Patan Darbar Square Ultimate Guide

March 5th 2020

City Tours

One of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley that are included as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is also known as Lalitpur Durbar Square.

Beautiful buildings, including several temples, palaces, and courtyards, surround the area. The Royal Palace, Vishwanath Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and Krishna Temple are a few of the square's famous buildings. The Bhimsen Temple is well-known for its intricate woodwork, but the Krishna Temple is noted for its superb stone sculptures.

In addition to its stunning architecture, Patan Durbar Square is well-liked by both residents and visitors for its bustling atmosphere. Tourists may take in the breathtaking views of the nearby structures and monuments while strolling through the region, or they can browse for handicrafts and souvenirs at the lively marketplace.

How do I get to Patan Darbar Square from Kathmandu?

There are various ways to go from Kathmandu to Patan Durbar Square. Here is a thorough explanation of how to get there:

Via Taxi: Using a cab is the most practical method to get to Patan Durbar Square. You may simply hail a cab on the street or reserve one with a taxi app like Tootle or Pathao. Taxis are readily available around Kathmandu. Depending on traffic, the trip should take 30-45 minutes.
Public Bus: Using a public bus is another option to reach Patan Durbar Square. At the Ratna Park bus stop in the heart of Kathmandu, you may board a local bus. Buses bearing the destinations "Lalitpur" or "Patan" should be sought for. Depending on traffic, the bus trip can take 45 to an hour.
Via Motorbike: You may also rent a motorbike or scooter to go to Patan Durbar Square if you're feeling very daring. In Kathmandu, there are several rental businesses and a day's worth of rental costs between 500 and 1000 NPR. You need to be a skilled rider to safely maneuver the streets because traffic may be hectic.

Traveling and Accommodation Cost to Kathmandu Darbar Square.

Depending on your travel style and budget, the prices of getting to Patan Durbar Square and staying there might change. This is a ballpark figure for the costs:

Travel expenses:

Taxi: from Kathmandu, 500–1000 NPR (roundtrip).
Public bus: NPR 20–30 (one way) from Kathmandu's Ratna Park bus station.
Hire a motorcycle for NPR 500–1000 per day.

Expenses of lodging

Budget-friendly lodging is available in the surrounding communities of Jhamsikhel and Sanepa, which are only a short taxi ride or walk from Patan Durbar Square. Budget hostels or guesthouses charge between NPR 1000 and 1500 per night.
Mid-range: Patan itself has a number of lodging options, including hotels and guesthouses. Accommodations in the middle range in price from NPR 3000-5000 per night.
Luxurious: If you want to stay in a hotel that is opulent, you may look at hotels in the neighborhood like Jawalakhel, which is around 10-15 minutes via taxi from Patan Durbar Square. About NPR 10,000 is spent on hotels each night.

If you're on a tight budget, you should plan to spend NPR 2000–3000 a day on lodging, food, and transportation. Mid-range visitors should anticipate spending between NPR 5000 and 8000 per day, whereas luxury travelers can anticipate spending up to NPR 10,000 per day.

Necessary Items to Entry Patan Darbar Square

No particular items are needed to visit Patan Durbar Square, although the following ones could be helpful to bring:

Bring comfortable shoes because Patan Durbar Square contains a number of temples, courtyards, and winding lanes that are worth exploring. Having comfortable shoes on will make it easier for you to move around the location.
Sun protection: Patan's climate may be fairly sunny, particularly in the summer. Using a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses can shield you from the sun's damaging rays.
Keep hydrated with a water bottle while you explore Patan Durbar Square. Carrying a reusable water bottle will enable you to avoid purchasing disposable water bottles and lessen your environmental impact.
Cash: As of 2023, NPR 1,000 is the admission price for international visitors to Patan Durbar Square; there may be extra fees for guides or photography. To cover these costs, it is important to have cash in Nepalese rupees on hand.
Camera: The UNESCO World Heritage Site Patan Durbar Square has a number of picturesque settings. You can better capture the charm of the location if you have a camera with you or a smartphone.
Respectful Attire: Given that Patan Durbar Square is a sacred space, it's crucial to dress modestly and with reverence. Do not dress revealingly or in shorts or short skirts. It is recommended to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Face Mask: Because of the continuing COVID-19 epidemic, it is advised to bring and wear a face mask when visiting Patan Durbar Square. To stop the illness from spreading, the Nepalese government has made face masks a must to be worn in public.

