Patan is one of the oldest and the most beautiful royal city of Nepal. Patan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city, is the main tourist attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. One can rummage for treasures and souvenirs in the various shops around the square. Patan is one of the major cities of Nepal. The official name of the municipality is Lalitpur and it lies in the district with the same name.

Patan is often considered to be the oldest and most beautiful among the three royal cities (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur) in the Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its finest tradition of arts and crafts and its rich, cultural heritage. A good number of Hindu temples are also situated here. Hiranya Varna Mahavihara, Kumbheshwar, Jagat Narayan, Mahaboudba, Rudra Varna Mahavihara, Machchhendranath, and the five stupas of Ashokas are some of the major tourist sites of Patan.

The main attraction of Patan is the Durbar Square, where once was the ancient royal palace with 3 very interesting courtyards – admission fee is npr 200 per person for foreigners. The Durbar square of Patan is another fascinating tourist spot. Listed on UNESCO’s world heritage site, the Durbar square of Patan was once the resident of the Malla rulers. Now, this place is converted into a museum. The Durbar square is divided into three bloc: the central chowk, Sundari chowk and Keshav Narayan chowk. Among these three chowks, the Sundari chowk contains many beautiful stone architecture and Tushahity, the royal bath.

KHUMBHESHWOR: It is the temple of Lord Shiva, built by King Jayasthiti Malla and later a golden finial was added to it. This temple in Patan and Nyatapola temple in Bhadgaon are the only temples in the valley with five roofs, with an exception of round five-tiered Pancha Mukhi Hanuman of Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka Palace. During the Janai Purnima or Raksha Bandhan (in August) a festival will be held in this temple. Jhankris (witch doctors) attired in their traditional costumes come to bath at Khumbheshwor tank.

Patan is a very artistic city. Most of the Nepalese art of any form is devoted to Gods. So, there are a lot of temples and bihars in the city. The main places of interest is -Patan Durbar Square: The residence of the Malla rulers of the then Patan state which is now converted into a museum.