Things to Do in Patan

For a really long time, Nepal didn’t have an industrial revolution. The industrial changes began in the early 20thcentury, when different industrial units, small scale factories and manufacturing centers were set up. The best part about these centers is the fact that they use exquisite craftsmanship and employ the right kind of artists to manufacture some unique, luxury products. Patan Industrial Estate is a reflection of the same.



Highlights: The industrial estate is a tourist centered area, where a number of craft items are sold from all over the country. This place has several workshop showrooms where you can find some of the most delicately crafted carpets, metalwork and woodcarvings. The place offers a variety of other products as well, most of which are skillfully developed by artisans. It is located close to the Lagankhel Bus Stand.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Timings: 10am to 5pm.

Sometimes, you have to open the gates to discover a bygone era. If you want to transcend into the world that existed some centuries ago, then you have to step through the Patan Gate. Patan’s Golden Gate is the entryway to the Patan Museum. The gate, which was installed almost three centuries ago is a gilded gateway with windows made from gold foil wrapped around timber frame.



Highlights: The major highlight of this gate is the pediment that’s made of gold. The pediment shows Shiva, Parvati, Kumar and Ganesha through excellent carvings. The gate, which has a window in gold was once used by the king to make public appearances. Today, this gate marks the entrance into the world of a bygone era. The museum that comes after the gate is known for its artifacts and displays from all over the world. If you are visiting the museum, make sure that you view the beauty of this gate as well.

Location: Patan Museum, Patan.

Nepal is the center for Buddhist culture in the country. A fine example of Buddhism in the country is its temples and their stupas. This includes the four Ashoka Stupas. Named after the Emperor Ashoka of India, these stupas not just show Buddhist architecture, but they even reflect different wheels of Buddhism- the wheel of righteousness or dharma. These stupas were traditionally built as markings on the four corners of Patan.

Highlights: These stupas are mounds crowned monuments that were erected in 250 century B.C. Three of the mounds that are constructed have been covered in grass. The fourth one has a white mound and a colorful monument. It is believed that such a construction stems out from the fact that Buddhist stupas are supposed to be different from each other. So, certain highlights and changes are made for each of the design to preserve their uniqueness. That’s why each of the stupas should be explored.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

There are so many gods who are worshipped in Hinduism. But something as curious a God hybrid comes less often. And this temple is the perfect example of the same. This three storey temple, which is dedicated to Hari Shankar is as curious as it can get. The deity is considered an amalgamation or a hybrid of Vishnu and Shiva, the attributes of both have been taken together.



Highlights:This temple is intriguing and not only for the hybrid deity. The Hindu temple manages to intrigue with its roof struts and architecture. The temple, which was designed in the 1704-05 by King Yoganarendra Malla’s daughter is quite popular and located in close proximity to the other temples. The temple was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, but the government is taking steps to restore it. The site is still accessible for travelers in Nepal.

Location:Patan, Nepal.

If there’s one thing that Nepal is famous for (apart from mountains of course), it is the temples. One of the major temples in the region is Jagan Narayan Temple, which honors Lord Vishnu, the Hindu god of protection and maintenance. The lord, who is also known as Hari is practiced and revered in this temple.

Highlights: This is a tall, imposing temple that has been built in the 17thcentury. The temple is pagoda style, with Shikhara construction, wherein rising towers are built through the temple to make it appear like a mountain peak. The style is heavily detailed to add sophistication and to reflect the carvings from a bygone era. The highly ornate construction has progressively smaller storeys of pavilion. This temple in particular is very calming, spiritual and religious place. The site is perfect for exploring Hinduism and the culture.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

A historic Buddhist monastery, Rudra Varna Mahavihar Temple is used for major coronation ceremonies throughout the year. The walls and altars of this place are quite popular for their statues. While the temple is not on the main street and has to be searched in the back alleys of Patan, the place is worth a visit, especially for the bronze pieces inside and on the top of the temple.



Highlights:This is another one of the beautiful temples in the region. While the Buddhist temple appears like a Hindu styled temple, it does have a few pinnacles on the top that distinguishes it from their counterparts. However, it has a similar pagoda style as Indian architecture. The temple has plenty of golden ornamentation and has several elaborate rituals that will instantly invoke a number of feelings. The place is pleasant because it is off a regular tourist’s trail.

Location: Patan Durbar Square, Nepal.

