Things To Do In Patan
Patan, also known as the serene city of Lalitpur, is admired for its ancient cultural heritage and spiritual richness. Made up of more than 600 stupas, 55 temples, and 136 monasteries, it is a perfect destination for those seeking to learn more about the history and traditions of the Nepalese.
Separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati River, the distance from Kathmandu to Patan is around 5 km. A traveler may be able to reach Patan from Kathmandu in about 15 minutes, in the case where there is no traffic.
Also famous for its art and architecture, Patan allows tourists from all around the world to experience a town uniquely balanced in both modern and traditional aspects.
However, a town with so many elements may be overwhelming to some. No worries; if you have any confusion regarding what to do if you ever visit this historical town, we have listed down the things to do in Patan to make your journey memorable.
1. Walk Around Patan Durbar Square
Listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many regard Patan Durbar Square as the heart of Lalitpur, perfect for those seeking to see the bustling day-to-day lives of the people living here. One of the three Durbar Squares, the royal palace where the Malla Kings resided in the past is also found here.
Most temples and monasteries are within the boundary of this square, so visitors can see the practices and rituals of both Hindus and Buddhists. Furthermore, thanks to the brick houses and floors, travelers will see the color orange a lot while walking.
Just walking around Patan Durbar Square will provide a deep look into the lifestyle of the local people, especially the Newars.
2. View The Artifacts In Patan Museum
Located within Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum offers visitors a look into some of the finest art styles and artifacts, most from the Licchavi period, found in Nepal. Using the space of the former royal palace of the Malla Kings, the museum displays multiple paintings and sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities such as Lord Indra, Lakshmi-Narayan, Buddha, Dipankara Buddha, Amitabha, and more.
The museum has three parts. Those are Keshav Narayan Chowk, Mul Chowk, and Sundari Chowk.
Keshav Narayan Chowk
This part of the museum used to be the main courtyard of the royal palace. As of now, it is the place used to display exhibits. At the entrance of this chowk, the statues of two lions are seen. Similarly, at the center of Chowk, you are able to find a temple named Keshav Narayan.
Mul Chowk
This chowk is the largest and oldest of the three chowks. Located to the south of the museum, the main focus of this chowk is the three temples: Bidyapith, Taleju, and Degutalle.
Sundari Chowk
This chowk is the smallest among the three chowks. It is popular for having a sunken space, Tusha Hiti. Many say that Tusha means “sweetness” because in the Newari language, “Tu” means sugarcane, and “Sa” means taste. In the middle of this sunken space, visitors will see a spout made of gold. Lastly, the entrance to this space has the statues of Hindu gods Ganesh and Narasingh.
3. Gaze Upon The Shiny Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, also known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, is a temple completed in 1409 by King Bhaskara Varma. People call it the ‘Golden Temple’ because the majority of the architecture is made of gold. Located in Patan Durbar Square, the temple’s interior has various shrines for visitors to see.
Locals regard this temple as a very sacred spot for Buddhism. Several statues of important Buddhist figures like Sakyamuni Buddha, Vajrasattiva, and Namasangiti are found in this temple. Visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the premises of the temple.
The monkey statues and prayer wheels are also some of the unique metalwork available to see here. All-in-all, a trip to the Golden Temple is sure to give visitors a treasured memory.
4. Learn The History Of Krishna Mandir
Krishna Mandir is regarded as one of the most wonderful elements of Patan’s architectural history. The three-story temple was made in honor of and respect for Lord Krishna in the 16th century. Unlike the other nearby temples built in pagoda style, Krishna Mandir was built in Shikhara style, a traditional method used to build Hindu temples, giving it multiple spires.
For those wanting to learn Hindu mythology, Krishna Mandir is a perfect spot to visit, as the stone carvings here show the events of epic stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata in a detailed order.
Similar to the Golden Temple, visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the temple. The architectural and spiritual tour of this temple is bound to give explorers a memorable experience.
5. Figure Out The Total Number Of Buddhas In Mahabouddha Temple
The Mahabouddha Temple is an important and holy Buddhist site built in the 14th century by a priest from Patan called Abhaya Raj Shakya. The temple was constructed in Shikara style as well, similar to the Krishna Mandir. Moreover, the temple took inspiration from the Mahabodhi temple in India.
A famous trait of this temple is that each brick used in the building has an image of Buddha. Hence, it will surely take a long time for any visitor to count the total number of Buddhas in this temple.
Furthermore, the temple is also a gathering spot for many monks. A trip here will surely provide travelers with a deep look into the Buddhists’ rituals and practices.
6. Witness The Height Of Kumbheshwar Temple
Kumbheshwar Temple, one of the only two temples in all of Kathmandu Valley that are five stories tall, is a religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva. King Jayasthiti Malla built the pagoda-styled temple in the 14th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Patan.
One of the main attractions of the temple is the big statue of Nandi located right in front of the temple. Furthermore, there are two holy ponds at the center of the temple that get their water from Gosaikunda. People say that bathing in this pond will remove all the bad energy surrounding you.
Entering the temple will welcome visitors to a timeless and serene environment. Watching the priests perform their rituals while slowly enjoying the silence is another form of ecstasy.
7. Find The Locations Of The Ashoka Stupas
The four Ashoka stupas, normally referred to as the Ashokan Stupas, are historical sites built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The stupas are scattered throughout the north, south, west, and east corners of Patan. Famous for showing the different wheels of Buddhism, each stupa is distinct from the others.
