Patan Durbar Square is an amazing historical monument located in the heart of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley! This vibrant city square offers a unique insight into the rich history and culture of the region, and it’s no surprise why it’s become a traveler's paradise.
Whether you're traveling through its little roadways or marveling at its dominating architecture, Patan Durbar Square is bound to steal your heart. But with so much to see, where do you even begin? Fear not, fellow traveler—being a seasoned solo traveler myself, I've got all the secret tricks and tips for getting the most out of your time in this amazing place. So sit back, relax, and let me take you on an exciting adventure around Patan Durbar Square!
Introduction to Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one of three Durbar (royal palace) squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in the center of Patan city, the square is a wonder of Newari architecture, with its various temples and shrines dating back to the 1600s. Even though much of the square was devastated by an earthquake in 2015, it has now been restored to its full beauty.
As you explore this beautiful square, you'll be amazed at the craftsmanship of the temples and statues. Make sure to take your time to enjoy the details since they are absolutely stunning. Many of the temples are available to the public, and you may even go inside some of them.
There's also a lot of history within these boundaries. The square was previously home to Nepal's royal family, and you can still find evidence of their presence here. In fact, it's believed that King Bhupatindra Malla wrote Nepal's first constitution in front of one of the temples in the square!
Whether you're interested in history and architecture or just want to soak up the vibe, Patan Durbar Square is definitely worth a visit.
Patan Durbar Square is around 7km south of Thamel. We can reach there by local bus from Ratnapark to Patan Dhoka (35NPR) or by taxi(500NPR).
Start Trip From Patan Dhoka
Patan Dhoka is one of the historical entrances to the old city. If you opt 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.
When you first enter Patan Dhoka, you'll be met by an antique gate that opens into an amazing courtyard. This is where you'll find the royal palace of the Malla kings, and it's definitely worth a visit! Make sure to capture plenty of shots here before moving on.
After Patan Dhoka, Around 100 meters to the south of Patan Dhoka lies the historic site of Pimbahal. One of the main features of Pimbahal is its 14th-century pond, which is worth visiting while you are here.
Exploring Pimbahal
Pimbahal is one of the must-see landmarks in the Patan Durbar Square area and makes for an intriguing and educational solo travel experience.
Stroll around Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one of the most beautiful spots in Nepal and is definitely worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood. It's especially nice to wander around at night when the square is filled with glittering lights. During the day, you can tour the many temples and palaces located around the square. Be sure to also check out the local art galleries for some unique souvenirs.
The entry Fee is 1000NPR for foreigners and 250NPR for SAARC nationals.
Major Attractions Of Patan Durbar Square
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:
Patan Museum
The Patan Museum holds one of the finest collections of religious art and craft in Nepal, displaying numerous Buddhism and Hinduism religious significance and Cultural artifacts. The museum entrance fee is included in your Patan Durbar Square ticket.
Visit the Golden Temple and Kumbheshwor Temple.
Patan Durbar Square is home to two of Nepal's most prominent temples: the Golden Temple and the Kumbheshwor Temple. Both are well worth a visit if you're interested in Nepali culture and history.
The Golden Temple, also known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, is a three-story Buddhist temple covered with gold leaf. It's one of the oldest temples in Patan Durbar Square, and its architecture is a combination of Tibetan and Newari styles.
The Golden Temple is a Buddhist monastery and the design of the complex is very astonishing. Inside the courtyards, you’ll find a remarkable shrine with a tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. You will see an under 12-year boy as the main priest of the temple, interesting fact is priest should be from the Shakya cast(a Newari cast) as The Shakyamuni Buddha is a deity of the Shakya cast.
Kumbheshwor Temple, on the other hand, is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It's the tallest temple in the Patan Durbar Square area, and its five-tier building is ornately embellished with carvings of Hindu deities. If you're lucky, you could even spot a hawk or two circling the sky above the temple!
Shopping and Food Experiences at Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is home to several of the top shopping and dining experiences in Nepal. From street food to high-end retailers, there is something for everyone in this very busy square.
For those seeking a quick bite, there are plenty of street food options to select from. Samosas, momos, and fried rice are also popular alternatives. For something a bit more substantial, consider one of the many Thali restaurants around the square. These offer a range of traditional Nepali foods on one large plate—excellent for sharing!
There are several businesses selling everything from souvenirs to handcrafted goods. Remember to bargain with the shopkeepersryit's all part of the fun!
After a full day of shopping and sightseeing, head to one of the numerous rooftop restaurants in the area for a relaxed supper with views of the cityscape. For something truly special, book a meal at Juneli Restaurant, which provides delicious Nepali cuisine in an intimate environment.
Tips for Solo Travelers Visiting Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist sites in Nepal. As a lone traveler, you may feel overwhelmed by the crowds and the noise and bustle of this colorful square. However, there are certain guidelines that you may follow to make your visit more enjoyable:
- Start your day early:
This will help you to avoid the midday heat and the crowds that flock to the square later in the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes:
You will be doing a lot of walking around, so make sure you wear shoes that you can walk in for hours without getting uncomfortable.
- Dress Conservatively:
While Nepal is a reasonably relaxed country when it comes to dress codes, it is still vital to be mindful of local customs. Wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees will be appreciated by the natives.
- Bring plenty of water:
It can get hot in Patan during the day, so make sure you remain hydrated by bringing along a water bottle with you.
- Carry little bills handy:
Many of the stalls and shops in Patan Durbar Square only accept cash, so it’s helpful to carry smaller quantities of bills with you. That way, you won’t have to bother with finding an ATM or exchanging currencies.
- Bargain:
It is assumed that you will bargain with vendors in Patan Durbar Square (and pretty much wherever else in Nepal).
Conclusion
Exploring Patan Durbar Square is a unique experience for any single traveler. Whether you are searching for shopping, sightseeing, or just a place to rest and take in the sights, then this old city should be your next stop. With these simple tips and tactics, we hope that you have learned something new about Patan Durbar Square and that it has been even easier to plan your upcoming trip there.
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