Patan A city of Temples

Lalitpur Metropolitan City (Patan): The third largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and Pokhara is Patan which is located at the south-central part of the Kathmandu Valley. It is a new metropolitan city of Nepal. Lalitpur is also known as Manigal. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, especially its tradition of arts and crafts. It is also known as the city of festival and feast, fine ancient art, making of metallic and stone carving statues. At the time of the year, 2011 Nepal census had a population of 226,728 in 54,748 individual households. The city received an extensive damage from a earthquake on the date of 25 April 2015. The most important monument of the city is famous and is known as the Patan Durbar Square, which has been listed by UNESCO as one of the seven Monument Zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley in a World Heritage Siteted area. The seven monument zones were included in the World Heritage List in 1979 as one of the most integrated sites. The monument zones are declared as protected and preserved according to the Monuments Preservation Act of 1956. The Square was heavily damaged on 25 April 2015 by an earthquake.

Lalitpur was planned in Vihars and Bahils. Out of 295 Vihars and Bahils of the valley 56% of them are in Patan. The water conduits, stone spouts, Jaladroni (water tanks), artistic gate ways, Hindu temples and Buddhist Vihars adorn the city. The in-built cultural heritage like the royal palace, with precisely carved doors and windows and beautiful courtyards adorned with exquisite icons enhance the beauty of the city. Such art pieces are found in stone, metal, terracotta ivory and other objects. All these artifacts exhibit artistic excellence of the craftsmen and the whole city looks like an open museum.

A City of Art, Festivals and Living Heritage

Patan is renowned for its ancient art, metal and stone sculptures, wood carving, and terracotta works. Known as the city of festivals and feasts, it comes alive throughout the year with vibrant celebrations that blend Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The city’s historic planning is based on Vihars and Bahils (monastic courtyards); remarkably, 56% of the Kathmandu Valley’s 295 Vihars and Bahils are located in Patan.

Stone spouts, water tanks (Jaladroni), artistic gateways, Hindu temples, and Buddhist monasteries adorn the city. Royal palaces with intricately carved doors, windows, and courtyards further enhance its timeless beauty.

Newari Architecture: A Timeless Legacy

Patan is a living showcase of Newari architecture, characterized by multi-tiered pagodas, elaborately carved wooden facades, and ornate brickwork. Narrow streets open into hidden courtyards, revealing temples and shrines that demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship preserved over centuries.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Patan Durbar Square

The heart of the city is Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven Monument Zones of the Kathmandu Valley, inscribed in 1979. Protected under the Monuments Preservation Act of 1956, the square is surrounded by royal palaces, courtyards, and temples adorned with fine carvings and sculptures.

Despite suffering heavy damage during the 2015 earthquake, Patan Durbar Square remains the city’s most important monument and a powerful symbol of Nepal’s artistic and architectural legacy.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple)

One of Patan’s most revered sites is Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, commonly known as the Golden Temple. Dedicated to Lord Buddha, this ancient Buddhist monastery is famed for its gilded façade, intricate metalwork, and refined Newari design. Beyond being a place of worship, it serves as a center for learning and spiritual practice, reflecting Patan’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.

Rato Machindranath Jatra: The Grand Chariot Festival

Among Patan’s many festivals, Rato Machindranath Jatra stands out as the most spectacular and ancient. This grand chariot festival honors the rain god Rato Machindranath. A towering wooden chariot, pulled by hundreds of devotees through the streets, becomes the focal point of music, rituals, and communal devotion—an unforgettable display of living culture.

Ancient Temples: A Spiritual Journey

Patan is home to numerous ancient temples, each with its own story and significance:

• Kumbeshwar Temple – One of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its five-tiered pagoda and sacred ponds.

• Mahabouddha Temple – Famous for its thousands of terracotta Buddha images, offering a serene space for reflection and prayer.

These sacred sites embody both spiritual devotion and artistic excellence.

Art and Craftsmanship: A Living Tradition

Patan has long been a center for traditional craftsmanship, especially metalwork, wood carving, and stone sculpture. Small workshops line the streets, where artisans continue age-old techniques passed down through generations. From bronze statues to detailed wood carvings, each creation reflects patience, precision, and cultural pride.

Why Visit Patan?

