Sightseeings in Nepal

Patan Introduction Sightseeings in Patan Patan Museum Patan's Kumari

Patan: Sightseeings

ASHOKA STUPAS

There are four ancient stupas in Patan believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of Patan. These stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi (on the way to Sankhamul), and Teta (on the way to Lubhu Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas are the evidence to the city's ancient religious importance.

BAJPA BARAHI

Situated in a small woodland park this temple is about 10 kilometres south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bahairav and Lele from here is worthwhile. Buses to Bajra Barahi are available at Lagankhel.

GODAVARI

Situated at the Foot Hill of Phulchowki this place has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari pa passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba a Badegaon. Godavari is a good picnic spot with the only Botanical Garden in Nepal. Fish hatchery and a marble quarry also are located here. It is open daily including Saturdays and government holidays. Buses for Godavari are available at Langankhel.

Godavari - Royal Botanical Garden

HIRANYA VARNA MAHAVIHAR

This three storey golden pagoda of Lokoshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Verma. iIt is located in the courtyard of Kwabahal. Inside the upper storey of this pagoda, placed on the pedestal, are the golden image of Amoghpash Lokeshwor and a large prayer wheel. There is a wealth of gems like beautiful carvings on its walls and paintings depicting a complete life history of Buddha.

JAWALAKHEL HANDICRAFT CENTRE (Tibetan Refugee Camp)

It is an extremely interesting place where one can see the s spinning, dying and weaving of Tibetan carpets. This centre has also a well-stocked show room.

Tibetan Refugee Camp

JAGATNARAYAN TEMPLE

It is a tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu in red brick. Situated on the bank of Bagmati river (Sankhamul), the temple has many fine images of stone and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar right in front.

KRISHNA MANDIR

This temple of Lord Krishna built in the 17th century by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, holds a commanding position in the Durbar Square of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style temple all made in stone. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 golden pinnacles. Most of the important scenes from the ancient Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have been engraved on its friezes.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE

Patan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. The square is full of ancient monuments, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite craftsmanship and architectural beauty. One can rummage for treasures in the various shops around the square.
Patan Photo Gallery

PHULCHOWKI

Located around 10 kilometres southeast of Patan, this mountain is 2.759 m high, is a good spot for hiking. Rhododendrons of r ent varieties and colours from pure white to dark red are found here. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeepable road.

PATAN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

Patan Industrial Estate is situated at Langankhel in Lalitpur Di strict near Sat Dobato. This Industrial Estate is well known for 5 Nepali handicrafts such as wood carving, metal crafts, carpets, thangka paintings. It is very interesting to see how these go are made in the different workshops. For the convenience of the tourists, there is a shopping arcade within the premise of this Industrial Estate where various handicraft products of the Estate are exhibited and sold.

TEMPLES OF RED MACHHENDRA NATH AND MINNATH The temple of Red Machhendra Nath, built in 1408 A.D. is situated at Tabahal. Red Machhendra also known as Avalokiteshwor is housed here in for six months and another six months in Bungamati. The temple of Min Nath is situated at Tangal which is supposed to be older than the temple of Red Machhendra Nath. THE ZOO The Zoo is situated at Jawalekhel in Patan. There are many animals, birds and reptiles, mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond inside it built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 17th century. It is open daily from 10.00 a.am to 5 p.m.

THREE MAIN CHOWKS

The main attraction of Patan Durbar Square is ancient Royal Palace. It consists of three main chowks (a Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk northeastern corner of the Mul Chowk is the three storied octagonal temple of Taleju Bhawani built by King Shree Malla in 1667. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone sculptures popularity known as Royal bath. Beb central Mul Chowk and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk Iies of Degu Taleju looking out into the main square.