Patan City Tour

Introduction

Patan City Tour takes you across the Bagmati Bridge south of Kathmandu city. One of Kathmandu Valley’s adjoining cities, Patan or Lalitpur means the city of fine arts and crafts. Patan / Lalitpur city is renowned for its master craftsmanship by skilled artisans and remains incomparable.

In its display of Newari architecture and exquisite collection of typical Nepali pagoda and Shikhara style temples and palaces. The main attraction of Lalitpur city is the Patan Durbar Square, which is steeped in ancient places, temples, and shrines. Renowned for exquisite carvings on pillars, doors, and beautiful windows, it stood as the former royal palace complex.

As well as the center of Patan’s religious and social life with an interesting museum. Where visitors can observe an array of bronze statues and religious objects and explore Nepal’s third-largest city. The Patan Durbar Square the former Royal Palace and courtyard was built in 1637 AD.

One of the finest cities and the former Royal Palace in Nepal is enriched with age-old cultures, which is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979, a great  place for Newari and Nepali cultures. The Patan / Lalitpur City Tour will be one of the main highlights of the trip.

The Best Seasons for Patan City Tour

For Patan / Lalitpur Tour, visitors can enjoy nearly all seasons of the year, the best time is spring and autumn. Spring is from March to May and autumn / fall starts from September to November, you can visit during winter season as well. The winter is from December to February with cold mornings and nights, but with clear sunny days for short hours.

Major Attractions:

Mul Chowk,  is the most famous and one of the largest courtyards among three main chowks. Bidya Temple is located at the center of the courtyard and the Taleju temples stand around the courtyard.

Sundari Chowk, is to the south of the Mul Chowk with its sunken tank known as Tusha Hiti Mul Chowk & Taleju Temple. Keshav Narayan Chowk, is towards the northern part. Dominating Degutale temple is next to it. It is the site of the earliest Malla palace in Patan. The Chowk sits on the older foundations of a Buddhist monastery.

Krishna Temple, is dedicated to Hindu Lord Krishna was built erected in the 17th century. The temple is considered to be the first one to be constructed in Shikhara architecture. It holds a commanding position in the Durbar square. The elegant Shikhara-style temple is ranked as one of the gems of Durbar Square.

The temple is compared with sacred Mount Meru, which is abode of the god Shiva according to Hindu scriptures. Mahabouddha Buddhist temple Mahabouddha, which is made of clay bricks, lies to the east of the Durbar Square. Hundreds of Buddha images are engraved in the bricks. The temple is known for its fine terracotta work.

Patan City Tour Itinerary

9 a.m to 9:30 a.m. Short drive to near the entrance of Patan Durbar Square

In the morning, as informed by the guide, after having a good breakfast, a short drive takes you south of Kathmandu city.The drive heads across a Baghmati Bridge to enter the Lalitpur district of Patan area. Then, reaching the heart of the city around Mangal Bazaar where Patan Durbar Square is located.

9: 30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tour of all monuments of Patan Durbar Square and beyond

Walk from the parking lot to enter the Patan Durbar Square, and enjoy the tour witness the best specimens of ancient Newari architecture There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit Patan Handicraft Industry with Asoka Stupa.

Leaving the Patan Durbar Square with a short drive to Patan’s famous handicraft industry. The place is renowned for its craftsmanship, handed down by forefathers from past generations to the present. On the drive, witness the Asoka Stupas, which Indian Emperor Asoka constructed when he visited Nepal in 250 B.C., creating four ancient stupas around the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are located in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi, and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon), respectively.

As the drive enters the Patan handicraft premises, enjoy the workmanship of master craftsmen. Carving and engraving on wood, metal, and stone, as well as visiting and witnessing the weaving of looms and carpets, etc.

1 p.m. to 1: 30 p.m. Enjoy lunch around Patan nice Restaurant.

After a pleasant and exciting morning tour, enjoy a refreshing break with options for lunch and snacks at Patan/Lalitpur’s finest restaurants close to Patan Durbar Square or on the outskirts.

2 p.m. 2: 30 p.m. Drive back to hotel, end of Patan City Tour.

After an excellent day on the Patan/Lalitpur City Tour, drive back to your respective hotels, enjoying the great and exciting places of Patan/Lalitpur City.

Please Note:

The times above and the tour places are just guidelines; they can change depending on the tour sites and times, as well as the season and festival times, and the guide’s right decision.

OUTLINE ITINARARY
Day 01: Full day tour