Patan Durbar Square

• Address:Mangal Bazaar, Patan
• Fee: Rs 200
• Opening hours: 7:00-19:00
• Time reference: 2-3 hours

Patan Durbar Square is one of the world cultural heritage sites in Nepal. In addition to the ancient palace, the square is lined with temples and is a collection of stunning "Newari-style buildings" in Nepal. The rectangular square is long from north to south and short from east to west. The Patan Palace Museum occupies the entire eastern part of the square. The western part of the square is densely covered with various temples, facing the Royal Palace in the distance.

Although Durbar Square in Patan is not as big as the squares in Kathmandu and Badgang, the ancient buildings are more dense and concentrated, and its architectural art is also very superb and exquisite, accounting for 10% of the world's architectural history.

There is a place called "open-air museum". There is a market selling souvenirs and local specialties near the square, which you can visit and play together.

Historical background of Patan Durbar Square

The history of Patan Durbar Square can be traced back to the 3rd century AD, when Patan was an important Buddhist center. Over time, especially during the Malla dynasty (12th to 18th century), Patan gradually developed into the political and cultural center of Nepal. This period saw the construction of many temples and palaces, and the square became the centerpiece of religious activities and royal celebrations. The rule of the Malla dynasty promoted the integration of Buddhism and Hinduism, forming a unique cultural atmosphere, making Patan a treasure of art and architecture, and established its important position in the history of Nepal.

What is worth visiting in Patan Durbar Square？

1. Patan Durbar Palace

The palace is the center of the square and displays the new Nepali architectural style. Today's Patan Museum displays a rich collection of art and historical artifacts where visitors can learn about Nepal's history and culture.

2. Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

Also known as the Golden Temple, it is famous for its golden roof and exquisite wood carvings.Located north of Durbar Square, it was built in the 12th century. It is famous for its gilded appearance and exquisite metal carvings. The entire main hall is plated in gold and decorated with exquisite stone carvings. According to legend, this temple was built in the 12th century, and boys under twelve years old took turns serving as the chief abbot, each serving for 30 days. To the north of the temple is the Kumbeshwar Temple, the oldest in Patan. If you have time, you should still visit the Golden Temple. The entrance fee is 100 rupees. Although it is small inside, it is very exquisite and there are almost no tourists. This Buddhist temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers and contains many Buddha statues and carvings.

3. Mahalaxmi Temple

Dedicated to the goddess of wealth, this temple is known for its ornate architecture and detailed carvings and is an important place for Hindu devotees.

4. Krishna Mandir

A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, it displays neo-Nepalese style architecture and exquisite carvings that reflect rich mythology.

5. Ancient Well (Sitala Pokhari)

The well near the square is a traditional source of water for local residents. The environment is peaceful and suitable for taking pictures and relaxing.

6. Ancient stone pillars and carvings

There are many ancient stone pillars and exquisite carvings in the square, which display the traditional Nepalese art style and are worth savoring.

How to get to Patan Durbar Square？

1. Depart from Kathmandu

Taxi: Taking a taxi from central Kathmandu to Patan takes about 30 minutes and costs 500-1000 Nepalese rupees (depending on traffic conditions).

Motorcycle sharing: Using a local motorcycle sharing service (such as Tuk-Tuk or motorcycle rental) is also a convenient and relatively low-cost option.

2. Public transportation

Microbus: There are several microbus routes to Patan from Kathmandu, which are cheap but may require some waiting and transfer time.

Public buses: There are public bus lines that go directly to Patan, but they are not as convenient as taxis.Get on the bus near "Ratna Park" station in Kathmandu, 30 minutes drive to Patan, Rs 8.

When is the best time to go to Patan Durbar Square？

The best time to visit Patan Durbar Square is usually during Nepal's dry season, especially autumn (September to November) and spring (February to April). Autumn has sunny weather and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. There are many important festivals at this time, such as Dashain and Tihar, and visitors can experience rich cultural activities. Spring is equally pleasant, with flowers in bloom and perfect for outings, as well as the colorful Holi festivals. However, sightseeing conditions are poor in summer (May to August) due to the monsoon rains. Although there are fewer people, if you don't mind the rain, you can enjoy a more peaceful travel experience. Therefore, autumn and spring are the best times to travel.