'''Patan''' is a one of the largest cities in Nepal and is located just across the Bagmati river from Kathmandu. Like its larger neighbor, Patan also boasts a Durbar Square full of temples, statues, and palaces and, in addition, has the must-see attraction of '''Patan Museum'''. As a traditional center of handicrafts, Patan is a great place to purchase jewelry, Buddha statues and masks.

Get in

  • '''Micro Bus''' from Ratnapark in Kathmandu
  • '''Taxis''' are a more expensive option
  • It is possible to '''walk''' from Kathmandu, though the pollution and heat makes it seem longer than the 90 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Get around

  • The city and its sites are best seen '''on foot'''.
  • See

  • The residence of the Malla rulers of the then Patan state which is now converted into a museum. The buildings in the square are made in the pagoda style.Patan durbar square is located in the centre of Patan and is must see place.
  • Mahaboudha Temple is a must see 5 minutes walking distance from Durbar Square
  • Hiranya Varna Mahaa Vihar: A Buddhist temple known locally as Golden temple Rudra Varna Mahavihar; Mahaboudha Temple. This is on the way to Banglamukhi temple from Durbar Square.
  • Banglamukhi (Kumbeshwor) temple: One of the two five-story pagoda temples of the valley. This is very famous amongst the local and this will be very crowdy on thursday.
  • Do

    Buy

  • Wooden and Metal Handicrafts
  • Traditional Paintings (Thanka)
  • Eat

  • '''Cafe de Patan''' - a pleasant, centraly located restaurant and cafe (see 'sleep' section)
  • '''Patan Museum Cafe'''
  • '''Kidz: The food station''' - great place to eat small pizzas, sandwiches, footlongs, wraps, sundaes, mocktails and gourmet coffee. They also have the most correct (by Irish standards) Irish coffee in Kathmandu Valley.
  • '''Downtown''' - one of the best value restaurants in Patan - great food.
  • '''La Soon''' - a small restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating set in a nice garden and serving a mixed menu with daily specials. Try the La Soon Plate or the La Soon Platter, one of which is vegetarian. They also do nice chocolate brownies. It's very good value and well worth a visit.
  • '''Summit Hotel''' - good on a Friday night as they have a barbecue by the Pool.
  • Roadhouse. ear St.Mary's school. Good pizza, pasta, dessert, ice-cream and coffee.
  • New Orleans. he road towards St. Marys. Good coffee, nice garden, live jazz some nights
  • Red Dingo. ear Standard Charter Bank, Jawalakhel. Good western (Australian) food
  • Lazy Gringo. awalakhel chowk. Food from the American South-West
  • Masala. he road towards St.Mary's school. One of the best Indian restaurants in Kathmandu
  • JaZoo. ext to NTC-building. Inexpensive Nepali and Chinese food
  • Chinatown. . floor, next to Stand.Chart.bank, Jawalakhel. Good Chinese food
  • Jalan. ear Summit. Good Thai, and other Asian food

    Drink

    Patan, unlike Kathmandu, shuts down just after dark, and so nightlife is restricted to hotel bars and restaurants.

  • Absolute Bar. ext to Namaste supermarket. One of the best bars in Kathmandu

    Sleep

  • '''Cafe de Patan''', Patan Durbur Square, Mahapal Mangal Bazaar, Tel:537599, 530208, [mailto:pcafe@ntc.net.np]. A centrally located guesthouse in a traditional Newari house. There are great views over the temples of Durbar square, and the dining room is a very pleasant area of foliage blended with stylish Newari decor. Standard (common bath room) - Single: 300Rs, Double: 400Rs. Deluxe (attached bathroom) - Single: 500Rs. Double 600Rs.
  • '''Himlayan Hotel''' is a four star hotel with swimming pool and several other facilities. Indian and United Nations clientele. Food disappointing.
  • Summit Hotel. Nice location, good breakfast, Garden wing has small rooms, but the other rooms are good.

    Get out