Patan

The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southwest of kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts, The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today’s visitors.

Patan Durbar Square, Situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitor’s attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, Temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan durbar Square consist of three main chowks or countryards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar narayan Chowk, The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone arcthitecture. The Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument list in 1979.

Krishna Mandir:
Built in 1637 AD, the temple of Lord Krishaa holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stones.

Mahabouddha:
A little further east form Patan Durbar Square lays this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. The Terra-cotta structure is the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
Located inside Kwabadehal, this three-storied golden pagoda of Lokeswor (Lord Budhha) was built in the twelvth century by King Bhaskar Verma. It is well known as the Golden Temple. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden images of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

Kumbheshwor.
This five tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. . On the Janai Poornima day in August, a fair is held in Kumbheswor.

Jagatnaryan Temple
This tall, imposing Temple of Lord Vishnu is situated at Sankhmul. The temple has many fine stone images and a artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar:
This unique Buddhist monastery contains an amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the king in the ancient times useed to crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.

The Ashokan Stupas
There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 BC by Emperor Ashoka at the four cardinal directions of patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchok, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) Respectively. These stupas are evidence of the city’s ancient religious importance.

Achheswor Mahavihar:
It was established towards the beginning of the 17th century by one Achheswor who built a temple to house an idol of Lord Budhha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Askokan Stupa at Pulchok, the Mahavihar commnds a beautiful view of the kathmandu Valley.

Temple of Machchendranath and Minnath
The pagaoda of Red Machchendranath built in 1408 AD is situated in Tabahal, for six months, the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.

Bajra Barahi
Situated in a small wooden park, it is about 10 Km south of Patan near the village of Chapagaun. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele form here is worthwhile.