elaborate rituals that will instantly invoke a number of feelings. The place is pleasant because it is off a regular tourist’s trail.

Location: Patan Durbar Square, Nepal.

Price: USD 4.

The Central Zoo

Image Credit : S Pakhrin

Image Credits : S Pakhrin

Highlights: The large, central zoo has over 35 endangered local species, including Indian one-horned rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tigers. It is also the home to siamang ostriches and hippos. The place is a birdwatcher’s paradise as well. Here you can enjoy watching the Asian elephant, rock python, Chinese Alligator, cobra, monitor lizard, turtles and African grey parrots among other animals. There’s a pond at the zoo as well.

Location: Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.

Price: USD 7-12.

Khumbeshwar Temple

The eye-catchy architecture of this place makes it an instant hit among the people. Ever so popular Kumbeshwar temple is a must visit when you visit Patan. This temple has five stories and features tall, thin mandir design. The artistic woodcarving appears to defy gravity and instantly captures attempt. The precarious structure survived the earthquake of 2015. However, the top tier topped a few weeks later and the tower appears to lean slightly.

Khumbeshwar Temple

Image Credits : INDIVIDUELL MÄNNISKOHJÄLP

Highlights: The temple has a large Nandi Statue and has been dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. The sacred site has two ponds where the water comes from Gosainkund, a holy lake. It is said that bathing in the temple is as meritorious as bathing in the lake itself. The surrounding smaller temples are dedicated to Baglamukhi or Parvati. It is here that local women come to socialize and wash clothes. Closely located is the Kumbeshwar Technical School.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Mahaboudha Temple

Image Credit : Rumi Arpita

In the southeast courtyard of Patan, you will suddenly see the looming shadows of an architectural marvel. This is the temple of Mahabouddha, a sacred place in the region. The temple, which was originally built in 1585 was entirely reconstructed after the 1934 earthquake. However, since the place didn’t have any blueprints or plans for work, the actual constructed temple is different from the original one.

Highlights:The temple has a lot of sunlight and is built in the typical Shikhara style. The hundreds of terracotta tiles that cover it have image of Buddha. The temple is also modeled on the actual Mahabouddha Temple at Bodhgaya in India. The Patan-style metal statues can be shopped near this place. While walking here you will also come across small Shaivite and Vasihnavite Temples.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Timings: 9am to 5:30pm

Price: USD 0.5-1

Mangal Bazaar

Image Credit : sputnikrent

Located just across Bagmati River from Kathmandu is the famous Mangal Bazaar of Patan. The place is well known among the tourists who like to shop. It is also listed on the World Heritage site by UNESCO (the city of Patan as a whole). What makes this place so widely popular is the fact that it is the cultural center of the city.

Image Credits : Frances Ellen

Highlights: Mangal Bazaar is perfect for the days when you would like to shop and find yourself at ease with the city. It is an excellent way of exploring the cultures of the place and is quite well known for its small vendor stores. These are the stores that gives insight about how locales live their lives and what kind of industries have been set up in this place. The bazaar is located in close proximity to some major temples and the Patan Museum.

Location: Patan Durbar Square, Nepal.

Timings: From 11am to 7pm.

Price: USD 5-7.

Krisnhna Mandir Temple (Chayasim Deval)

Image Credit : Leon Yaakov

Nepal is well known for its stunning sceneries and mountains. However, it is also popular for its temple, particularly the Krishna Mandir, which is located in the middle of Patan Durbar Square. The temple is built in Shikhara style, which was imported from India. The place has second floor pillar, which is one of the most notable things about this Mandir or temple.

Highlights: The first floor has carvings straight from Mahabharata, whereas the second floor narrates the beauty of Ramayana. This place was developed in 1637 by King Siddhinarasimh Malla and it is believed that he commissioned this temple because he saw Radha and Krishna standing next to each other right at the spot where the temple has been built. The place has 21 golden pinnacles, which have 3 stories. It also features shrines of Lord Krishna and Radha, along with Rukmini at each side. One floor is for Lord Shiva.

Location: Patan Durbar Square, Nepal.

Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)

Image Credit : Juan Antonio F. Segal

Explore the spiritual beauty of Nepal by visiting Hiranya Varna Mahavihar. This stunning temple is a golden colored monastery that is situated in Nepal. The place is quite popular for feeding rats.

Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)

Image Credits : Juan Antonio F. Segal

Highlights: One of the major highlights of this place is the elaborate rituals and traditions that the temple has for different ceremonies. That’s what makes it more exciting than you can imagine. It is here that you will find the elegance of Buddhist architecture.

