Patan
Patan – or Lalitpur, as it is also known – is one of the largest cities in Nepal, located in the Kathmandu Valley. This city has long since had a tradition of arts and crafts, of festival, of feast, and of rich cultural traditions, and its heritage has not only been preserved but perpetuated. Located just across the Bagmati River from neighboring metropolis Kathmandu, Patan has managed to grow as a large city with a strong economy of trade and commerce, while maintaining its charming, medieval feel. Home to over 1,200 monuments, Patan itself is like a museum, filled with wood carvings, ornate statues, and both Hindu and Buddha temples. For culture, for art, for religion, and for an escape to something both tangible and dreamlike, Patan is a city not to be missed.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Golden Temple
This Buddhist Temple is known for its color – as bright and golden as the sun from the ground to the roof. Visitors can delight in the statues and deities, but the real treat is finding the secret passageway!
Krisnhna Mender Temple
This tall, unique temple is a true architectural marvel – and though it must have a lovely view, only Hindus are allowed to climb its steep stairs. Nonetheless, take in the beauty of the building by enjoying a meal at a nearby restaurant, within eyesight of the temple.
Markets
With a rich history as an arts and crafts haven, Patan’s markets are filled with unique goods, hand-crafted out of local materials - perfect for visitors looking to learn about tradition and also pick up some souvenirs. Also of note is a visit to Park Gallery, an artist-run space that has turned into a hub for galleries and shops.
Patan Dhoka
The first stop for guests to this unique city? - Patan Dhoka, the historic entrance to this exotic metropolis that is both beautiful and marvelous in its intricate architecture. Visitors should take note… this is only the beginning!
Patan Durbar Square
As one of seven Monument Zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site, the Patan Durbar Square is a site not to be missed. With its classic Newa architecture, red brick tiled ground, and the array of temples surrounding it, Patan Durbar Square is at the center of life in the city and a must-see for visitors.
Patan Museum
For those visitors interested in Asian art and its history, the Patan Museum provides a world-class learning experience, showcasing statues, artifacts, and art from centuries past. Located inside a palace, this museum displays the rich history of Nepal and the intrinsic art traditions that still exist today.
Nepal Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Multi-Country Specialists
Nepal Goes Well With
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Hidden in the Valley
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
Although it is often overshadowed by its neighbors, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Patan lives up to its original Sanskrit name of Lalitpur (City of Beauty).
Color and Chaos: Kathmandu Through the Lens
- Author
- Nam Cheah
Nam Cheah turns her camera on Nepal’s capital of Kathmandu, where she finds a city of color and chaos and a world still recovering from the earthquake of 2015.
Kumaris: The Living Child Goddesses of Nepal
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
For more than 1,000 years, Kumaris have been a central part of Hindu and Buddhist culture in Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A couple from Texas
My wife and I traveled to Nepal with Remote Lands, and had an incredible time. This was our fourth trip with Remote Lands and the trip was planned perfectly with every detail accounted for.