Patan, also called Lalitpur, is known as the City of Artisans. Located just 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, it is famous for its metal craft, wood carvings, and ancient temples. The city’s craftsmen still use old techniques like repoussé and lost-wax casting to create beautiful bronze and metal statues. Patan is a peaceful mix of Hindu and Buddhist culture, showing perfect religious harmony.
Main Attraction
- Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site): The heart of the city with ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples built during the Malla period. Visit the 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Keshav Narayan Chowk Museum, Sundari Chowk, and the Krishna Temple (first stone Shikhara-style temple in Nepal).
- Mahabouddha Temple: A 14th-century temple made of terracotta bricks, decorated with thousands of small Buddha images.
- Rudra Varna Mahavihar (Uku Bahal): A historic monastery with statues and carvings in wood, stone, and metal where kings were once crowned.
- Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple): A 12th-century Buddhist temple known for its golden roofs, fine carvings, and metalwork.
- Kumbheshwar Temple: A five-storied pagoda dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in 1392, with a sacred spring connected to Gosainkunda Lake.
- Jagat Narayan Temple: A red-brick temple near the Bagmati River, dedicated to Vishnu, with statues of Garuda, Ganesh, and Hanuman.
- Ashoka Stupas: Four ancient stupas marking the corners of Patan, believed to be built by Emperor Ashoka around 250 BC.
- Tibetan Refugee Camp: Famous for handmade woolen carpets, prayer wheels, and Nepali handicrafts — perfect for souvenirs.
- Patan Industrial Estate: crafts hub for metal art, wood carvings, Thangka paintings, and handmade carpets.
