Ancient royal square in Lalitpur with stunning Newari architecture, temples, and the Patan Museum.

About Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley, widely regarded as the finest example of Newari architecture in Nepal. The square showcases an extraordinary collection of temples, shrines, and the former Patan Royal Palace, with intricate wood and stone carvings dating back centuries.

The centerpiece is the Krishna Mandir, a stunning 17th-century stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, featuring 21 golden spires and detailed carvings of scenes from the Mahabharata. The adjacent Patan Museum, housed in the restored royal palace wing, is considered one of the finest museums in South Asia, displaying Hindu and Buddhist bronze sculptures and religious artifacts.

Patan (officially Lalitpur, meaning 'City of Beauty') is renowned for its artisan traditions, particularly metalwork, stone carving, and thangka painting. The streets surrounding the square are home to workshops where craftsmen continue centuries-old techniques, and visitors can watch master artisans creating traditional Buddhist and Hindu art.

Nearby Landmarks

Krishna Mandir Patan Museum Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal) Mahabouddha Temple

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost NPR 700-1100 (~$5-8)
Time 20-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost NPR 500-800 (~$4-6)
Time 20-35 minutes

Terminal arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Taxi from airport directly to Patan. Can combine with Kathmandu Durbar Square visit.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi NPR 700-1100 (~$5-8) 20-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare NPR 500-800 (~$4-6) 20-35 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Patan Durbar Square area becomes quiet after sunset, and taxis become scarce after 9:00 PM. Arrange return transport in advance or use the Pathao ride-hailing app. The square itself closes to visitors at dusk. Hotels in Patan (Lalitpur) offer a quieter, more upscale alternative to staying in Thamel, with several boutique options near the square.

Luggage Tips

Patan Durbar Square and its surrounding streets are pedestrianized with stone-paved surfaces. Leave large luggage at your hotel or at the airport. If visiting directly from the airport, have the taxi wait (negotiate NPR 200-300 per hour). The Patan Museum entrance area may hold small bags but there is no formal luggage storage.

Accessibility

Patan Durbar Square has uneven stone paving and several raised temple platforms accessible only by steep stairs. Wheelchair access is limited to the ground level of the square. The Patan Museum has a ground floor that is partially accessible. Taxis can drop visitors near the main entrance, but the final approach involves narrow pedestrian streets.