Overview

Patan is one of Kathmandu’s three ancient kingdoms, home to numerous temples and monuments, and the royal palace area (Durbar square) that has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Patan Durbar houses a magnificent 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, made entirely of stone, its walls are carved intricately with scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. A short walk from Durbar square will bring us to Kwa Bahal, or the Golden Temple, a 12th century Buddhist monastic courtyard decorated with stunning wood carvings and repousse. At the opposite end of the Durbar, we’ll visit Mahabouddha, an oddly intriguing Buddhist monument dating back to the 14th century, with fine examples of terra cotta craftsmanship to behold. Later we’ll visit Oku Bahal, Patan’s most famous place of Buddhist worship – a large golden-roofed building enclosing a stone-paved courtyard and a host of shrines and stone carvings. We’ll stop to enjoy a typical Nepali meal, and watch the shadows stretch across the ancient Durbar square as the sun sets upon a splendid day.