Patan
Discover Patan
Patan, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, is one of the largest cities in Nepal and is located just across the Bagmati river from Kathmandu. Confusingly, it is also known as Lalitpur, both names deriving from the Sanskrit "Lalitapattan". Like its larger neighbour, Patan also boasts a Durbar Square full of temples, statues, and palaces and, in addition, has the must-see attraction of Patan Museum. As a traditional centre of handicrafts, Patan is a great place to purchase jewellery, Buddha statues and masks. Note: Nepal Buses & Micro buses are not very good for handicapped people or the faint of heart. The people are very friendly, but the vehicles are very old & rough.
Taste of Patan...
There are plenty of choices like Manny's to have a good drink in Patan. The popular Jhamsikhel and Jawalakhel areas have various good bars with good music. *Cafeophilia, Durban Square. A stylish cafe. Excellent coffee. Desserts. Delicious pizza and standard cafe cuisine. Free Wi-Fi. Daily: 6:30AM-9:30PM *Coffee Corner and Lounge, Mwaamadu Galli, Durbar Square (from main road, in narrow alley on left side of Durbar Square). Traditional house. Dimly lit atmospheric rooms. Excellent coffee. Desserts. Simple meals. While most tourists stay in hotels in Kathmandu city centre when in the Valley, mainly concentrated in the tourist catchment area of Thamel and its vicinity, Patan which is 4 km from Thamel is fast becoming an area of preference for those in the know looking for more space and less chaos. Many of the expatriate communities live in the Patan area as the INGO's like the UN, DFID, GTZ are located there. The Swiss and Norwegian Embassies are also in Patan.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsNote: Nepal Buses & Micro buses are not very good for handicapped people or the faint of heart. The people are very friendly, but the vehicles are very old & rough. Durbar Square is the Palace Square of Patan. Approaching the square from the south side you have the palace on your right and a series of temples on your left. Admission to the area for tourists is Rs 1000 (March 2023).You should pay this at a booth at the south end of Durbar Square or at another entrance to the area further to the north. It is also your entry ticket to the museum (no extra cost). You will likely be approached by various square workers if your entrance ticket isn't visible. If you plan repeated visits and will be in Nepal for some time, get the ticket booth attendant to endorse your entrance ticket for a longer period. You will likely have to show your passport and entry visa. There is a confusing array of temples and other interesting items on the left-hand side of the square....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Durbar Square is the Palace Square of Patan. Approaching the square from the south side you have the palace on your right and a series of temples on your left. Admission to the area for tourists is Rs 1000 (March 2023).You should pay this at a booth at the south end of Durbar Square or at another entrance to the area further to the north. It is also your entry ticket to the museum (no extra cost). You will likely be approached by various square workers if your entrance ticket isn't visible. If you plan repeated visits and will be in Nepal for some time, get the ticket booth attendant to endorse your entrance ticket for a longer period. You will likely have to show your passport and entry visa. There is a confusing array of temples and other interesting items on the left-hand side of the square. Again, walking from the south end of the square, you pass: Just wander around keeping your eyes open for all the amazing sights.
Where to Stay
While most tourists stay in hotels in Kathmandu city centre when in the Valley, mainly concentrated in the tourist catchment area of Thamel and its vicinity, Patan which is 4 km from Thamel is fast becoming an area of preference for those in the know looking for more space and less chaos. Many of the expatriate communities live in the Patan area as the INGO's like the UN, DFID, GTZ are located there. The Swiss and Norwegian Embassies are also in Patan.
Money & Budget
There are plenty of choices like Manny's to have a good drink in Patan. The popular Jhamsikhel and Jawalakhel areas have various good bars with good music. *Cafeophilia, Durban Square. A stylish cafe. Excellent coffee. Desserts. Delicious pizza and standard cafe cuisine. Free Wi-Fi. Daily: 6:30AM-9:30PM *Coffee Corner and Lounge, Mwaamadu Galli, Durbar Square (from main road, in narrow alley on left side of Durbar Square). Traditional house. Dimly lit atmospheric rooms. Excellent coffee. Desserts. Simple meals.