Price: USD 4.

The only zoo in Nepal, Central Zoo is home to over 850 animals, which represent more than a 100 species. The zoo, which is operated by National Trust for Nature Conservation was once a private zoo. However, it opened for public in 1956. The zoo was originally established by Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shumser and is quite popular for its animals among other facilities.



Highlights: The large, central zoo has over 35 endangered local species, including Indian one-horned rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tigers. It is also the home to siamang ostriches and hippos. The place is a birdwatcher’s paradise as well. Here you can enjoy watching the Asian elephant, rock python, Chinese Alligator, cobra, monitor lizard, turtles and African grey parrots among other animals. There’s a pond at the zoo as well.

Location: Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Nepal.

Price: USD 7-12.

The eye-catchy architecture of this place makes it an instant hit among the people. Ever so popular Kumbeshwar temple is a must visit when you visit Patan. This temple has five stories and features tall, thin mandir design. The artistic woodcarving appears to defy gravity and instantly captures attempt. The precarious structure survived the earthquake of 2015. However, the top tier topped a few weeks later and the tower appears to lean slightly.



Highlights: The temple has a large Nandi Statue and has been dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. The sacred site has two ponds where the water comes from Gosainkund, a holy lake. It is said that bathing in the temple is as meritorious as bathing in the lake itself. The surrounding smaller temples are dedicated to Baglamukhi or Parvati. It is here that local women come to socialize and wash clothes. Closely located is the Kumbeshwar Technical School.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

In the southeast courtyard of Patan, you will suddenly see the looming shadows of an architectural marvel. This is the temple of Mahabouddha, a sacred place in the region. The temple, which was originally built in 1585 was entirely reconstructed after the 1934 earthquake. However, since the place didn’t have any blueprints or plans for work, the actual constructed temple is different from the original one.

Highlights:The temple has a lot of sunlight and is built in the typical Shikhara style. The hundreds of terracotta tiles that cover it have image of Buddha. The temple is also modeled on the actual Mahabouddha Temple at Bodhgaya in India. The Patan-style metal statues can be shopped near this place. While walking here you will also come across small Shaivite and Vasihnavite Temples.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Timings: 9am to 5:30pm

Price: USD 0.5-1

Located just across Bagmati River from Kathmandu is the famous Mangal Bazaar of Patan. The place is well known among the tourists who like to shop. It is also listed on the World Heritage site by UNESCO (the city of Patan as a whole). What makes this place so widely popular is the fact that it is the cultural center of the city.



Highlights: Mangal Bazaar is perfect for the days when you would like to shop and find yourself at ease with the city. It is an excellent way of exploring the cultures of the place and is quite well known for its small vendor stores. These are the stores that gives insight about how locales live their lives and what kind of industries have been set up in this place. The bazaar is located in close proximity to some major temples and the Patan Museum.

Location: Patan Durbar Square, Nepal.

Timings: From 11am to 7pm.

Price: USD 5-7.

Explore the spiritual beauty of Nepal by visiting Hiranya Varna Mahavihar. This stunning temple is a golden colored monastery that is situated in Nepal. The place is quite popular for feeding rats.



Highlights: One of the major highlights of this place is the elaborate rituals and traditions that the temple has for different ceremonies. That’s what makes it more exciting than you can imagine. It is here that you will find the elegance of Buddhist architecture.

Here you can see elaborate carvings and walk among the worshippers. Don’t forget to look for elephant structures at this place and see religious artworks, including impressive icons of goddess Arya Tara at the courtyard. Take a five minute walk from the temple to visit Patan Durbar Square. Shoes and leather is prohibited here.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Once upon a time, this was the former residence of the Malla Kings. But now, this place houses some of the finest collections of art. The palace, which surrounds Keshav Narayan Chowk is perhaps best known for its art, symbolism as well as architecture. It is one of the most popular places to explore the culture and life in Nepal in depth. You would need at least an hour to truly enjoy the beauty of this place.



Highlights: While some rooms and exhibits of the Museum were damaged in 2015 earthquake, most of the place has been restored, which makes it perfect for a visit. The collections here are displayed in timbre and brick rooms, each one of which are linked with a narrow staircase. The informative labels ensure that the exhibits hold your interest for a long time.

Location: Patan, Nepal.

Timings: From 10:30am to 5:30pm. Last admission at 4pm.

Price: USD 6-8.