The four stupas named Lagan, Teta, Ibahi, and Pucho are made out of stones, bricks, and mud. Lagan Stupa is located in the south near Lagankhel; Ibahi Stupa is in the north corner near Sankhamul; Teta Stupa is in the east; and Pucho Stupa is in the west near Pulchowk.
Searching for the exact coordinates of these stupas will be a mini-adventure in itself.
8. Check Out Patan’s Very Own Bhimsen Temple
Bhimsen Temple, an ancient site made in dedication to the God of Business and Trade Bhimsen of the five Pandava brothers, is on the northern side of Patan. Displaying the artistic styles of Newari craftsmen, Shrinivas Malla built the temple in 1682 in pagoda style with well-carved wood and sophisticated details, making it a priceless cultural treasure.
While there is another Bhimsen temple in Pokhara, the one here in Lalitpur also provides a similar traditional and ancient vibe. Travelers are able to learn about the heroic tales of Lord Bhimsen, as the temple is famous for honoring all of his deeds.
While the temple doesn’t allow non-Hindus to enter, they are still able to reach a level high enough to see the statue of Lord Bhimsen.
9. Getting Lost In Mangal Bazaar
Mangal Bazaar is a local market found near Patan Durbar Square. For those seeking to witness the energetic vibe of the town, this is the perfect spot to visit. Travelers are able to find shops for traditional artifacts, household and traveling equipment, and clothes.
A component that makes Mangal Bazaar unique is its color. Many shops have various products, like clothes, pieces of jewelry, metalwork, and more, that have helped make the streets colorful. Getting lost here will surely give visitors the feeling of walking through a wonderland.
Lastly, different restaurants here offer delicious Newari foods like bhuttan, alu tama, and hakuchoila that visitors must try at least once.
10. Have A Cup Of Tea While Checking Out The Pimbahal Pond
Pimbahal Pond is a man-made pond located 400-500 m away from Patan Dhoka. Many believe that the Lakheys, a demon group in Nepali folk tales, built the pond during the 14th century.
The pond is right at the center of a gathering hub, where locals gather for their business or to pass the time, making it the perfect place to observe the bustling lifestyles of the people living there. Furthermore, the pond has ducks and fish in it, providing travelers with an opportunity to feed them.
Since there are many stalls and cafes around the pond, travelers are able to enjoy the serene and peaceful environment of the pond while having tea and momo so much that time passes by in the blink of an eye.
11. Gaze Upon The Arts At Gallery Mcube, Purna Museum, and Park Gallery
This one’s for all the art lovers out there. Many call Patan the city of fine arts, with several top artists and craftsmen like Araniko, Siddhi Raj, and Abhay Raj all hailing from here.
Gallery Mcube, an exhibition space made by Manish Lal Shrestha in 2011, a famous visual artist, is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a creative experience. Located beside Patan Multiple Campus, the space allows both established and emerging artists to showcase their artworks, providing variety in the artworks. Furthermore, if you happen to like an artwork, you are also able to buy it.
Similarly, there is also the Purna Museum, established in 2023, near Kupondole, which showcases the beautiful paintings and sculptures of the Newari culture, and the Park Gallery, opened in 1970, near Jawalakhel, which shows the artworks of legendary artist R.N. Joshi.
12. Buy Souvenirs At Labim Mall
Labim Mall may be one of the most prestigious and reputable malls in Patan. Located south of Patan Dhoka, the mall’s architecture took a lot of inspiration from Western culture, with the mall’s structure made of minimal space and complex design.
Be it with family, friends, or alone, Labim Mall is the perfect place to visit for normal strolls or outings. The mall has five floors, including the ground floor, with multiple cafes and restaurants, including the KFC. Similarly, the ground floor of the mall has stalls selling handmade artifacts, which will be perfect to take back as gifts.
Furthermore, there is a cinema hall on the 3rd and 4th floors of the mall, where you are able to watch the latest movies airing.
13. Visit The Courtyards At Rudra Varna Mahavihar
Rudra Varna Mahavihar is the next Vihar temple within Patan’s vicinity, the other being Hiranya Varna Mahavihar. Many regard the monastery as an important religious site for Buddhists, as it contains large statues of Shakyamuni Buddha. Built in a three-roofed pagoda style, the monks mostly use the monastery for important coronation events.
The religious site consists of three courtyards: Uku Baha, U Baha Gathica, and Tago ChiBaha. Among the three, Uku Baha is the central one, containing sculptures of various mystical creatures and metal artifacts showcasing the fine artistry of the craftsmen. Furthermore, the Vihar has statues of deities at each of its corners, exhibiting the holy vibes the temple offers.
14. Sound Healing
Sound healing is a tonic process of relaxing the body through the vibrations of singing bowls. The activity is pretty famous in Patan. There are multiple centers that provide this, including other therapeutic activities like sound baths and meditation.
The enchanting and harmonious sounds produced by the singing bowls during this process will reach the inner and fundamental parts of your body, totally healing it from the inside, especially after a long walk around the town. The session is extremely helpful for the mental aspect of the body as well, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. You may also learn more about yourself as you may spiritually connect with yourself in a much more profound manner.
Anyone who has experienced sound healing has totally loved it and gone back a few times to try again. We would say it is worth a shot to try at least once.
Conclusion
If you are ever planning to visit Patan, then these are things that you must absolutely do when you are in town. There is definitely no doubt that these activities shall elevate your journey’s experience and make it memorable. The peaceful setting with different stupas and statues, along with people working in unison is a sight to behold. Journeying through Nepal and not passing by Patan would be such a waste.