While visiting Patan Durbar Square, it may be beneficial to have some of the objects listed above. Yet, because the alleyways and courtyards may be rather busy and small, it's crucial to travel lightly and just bring what you need.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn and spring, which are regarded as the busiest travel seasons in Nepal, are the ideal times to visit Patan Durbar Square. Certain times of year are great for enjoying Patan Durbar Square's outdoor attractions due to the good weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures.

As the weather is dry, bright, and clear, the autumn season, which lasts from September to November, is typically seen to be the finest time to visit Patan Durbar Square. Also, the temperature is mild, making daytime exploration of the region pleasant.

Another fantastic time to visit Patan Durbar Square is during the spring season, which lasts from March to May. It's a beautiful time of year to go because of the moderate weather and the blooming flowers and trees. A unique cultural experience for visitors is provided by festivities held in and around Patan Durbar Square throughout the springtime, such as Holi and Bisket Jatra.

It's important to keep in mind that while the finest weather and outdoor conditions may be found during the busiest tourism seasons, the same times can also be congested and more expensive for lodging and transportation. The winter season from December to February might also be a wonderful time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and don't mind the cooler temperatures.

Avoiding Certain Activities at Patan Darbar Square

Being mindful of regional customs and traditions is vital when visiting Patan Durbar Square. After approaching Patan Durbar Square, stay away from the following things:

Avoid touching or climbing on the temples and monuments: The delicate and priceless temples and antique buildings in Patan Durbar Square. These buildings should be respected by not being touched or climbed on.
Wearing provocative clothes is not appropriate since Patan Durbar Square is a revered holy place. Do not dress revealingly or in shorts or short skirts. It is recommended to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Smoking and leaving trash behind are strictly forbidden at Patan Durbar Square. Outside the square, there are approved smoking locations, and there are garbage cans accessible for proper waste disposal.
Never photograph someone or something without their consent. This practice might be seen as rude. Before taking someone's picture, it's crucial to get their consent and to accept their decision if they say no.
Don't enter prohibited areas: Visitors might not be allowed in some parts of Patan Durbar Square. It's crucial to respect these spaces and refrain from entering them without authorization.

You may make sure that you and the locals have a courteous and pleasurable visit to Patan Durbar Square by adhering to these rules.

Things to Do and See in the Location

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Patan Durbar Square sits in the center of the Nepalese city of Patan. There are several temples, palaces, and other old buildings in the location. Following are some activities and sights to see at Patan Durbar Square:

Visit the Patan Museum, which is housed inside Durbar Square and has a collection of artifacts and works of literature pertaining to the history and culture of the region. The museum offers a fascinating look into Nepal's rich cultural past and is located in the Malla Kings' reconstructed palace.
Investigate the temples: The Patan Durbar Square is home to a number of temples, each with a distinctive architectural style and a distinct past. The Krishna Mandir, the Bhimsen Temple, and the Taleju Bhawani Temple are a few of the square's most renowned temples.
Patan is renowned for its metalwork, woodcarving, and other handicrafts. See the artists at work. In the alleyways and lanes around Durbar Square, several craftsmen may be seen at work. Being able to witness them produce exquisite pieces of art is a singular and unforgettable experience.
Enjoy the vantage point on top of the temples: The Patan Durbar Square is home to a number of temples with rooftop platforms that provide breathtaking panoramas of the region. These temples' peaks offer a unique vantage point from which to see the city and the nearby Himalayan mountains.
Attend a festival or event: The annual Bisket Jatra festival is one of the many festivals and events held at Patan Durbar Square throughout the year. It's a terrific opportunity to learn about the customs and culture of the community by participating in one of these activities.
Discover Patan's backstreets; they are brimming with undiscovered treasures including old homes, secret temples, and medieval courtyards. An excellent method to learn about the local culture and way of life is to explore these streets.

Ultimately, Patan Durbar Square is a must-visit location for everyone interested in Nepali culture and history because there is so much to see and do there.

Conclusion - Patan Darbar Square Ultimate Guide

In the center of Nepal's Patan, Patan Darbar Plaza is a striking historical and cultural landmark. The square is home to several magnificent temples, palaces, and courtyards that display the extraordinary workmanship of the Newar craftspeople who resided in the Kathmandu Valley.