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15 Top Things to Do in Patan, Nepal

Things to Do in Patan

Patan is a city located in the central region of Nepal. It is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley, along with Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Patan is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture, reflecting a blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences.

The city is home to a number of important temples and monuments, including Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Patan is also known for its fine metalwork and traditional crafts, such as woodcarving and stone carving. The city is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world. There is a plethora of attractions in Patan. That said, here are the top 15 things to do in Patan.


1. Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is one of the must-see attractions when visiting Patan. Patan Durbar Square is a historical and cultural center in the city of Patan, Nepal, and is home to a number of important historical buildings and landmarks, including the ancient palace of the Malla kings, temples, and shrines. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes hundreds of tourists every single day. Visitors to the Durbar Square can explore these and other attractions at their own pace or join a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of Patan.

2. The Royal Palace And Patan Museum

The Patan Museum, located in the Patan Durbar Square in the city of Patan, is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region. The museum is housed in the former palace of the Malla kings, and its collections include ancient artifacts, artworks, and other cultural treasures from the Kathmandu Valley. Some of the notable exhibits are a collection of ancient bronze statues and figurines, traditional handcrafts, a gallery of paintings and a collection of ancient coins and currency.

The royal palace has three main courtyards: Keshav Narayan Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Mul Chowk.

2.1 Keshav Narayan Chowk

The Keshav Narayan Chowk that houses the Patan Museum was the residential courtyard of the royal palace of the Malla Kings. There is Keshav Narayan Temple in the center of chowk. The two lions guard the entrance to the chowk.

2.2 Mul Chowk

Mul Chowk is the central and largest courtyard among the three courtyards. Vidya Temple in the center and Taleju Temple in the south of the square are the two main attractions of this chowk. At the northeastern is the Degutalle Temple.

2.3 Sundari Chowk

To the south of Mul Chowk is a beautiful chowk called Sundari Chowk. Sundari Chowk was built in 1647 and is designed with a sunken tank known as Tusha Hiti. This chowk is guarded by the three statues of the Hindu deities Ganesh, Hanuman and Nara Singha. You can also try Newari cuisine inside this chowk at local small shops.

2.4 Bhandarkhal Garden

One of the important places many tourists miss is this beautiful garden behind Sundari Chowk and Mul Chowk. Bhandarkhal Garden and its water tank were built in 1647 during the reign of King Siddhi Narasimha Malla. This garden is a hidden gem inside the main durbar square of Patan.

3. Krishna Mandir

Krishna Mandir

The Krishna Temple, also known as the Krishna Mandir, is a beautiful temple located in Patan Durbar Square. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple was built in the 16th century and is known for its intricate carvings and ornate architecture. The temple is made of stone and is decorated with intricate carvings of deities, mythical creatures, and other symbols.

Visitors to the temple can explore the interior of the temple and see the various shrines and altars dedicated to Lord Krishna and other Hindu deities. The temple is a popular place of worship for Hindus, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple grounds.

4. Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)

Golden Temple

The Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, also known as the Golden Temple, is located in Patan Durbar Square. The monastery is known for its beautiful golden roof, which gives it its name, as well as its ornate carvings and other decorative features. Visitors to the monastery can explore the interior of the temple and see the various shrines and altars dedicated to the Buddha and other important figures in Buddhism.

The monastery is a popular place of worship for Buddhists, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple grounds. The Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is open daily and is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in Buddhist culture and architecture.

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5. Mahabouddha Temple

Mahabouddha Temple

The Mahabouddha Temple, also known as the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas, is a beautiful temple and a must-see attraction in Patan. Made of clay bricks and decorated with intricate carvings of Buddhist deities and symbols, this temple was built in the 14th century and is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The temple is a popular place of worship for Buddhists, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple grounds.

6. Kumbheshwor Temple

The Kumbheshwor Temple is one of the must-visit places in Patan. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, ornate carvings, and decorations.

Visitors can explore the temple's interior and see the various shrines and altars dedicated to Shiva and other Hindu deities. The temple is a popular place of worship for Hindus, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple grounds.

