Just across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu, Patan (officially Lalitpur, "the city of beauty") was once a separate kingdom with its own royal palace. Its Durbar Square is perhaps the most harmonious of the valley's three royal squares, crowded with stone and wooden temples, and the lanes around it hide Buddhist courtyards and metal workshops.
Patan is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its bronze casting and fine craftsmanship.
Quick answer: Patan is about 20–30 minutes from Thamel by taxi. See Patan Durbar Square, the stone Krishna Mandir, the excellent Patan Museum, the Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal) and the metalworkers' workshops. Foreigners pay an entry fee. Allow half a day.
Patan at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South of Kathmandu, across the Bagmati |
| UNESCO | Part of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site |
| Highlights | Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir, Patan Museum, Golden Temple |
| Known for | Metal casting, fair-trade crafts |
| Entry | Fee for foreign visitors |
| Time needed | Half a day |
What to see
- Patan Durbar Square and the old royal palace.
- Krishna Mandir, a stone temple built in the 17th century.
- Patan Museum, one of the best museums in South Asia for Hindu and Buddhist art.
- Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal), a richly decorated Buddhist monastery.
- Mahabouddha, the "temple of a thousand Buddhas".
Food and evenings
Have dinner on a rooftop overlooking the square, or head to nearby Jhamsikhel for cafés and restaurants. See our Kathmandu nightlife guide.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Patan is the most relaxed of the valley's royal cities, and an easy half day from Thamel. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.