Patan

पाटन

An ancient Newari city famed as a center of metalwork and art, dominated by the stunning Patan Durbar Square with its 55-window palace and numerous temples. Its artisan workshops and refined artistic heritage make it a cultural jewel rivaling Bhaktapur in beauty.

Things to do

• Patan Durbar Square — Explore the UNESCO-listed royal plaza dominated by the five-tiered Bhimsen Temple and the ornate 55-window Mul Chowk palace, showcasing Newari architectural mastery.
• Patan Museum — Tour the restored palace courtyard housing an exceptional collection of Newari art, metalwork, and religious sculptures spanning centuries.
• Mahabuddha Temple — Visit this intricately carved brick temple modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in India, featuring detailed terracotta plaques and a distinctive pyramidal design.
• Artisan workshop tours — Walk through the narrow lanes to observe master metalworkers, woodcarvers, and thangka painters still practicing traditional Newari crafts in open workshops.
• Hiranya Varna Mahavihar — Discover this 12th-century Golden Monastery featuring a gilt copper roof and intricate courtyards, still an active Buddhist shrine maintained by local communities.
• Kumbeshwar Temple — Climb to this five-tiered temple dedicated to Shiva, notable for its ancient water tanks and panoramic views of Patan's terracotta roofscape.

Food to try

• Yomari — A steamed rice-flour dumpling filled with jaggery and sesame, a beloved Newari sweet traditionally made during the Yomari Punhi festival but available year-round.
• Bara — A savory Newari fritter made from ground lentil paste, often stuffed with radish and spices, served as a breakfast staple or appetizer in local eateries.
• Juju Dhau — A creamy, milk-based sweet pudding served in edible clay pots, a Patan specialty found at dedicated sweet shops near Durbar Square.
• Chatamari — A savory rice pancake topped with egg, minced meat, and vegetables, a Newari street food best enjoyed at family-run stalls throughout the old city.
• Samay baji — A platter of beaten rice, dried meat, ginger, and condiments traditionally eaten during Newari festivals, representing communal dining and cultural identity.

Local customs & good to know

• Remove shoes in temples and homes — Always remove footwear before entering monasteries, courtyards, and private residences as a sign of respect in Newari Buddhist and Hindu customs.
• Visit during Rato Machhindranath festival — Time your visit for spring (March-April) to witness the spectacular chariot procession of Rato Machhindranath, Patan's patron deity, a centuries-old celebration central to local identity.
• Support local artisans directly — Purchase metalwork, woodcarvings, and textiles directly from workshop owners rather than tourist shops to ensure fair trade and sustain Patan's endangered craft traditions.
• Respect photography limitations — Always ask permission before photographing people in workshops or homes, and avoid photographing inside active prayer spaces without explicit consent from temple authorities.

Nearby

• Kirtipur — 3 km
• Kathmandu (Central Highlands) — 5 km
• Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek (Eastern Hills) — 5 km
• Swayambhunath Stupa — 5 km