Patan is more than a destination it is an experience. From the grandeur of Patan Durbar Square to the serenity of the Golden Temple and the vibrant energy of Rato Machindranath Jatra, the city offers a rare blend of art, culture, history, and spirituality that leaves every visitor inspired.Patan lalitpur is a city ingraved in history, where every corner speaks a story of rich cultural heritages and artistic brilliance. Located in the Kathmandu Valley, this ancient city is a alive museum of Newari architecture, with its narrow streets, intricately carved wooden windows and majestic temples.

Short Itinerary

• Day 01: Patan Valley Sightseeing A full-day cultural tour exploring the historic heart of Patan followed by rest and overnight at the hotel.

Details Itinerary

Day 01: the day begins with a guided cultural tour of Patan (Lalitpur), one of the oldest and most artistically rich cities in the Kathmandu Valley. The tour focuses on Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors explore ancient royal courtyards, temples, and palaces that reflect the finest examples of Newari architecture. Highlights include Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk with its beautifully carved stone water spout, the iconic Krishna Temple, and the Patan Museum, which provides deeper insight into Nepalese art, history, and craftsmanship. The sightseeing continues with visits to important religious and historical landmarks such as Mahabouddha Temple, famous for its terracotta Buddha carvings, Kumbeshwor Temple, a sacred five-story pagoda dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Jagat Narayan Temple, devoted to Lord Vishnu. The tour also includes Rudra Varna Mahavihar, an important Buddhist monastery, and a visit to the ancient Ashokan Stupas, built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka. After a full day of cultural exploration, the tour concludes with a return to the hotel for rest and overnight stay.

Principal Attractions of Patan Durbar Square ??

• Mul Chowk: The largest and most prominent of the three main courtyards, Mul Chowk is surrounded by Taleju temples, with the Bidya Temple standing at its center. It is historically the most important courtyard of the royal palace complex.
• Sundari Chowk: Located south of Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk features the Taleju Temple and the famous Tusha Hiti, a beautifully carved sunken water reservoir.
• Keshav Narayan Chowk: Situated in the northern section of the palace complex, this chowk lies beside the Degutale Temple and marks the site of Patan’s oldest Malla palace, built atop the foundations of an ancient Buddhist monastery.

Locations to Visit on a Day Tour in Patan??

• Krishna Temple: Built in the 17th century, this iconic red-stone temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is considered the finest example of Shikhara-style architecture in Nepal. Designed to resemble the sacred Mount Meru, the temple dominates Patan Durbar Square.
• Mahabouddha Temple: Located east of Durbar Square, this unique Buddhist temple is constructed entirely of clay bricks, each engraved with images of Buddha. It is renowned for its exquisite terracotta craftsmanship.
• Kumbeshwor Temple: This five-story pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by King Jayasthiti Malla. Inside lies a natural spring believed to originate from the sacred Gosainkunda Lake. The temple becomes a major pilgrimage site during the Janai Purnima festival.
• Jagat Narayan Temple: A towering shikhara-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, constructed with red bricks. The temple also houses impressive metal statues of Hanuman, Ganesh, and Garuda.
• Rudra Varna Mahavihar: An important Buddhist monastery known for its remarkable collection of metal, stone, and wooden images. Legend holds that ancient kings were crowned here, and offerings made by devotees can still be seen today.
• The Ashokan Stupas: Built in 250 B.C. by Indian Emperor Ashoka, these four ancient stupas stand at the four corners of Patan—Lagankhel, Pulchowk, Ebahi, and Teta (towards Sano Gaon)—symbolizing the city’s deep Buddhist roots.

Patan A city of Temples Cost

When organizing any vacation or getaway, one of the first things travelers consider is the overall trip cost. This includes not only the obvious expenses like flights and accommodation, but also hidden costs such as local transportation, meals, entrance fees, travel insurance, and souvenirs micelineos expeses. Budgeting for your trip cost in advance helps avoid financial surprises and allows you to enjoy your journey stress-free. Many travelers find it helpful to compare prices online, take advantage of package deals, and travel during off-peak seasons to lower their overall trip expenses. Remember, a well-planned budget ensures your adventure remains memorable for the right reasons not because it broke the bank. 

Here, Mountain Mate offers you the best deal of cheapest patan tour for matching the cost for budget  or solo travel idol for standard service according to trekkers interest by the proper professional  research on the basis of locals connection in day to day updating basis.

The service package cost is USD 2,220 per person. If one day city tour and 3 nights hotels in 3 star hotel then 70 US$ is extra cost is added. (Book Now) 

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