Explore Patan Durbar Square and Beyond : A Solo Travel Guide

I have started my trips from Thamel, to Patan Durbar Square. Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit ancient place in Kathmandu Valley. Patan Durbar Square is around 7km south of Thamel. Patan Durbar Square was earlier the royal palace of the Patan kings. We can reach there by local bus from Ratnapark to Patan Dhoka (35NPR) or by taxi(500NPR).

Patan, the city of art and craft welcomes its guests from a magnificent gate, Patan Dhoka. Patan Dhoka is one of the oldest entrances to the old city. If you decide to tour Lalitpur city and Patan Durbar Square, You have to pass through Patan Dhoka. We will get some glimpses of the city's art and craft while passing this Patan Dhoka, or Patan Gate.

My trip route to explore Patan Durbar Square and its surroundings was Patan Dhoka - Pimbahal Pond - Golden Temple - Kumbheshwor Temple - Patan Durbar Square and Patan Museum.

Pimbahal Pond

After reaching Patan Dhoka, around 100 meters to the South of Patan Dhoka lies the historic place, Pimbahal. One of the main highlights of Pimbahal is its 14th-century pond which is worth visiting while you are here.

Golden Temple

After the Pimbahal Pond, around 700-800 meters of distance, I reached the narrow temple entrance, and the entrance disappointed me. You can check out the narrow entrance in the picture. I was there with high expectations.

I went to a Temple whose name was Golden Temple, and the entry was outdated. I was thinking to back off, okay let's explore what's on in front of me, then I saw there is a ticket booth.

There is an entrance fee of 100NPR for foreign nationals, after getting the ticket now I reached the real Golden Temple. Now I find that I followed the wrong way to reach The Golden Temple. I reached there from the back side.

The Golden Temple is a Buddhist monastery and the design of the building is very astonishing. Inside the courtyard, you’ll find a remarkable shrine with a tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. You will see an under-12-year-old boy as the main priest of the temple, an interesting fact is priest should be from the Shakya cast(a Newari cast) as The Shakyamuni Buddha is a God of the Shakya cast.

Check out some of the magnificent architecture of the golden temple complex.

Kumbheshwor Temple

Around 200 meters Northern of the Golden Temple, there is another oldest temple called Kumbheshwor Temple, this is not only a temple but a temple complex that includes Kumbheshwor temple, BanglaMukhi Temple, Harati Temple, Manakamana, Kedarnath, Badrinath temples.

The main attraction of this complex is Kumbheshwor Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kathmandu valley, which was built by King Jayasthiti Malla in the 14th century.

It is a pagoda-style temple with five stories. The temple is renowned for its magnificent woodcarvings and beautiful proportions.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is located around 300 meters Southern of the Kumbheshwor Temple Complex.Patan Durbar Square is a must-visit ancient place in Kathmandu Valley and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Patan Durbar Square was earlier the luxurious royal palace of the Patan kings. At the main door to Patan Durbar Square, there is a ticket counter.

The entry Fee is 1000NPR for foreigners and 250NPR for SAARC nationals.

Major Attractions Of Patan Durbar Square are

Krishna Temple:

At the main entrance to Patan Durbar Square, we see a beautiful stone temple dedicated to lord Krishna.

Taleju Bell:

The Taleju bell, located near Krishna Temple, is a huge cast-iron bell.

Hari Shankar Temple:

Hari Shankar Temple is a three-storey temple dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

King's Statue:

Near the Hari Shankar temple, you’ll find the brass statue of King Yoganarendra Malla atop a pillar with his queens, looming over the king's head is a cobra, and alighted on the head of the cobra is a small bird.

Char Narayan Temple:

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is the oldest temple in Patan Durbar Square.

Krishna Temple :

The Hindu Shikhara-style temple was built in 1637 AD and has 21 gilded spires. The Krishna Temple is entirely made of stone. A statue of Garuda atop a pillar stands in front of the Krishna temple.

The Royal Palace and Patan Museum:

The Patan museum holds one of the finest collections of religious art and craft in Nepal with a display of numerous Buddhism and Hinduism religious significance and Cultural artifacts. The museum entrance fee is included in your Patan Durbar Square ticket.

Keshav Narayan Chowk, Mul Chowk, and Sundari Chowk are the main attraction of the Patan Durbar Square museum.