7. Ashokan Stupas

The Ashokan Stupas are a group of ancient Buddhist stupas located in Patan, Nepal. The stupas are believed to have been built in the 3rd century by the Indian emperor Ashoka, who was a patron of Buddhism. The stupas are made of brick and stone and are decorated with carvings of Buddhist symbols and images.

Visitors to the stupas can explore the grounds and see the various shrines and altars dedicated to the Buddha and other important figures in Buddhism. The Ashokan Stupas are a popular tourist attraction and are a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhist history and culture.

8. Temple Of Machchendranath And Minnath

Minnath

The Temple of Machchendranath and Minnath is a religious site dedicated to the Hindu deities Machchendranath and Minnath, who are believed to be incarnations of the god Vishnu. The temple is a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. It is considered to be an important cultural and historical site in Nepal and is visited by many tourists each year.

If you would like to visit the temple, it is best to plan your trip in advance and research the best time to go, as well as any cultural or religious customs that you should be aware of while visiting.

9. Pimbahal Pond

Pimbahal Pond in Patan is a small pond popular for its serene and peaceful atmosphere. It is believed that the pond was built around 1663. The pond is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are several small temples located near the pond, which are also popular attractions.

Visitors to Pimbahal Pond can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the pond or sit and relax on the grassy banks and watch the world go by. The pond is a great place to spend a few hours exploring and enjoying the natural beauty of Patan.

Gallery MCube is a local art gallery in Patan that features local artists from Nepal. It is a popular destination for art enthusiasts and emerging artists and is known for its exhibitions of contemporary Nepali art. The artwork can be bought if you are interested. If you are interested in visiting the Gallery Mcube, it is best to check the gallery's website or social media pages for information on current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

You also can contact the gallery directly to inquire about visiting hours and any other details you should be aware of before planning your visit.


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11. Rudra Varna Mahavihar (Uku Bahal)

Rudra Varna Mahavihar, located south of Patan Durbar Square, is one of the major attractions of Patan. This Buddhist monastery is popular for its pinnacles on its top. History has it that this monastery is widely used for major coronation ceremonies.

The main Uku Bahal central courtyard, which is well-preserved among the three courtyards, has its own highlights and religious importance. Please be informed that you need to pay an entrance fee of around 50NPR, which is also valid for the nearby Mahaboudha Temple.

12. The Best Archery

You normally wouldn't think of archery in Kathmandu but when in Patan, it is often counted among the best things to do. The Best Archery is the first-ever indoor archery center in Nepal. It is just 2.1km away from Patan Durbar Square, at Jhamsikhel. Established in 2014, the best archery is probably living up to its name.

The archery remains busy during the weekend but is usually less crowded during weekdays. With a bow in your hand and your focus on the target, you will definitely enjoy the moment there. The best archery also offers a basic discovery course of 10 hours if you're genuinely interested in honing your archery skills. Remember, bullseyes are exciting!

13. Mangal Bazar

If you are in Patan, there's no chance that you wouldn't notice a vibrant street full of local wares; it's Mangal Bazaar. Located in close proximity to the Patan Durbar Square, Mangal Bazar, is arguably a popular local bazaar in Kathmandu. There are shops selling everything from clothes to household goods and local handicrafts.

You can also enjoy coffee at rooftop cafes and enjoy the beautiful view of Patan and its durbar square. Stroll around to explore the bustling street full of temples, monasteries, public water taps, and roadside statues. If you are a foodie, you will definitely love to try some Newari food and local delicacies.

14. Bhimsen Temple

Minnath

Bhimsen Temple, located north of Patan Durbar Square, is a temple dedicated to one of the five Pandavas from Mahabharata, Bhimsen. This temple was built by Srinivasa Malla in the 1680s and is known for its unique three-storey and several unusual features. Please remember that non-Hindus are not allowed to enter but can climb up to the upper level to view the statue of Bhimsen.  

15. Taleju Bell

Don’t forget to see the ancient huge cast-iron bell while in Patan Durbar Square. This impressive bell was erected by King Vishnu Malla in the 17th century. The bell hangs between two stout pillars. It is believed that the bell was used to alert the King of their grievances and for various warnings.





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