Patan Travel Guide

Overview

Attractions

Hotels

Answers

19 Travelers

contributed to this guide

See map of Patan

ADD TO LIST

Thought to have been founded in 3 B.C. by the Kirat dynasty, Patan is best known for its rich cultural heritage (particularly its arts and crafts tradition), its making of metallic and stone carving statues, and for Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Patan is located in the southwestern corner of Kathmandu Valley.

Christian T.

Patan is the sistercity of Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, and one of the 3 royal cities in Nepal (Kathmandu, Patan and Bakhtapur). The whole Kathmandu valley is really worth a visit, although the air quality is not the best. There is a lot to see: from old palaces to stupas and cremation areas, where the dead are burnt. Good Nepali food and very cheap. Even though there were quite a few security issues, the place is nonetheless safe to travel, above all since the political situation completely changed. Served by Qatar Airways, Royal Nepal, Yeti Airlines, Druk Air, Air india, Thai Airways,...

Good tip?

(+1)

(see more)

110

Lorenzo S.

Just to clarify things, since there are several towns with this name, I'm talking about Patan Lalitpur, on of the major cities in Nepal. The place would take weeks to be fully appreciated as it's rich in culture, art and history. Patan is renowned as a very artistic city. Most of the Nepalese art of any form is devoted to Gods, and there are an abundance of temples and vihara in the city. Notable places of interest (the basics that I recommend too visit) include :

Patan Durbar Square: The residence of the Malla rulers of the then Patan state which is now converted into a museum.
Hiranya Varna Mahaa Vihar: A Buddhist temple known locally as Golden temple
Rudra Varna Mahavihar
Mahaboudha Temple
Banglamukhi temple: A Hindu temple
Kumbeshwor temple: One of the two five-story pagoda temples of the valley

If you can, spend at least a week there to fully absorb the local culture and outlook in life, which is rather interesting...

Good tip?

(0)

(see more)

Mikhail B.

Patan (Lalitpur) is believed to have been founded in the 3rd century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty and later expanded during Lichhavis period. It possesses a history of further expansion by the Mallas during the medieval period.There are many legends after its name. The most popular one is the legend of the God Rato Machhindranath, who was brought to the valley from Kamaru Kamachhya, located in Assam, India, by a team of three people representing three kingdoms of the valley. One of them is called Lalit, a farmer who carried God Rato Machhindranath to the valley all the way from Assam, India. The purpose of bringing the God Rato Machhindranath to the valley was to overcome the worst drought in the valley. There was strong belief that the God Rato Machhindranath would make rain in the valley. It was Lalit's effort that the God Rato Machhindranath was settled in Lalitpur. Many believe that the name of the town is kept after his name Lalit and Pur means township in Nepal.

Good tip?

(0)

(see more)