Patan Durbar Square

Destination
Patan

Tour Grade
Easy-Moderate

Max Altitude
1400m

Season
September-May

Trip Details

Patan Durbar Square is in the heart of Lalitpur, is a testament to the artistry and rich cultural heritage of the Newar local people. The typical Newari name of the city is called “Yala” which is derived from Sanskrit, “pattan” which means “city”. Another name is Lalitpur that means “city of art”. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this vibrant square is a captivating blend of ancient palaces, ornate temples, monuments and exquisite courtyards.

Patan Durbar Square boasts a history dating back to the 3rd century BC. There is no doubt that Patan is one of the oldest inhabited areas of the Kathmandu valley. The Newar Buddhist claim that the lord Buddha (6th century B.C.) and Emperor Ashok (250 B.C.) of Magadh, India both visited Kathmandu valley back then and Emperor Ashok built the 4 Thurs (big chaityas) in the periphery of Patan designing it as swastika shape on the four directions of the Patan. During the reign of the Malla dynasty (13th-18th centuries), the square flourished as a royal palace complex and a religious center. The architectural marvels within the square reflect the artistic mastery (craftsmanship) of the Newars local people, showcasing intricate carvings, bronze religious statues, captivating brickwork, and pagoda-style roofs.

The Royal Palace

Once the seat of the Malla kings, the palace complex is a visual symphony of courtyards, carved wooden windows, bronze statues and gold decorated doorways. The three main courtyards—Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Mani Kesab Narayan Chowk—are highlights of this architectural marvel. The centerpiece of Sundari Chowk is a stone sculpture, popularly known as the Royal Bath.

Golden Temple

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is informally known as a Golden Temple with literal meaning "Gold-colored Great Monastery" situated in Patan. The Golden Temple was originally built in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Varman. It is renowned for its pagoda-style architecture, adorned with intricate wood carvings and metalwork. The entire temple is covered in gold, which gives it a dazzling appearance, especially in the sunlight.

Krishna Mandir

This temple was built in the 17th century by King Siddhi Narasingh Malla. The Krishna Temple, built entirely of stone, is said to be the first specimen of Shikhara-style architecture in Nepal. It is also only temple of Nepal having 21 golden pinnacles. Most of the important scenes from the ancient Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have been engraved on its friezes.

Ashoka Stupas

There are four stupas, supposed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka of India in 250 BC, marking the four corners of Patan during his visit to Patan. These stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebani (on the way to Sankhamul) and Teta (on the way to Lubu Sano Gaon).

Mahaboudha Temple

The Mahaboudhha Buddhist temple was constructed around the 14th century to honor Lord Buddha. This temple is adorned with thousands of Buddha images engraved into the bricks.

We specialize in customizing sightseeing tours to suit your preferences and interests. Explore our selection of options designed to assist you in making a tour or customizing your own tour with your preferences.

Half day sightseeing tour of Patan

We'll transfer you to Patan from your hotel. Patan Durbar Square, located at the heart of Lalitpur, showcasing exquisite art and architecture meticulously crafted by our ancestors on wood and metal. This vibrant city is renowned for its temples, shrines, statues, monuments, festivals, and traditions, all testaments to the artistic legacy of generations past. After your meal at a nearby restaurant, we'll provide transportation back to your hotel.

INQUIRY

Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan

We'll start your tour by picking you up from your hotel and taking you to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. This square is known for hosting Buddhist and Hindu rituals, royal events, and coronations. Surrounding the square are fountains, ancient statues, small ponds, and courtyards like Mohan Chowk and Sundari Chowk, making it a peaceful and spiritual place.

After your meal at a nearby restaurant, we'll continue the tour. Next we will visit; Boudhanath which has an impressive Buddhist stupa and is considered one of the largest in the world and holds great significance for Buddhists. It's surrounded by many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries representing various sects.

Lastly, we'll head to Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, situated along the banks of the Bagmati River. This temple is particularly revered during the Mahashivaratri festival in early spring, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India to pay respect to Lord Shiva.

Later, we'll provide transportation back to your hotel.

INQUIRY

Talk to Our Expert

Patan Durbar Square

Join us on this UNESCO Heritage tour by sending and e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with subject line "Patan Durbar Square" and the following information: Your Full Name , Which Nepal UNESCO Heritage you prefer & How many people you are ?

We will get back to you within 24 hours to finalize the booking and help you with any other arrangements you may need.

For any questions feel free to write to us or call us at any time! Our phone number is: 977 01 4511225

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+977 9841013483

INQUIRY

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+977 (01) 4511 225

Mountain Travel Nepal

House No : 309
Shree Marga 1,Khursanitar
Kathmandu, Nepal

Subscribe to our newsletter

We are affiliated with