Patan City Tour in Nepal: The Timeless City of Art and Architecture

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Patan City Tour in Nepal: The Timeless City of Art and Architecture

Budget

NPR 1000

Per Person

Rating

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Duration

1 Days

Trip Overview

Among the three ancient royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley—Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan—Patan stands out as the most artistically stunning. Known locally as Lalitpur, meaning "City of Beauty," Patan is a haven of exquisite temples, hand-carved windows, stone sculptures, and bronze artistry. A Patan City Tour is not just a sightseeing journey; it's a step into the heart of Nepal’s artistic and spiritual soul.

Introduction and History

Patan lies just across the Bagmati River, south of Kathmandu, and though it feels like a suburb today, it is an independent city with a unique identity and history. As one of the oldest cities in the Kathmandu Valley, Patan has been inhabited since ancient times and flourished during the Malla period (12th to 18th century).

Historically, it was a royal kingdom with its own kings and dynasties and was a hub for Newar Buddhist and Hindu culture, which shaped its distinctive architecture and way of life. Today, it is renowned worldwide for its preservation of metalwork, woodcarving, and stone sculpture.

Top Attractions on a Patan City Tour

1. Patan Durbar Square

The heart of the city, Patan Durbar Square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful royal palace complexes in Nepal. Unlike the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur, Patan’s square boasts a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist monuments in close proximity.

Key highlights include:

- Krishna Mandir – A 17th-century stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone in Shikhara style, with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

- Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) – A Buddhist monastery adorned with bronze statues, golden roofs, and sacred shrines.

- Taleju Bhawani Temple – Dedicated to the royal goddess of the Malla kings.

- Bhimsen Temple – Revered for its unique three-story design and woodcarvings.

- Patan Museum – Housed within the old royal palace, the museum showcases ancient bronzes, religious icons, and traditional art, and is regarded as one of the finest museums in South Asia.

2. Mahabouddha Temple

This temple, also known as the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas, is a Buddhist monument built of terracotta bricks, each bearing an image of the Buddha. It reflects both the Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions and is a peaceful site tucked away in a quiet courtyard.

3. Rudra Varna Mahavihar

Another ancient Buddhist monastery, this is one of the oldest and most revered in Patan, with a rich collection of metal and stone icons.

4. Local Artisan Workshops

Patan is famous for its artisans who create hand-crafted bronze statues, thangka paintings, and jewelry. A visit to these workshops lets you witness centuries-old techniques in action, and you can even take part in short courses or buy souvenirs.

Package Highlights:

Why Take a Patan City Tour?

Art and Architecture – The finest examples of Newar craftsmanship and temple architecture
Living Heritage – A city where ancient traditions, rituals, and artisan skills are still alive
Less Crowded – Compared to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, Patan offers a quieter, more peaceful experience
Cultural Depth – A unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist sites in close harmony
Ideal for Day Trips – Easily reachable and perfect for a half-day or full-day cultural immersion

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Trip Information

Start : Kathmandu
Finish : Kathmandu
Difficulty : Easy
Max Altitude : 1400m
Group Size :
Season : All the Year

Trip Gallery

Trip Itinerary

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Morning:- Drive or walk from Kathmandu to Patan (20–30 minutes)- Start the tour at Patan Durbar Square- Visit Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple, and Patan MuseumMidday:- Enjoy lunch at a rooftop café with views of the squareAfternoon:- Walk to Mahabouddha Temple and nearby viharas- Visit local art galleries and metalwork shops- Stroll through traditional neighborhoods like Bhandarkhal Garden or Kumbeshwar Temple- Return to Kathmandu or explore more at your own pace

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Cost Includes

Professional English-speaking guide
Entry permits
Local transport if arranged through a travel agency

Meals and drinks
Souvenirs and donations
Tips

Essential Info

Entry Fees and Guided Tour Costs

Entrance to Patan Durbar Square: NPR 1,000 (approx. $7–8 USD)
Patan Museum Entry: Often included in square fee
Golden Temple and Mahabouddha: Small donation or entry fee (optional)

Guided Tour Prices:

Group tours: $25–$40 USD per person
Private tours: $50–$100 USD (including transportation, guide, and fees)

Extra Info

How to Get to Patan

Patan is very accessible from Kathmandu:

By Taxi or Private Car: 20–30 minutes from Thamel or central Kathmandu
By Local Bus: Buses leave from Ratna Park or Lagankhel bus park
By Walking or Cycling: From central Kathmandu, it’s possible to walk or bike for a more immersive journey through urban neighborhoods

Trip Date And Time

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Mr. Sonam G. Sherpa

Mr. Ang Dawa Sherpa