Lonely PlanetAug 13, 2026
A walking tour of Patan, Nepal's city of history and heritage
Take a walk to discover the less-seen side to the ancient city of Patan in Nepal
22 things in this story
- Hiranya Varna MahaviharPlace of worshipAlso known as the Golden Temple or Kwa Bahal.
- Patan Durbar SquareSightStarting point for many city tours.
- Patan DhokaNeighborhoodBrightly painted gateway, once a major entry point.
- Ganesh templePlace of worshipA 17th-century temple dedicated to the elephant-headed deity.
- Jadhu HitiSightStone water tank.
- Mikha BahalSightHistoric courtyard with a Buddha statue.
- Pim Bahal PokhariSightAlso known as Jagmadu Pukhu, a pond without foundation.
- Ashok ChaityaSightImposing, whitewashed stupa thought to be city center.
- Bishweshwor TempleSightA rare Hindu place of worship in a Buddhist area.
- Sri BahalSightOne of 18 major Buddhist courtyards, has manuscripts.
- Na BahalSightA short walk away from Sri Bahal.
- Purnachandi PukhuSightSacred pond flanked by an ancient Siddhi Lakshmi temple.
- Kumari houseSightResidence of Patan's living goddess.
- Dau BahalSightFinest example of Newari residential architecture.
- Nag BahalSightContinue north toward this location.
- Golden TempleSightDating back to the 11th century, gilded facade.
- Patan MuseumMuseumPart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site complex.
- Krishna MandirPlace of worshipStone-built temple dating back to 1637.
- Mangal BazaarMarketBustling market near Durbar Square.
- Mahabouddha TempleSight16th-century temple.
- Haka BahalSight
- Elsewhere
- National MuseumMuseumKathmandu, NepalExamples of returned sculptures can be seen here.