Here you can see elaborate carvings and walk among the worshippers. Don’t forget to look for elephant structures at this place and see religious artworks, including impressive icons of goddess Arya Tara at the courtyard. Take a five minute walk from the temple to visit Patan Durbar Square. Shoes and leather is prohibited here.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Patan Museum

Image Credit : Frances Ellen

Once upon a time, this was the former residence of the Malla Kings. But now, this place houses some of the finest collections of art. The palace, which surrounds Keshav Narayan Chowk is perhaps best known for its art, symbolism as well as architecture. It is one of the most popular places to explore the culture and life in Nepal in depth. You would need at least an hour to truly enjoy the beauty of this place.

Patan Museum

Image Credits : mebrett

Highlights: While some rooms and exhibits of the Museum were damaged in 2015 earthquake, most of the place has been restored, which makes it perfect for a visit. The collections here are displayed in timbre and brick rooms, each one of which are linked with a narrow staircase. The informative labels ensure that the exhibits hold your interest for a long time.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Timings: From 10:30am to 5:30pm. Last admission at 4pm.

Price: USD 6-8.

Godavari Botanical Garden

With high Himalayas on one side and steamy Indian plains on the other, Nepal is a land that’s full of surprise, natural wonders, stunning sceneries and magical monasteries with warm and friendly people. But because of its natural beauty, the place is widely visited by tourists from all over the world. This can lead to a lot of commotion. So, if you want to clear your mind and wish to find something calming and bright, then Godavari Botanical Garden is the place to be. Full of trees and an exceptional variety of flora, the gardens here are known for their tranquility.

Highlights: The well maintained gardens are perfect for picnics and walks. In the middle, there’s a coronation pond with a commemorative pillar that provides insight into the Nepalese culture. If you are looking for quiet time, then this is the place to be. Just avoid Fridays and Saturdays as it full of schoolchildren then.

Location: Godavari, Nepal.

Timings: 10am to 5pm (4pm from Nov-Jan).

Price: USD 5 to 6.

Temples of Machchhendra Nath and Min Nath

In Patan the temples have a pivotal role to play. Temples around the city are quite popular and the most popular ones here is the Temples of Machchhendra Nath and Min Nath. It is highly visited by tourists as the place is a nice example of Vietnamese architecture from the past era.

Highlights:
The best thing about the temple is that it is very well preserved and maintained by the concerned authorities given that there are so many tourists visiting each day. Most of the people visit here for the rich architectural significance it holds. There are various artifacts inside the temple but they are caged so that they don’t get stolen.

Location: It is located in the Patan region of Lalitpur.

Timings: The temple is usually open from 5 in the morning to around 10 in the night but these are not the official timings of the temple.

Price: Entry to the temple is completely free of Price.

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Patan Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Patan

Explore Patan

Krisnhna Mandir Temple (Chayasim Deval)

Nepal is well known for its stunning sceneries and mountains. However, it is also popular for its temple, particularly the Krishna Mandir, which is located in the middle of Patan Durbar Square. The temple is built in Shikhara style, which was imported from India. The place has second floor pillar, which is one of the most notable things about this Mandir or temple. Highlights: The first floor has carvings straight from Mahabharata, whereas the second floor narrates the beauty of Ramayana. This place was developed in 1637 by King Siddhinarasimh Malla and it is believed that he commissioned this temple because he saw Radha and Krishna standing next to each other right at the spot where the temple has been built. The place has 21 golden pinnacles, which have 3 stories. It also features shrines of Lord Krishna and Radha, along with Rukmini at each side. One floor is for Lord Shiva.Location: Patan Durbar Square, Nepal.

Bhinchhebahal Tole

Searching for different things to do in Lalitpur? Then Bhinchhenbahal should be on your list. Patan is so beautiful and this place in particular is so well maintained. The open space is surrounded by 60 houses and has been designed in a clean area, with two water wells. The hidden treasure is one of those off-beaten tracks that must be visited. Highlights:There’s a Buddha Temple in the middle that will instantly capture attention. There are chaityas around and the overall environment at the place is quite warm. The major highlight of this place is the stone carvings, which makes it appear like a live museum. Seven minute walk from Sundhara will bring you close to the place. An excellent addition to your itinerary, this simple, serene place is a must visit for travelers.Location: Bhinchhenbahai, Patan (Lalitpur).

The Central Zoo

The only zoo in Nepal, Central Zoo is home to over 850 animals, which represent more than a 100 species. The zoo, which is operated by National Trust for Nature Conservation was once a private zoo. However, it opened for public in 1956. The zoo was originally established by Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser and is quite popular for its animals among other facilities. Highlights: The large, central zoo has over 35 endangered local species, including Indian one-horned rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tigers. It is also the home to siamang ostriches and hippos. The place is a birdwatcher’s paradise as well. Here you can enjoy watching the Asian elephant, rock python, Chinese Alligator, cobra, monitor lizard, turtles and African grey parrots among other animals. There’s a pond at the zoo as well.Location: Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.Price: USD 7-12.

Places To Visit In Patan