Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square

　 Highlights Patan Durbar Square is one of Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to the ancient royal palace, the square is densely packed with temples, making it the most spectacular collection of “Newar architecture” in Nepal. The rectangular square is longer from north to south and shorter from east to west, with the royal palace occupying the entire eastern side. The western part is densely filled with a variety of temples, standing in contrast to the palace across the way. During the reign of King Siddhinarsingh Malla, Patan’s palace square reached its golden age. Nearby lies Mangal, Patan’s main market. Introduction Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Founded in the 3rd century, it is the oldest city in Nepal. The entire area resembles an open-air museum, filled with ancient buildings. Unlike Kathmandu, life here remains largely unaffected by tourism. In the morning, the entire Durbar Square turns into a vegetable market. You can gesture to the auntie selling breakfast for a 10-rupee cup of milk tea, sit on a slightly higher step, soak up the warm sunshine, and watch the bustling crowd below—people bargaining, sending kids to school, and even taking baths in the fountain, all as you while away the hours. Transportation Get on a bus near “Ratna Park” in Kathmandu; it takes about 30 minutes to reach Patan for 8 rupees. A taxi ride costs around 100 rupees. Tickets / Opening Hours The entrance fee to Patan is 200 rupees, but no one usually checks before 8 am. The Golden Temple (Golden Temple) has a separate ticket of 25 rupees.

Nepal Kathmandu