Kathmandu Valley is combined with three districts; Kathmandu itself, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur (Patan) respectively. All of these districts carry cultural value, historical importance and the spirit of architect and handicraft. The city lies about 5 km from the Kathmandu. It is the city of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples and fine wood carvings. Lalitpur is the name of this city which 'means the city of beauty'. The city is known as the paradise of fine arts. Majority of newary tribes reside this area.
Here are some examples of Places to see in Patan: Patan Durbar Square: This durbar square located in Patan is a Patan Durbar which has many famous sites and unique architectures. Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabhihar are just a few among the temples offering you an ecstasy of paintings, wood and metal carvings. The Sundari Chowk contains exquisite samples of woodcarvings, stone and metal sculpture. Patan Dubar Square and the Himalaya that can be seen at a distance make an enchanting scene. A half-day sightseeing tour of the Patan city is highly recommended.
Patan Museum: Offers an opportunity to view remaining of the ancient palace of Malla Kings, and some of the most beautiful wood and stone carving works in the world. Museum covers a long history and living traditions of Nepal and is a-must-see for tourists to learn more about Nepali craftsmanship and their traditions.
Krishna Mandir: A king dreams of God Krishna and Goddess Radhan standing in front of a temple. Next day, turning dreams into a reality, a finest stone wrought monument is born! The Krishna temple located on the west side of the Patan Durbar Square was built in 1637 by the King Siddhi Narsingha Malla. The temple holds a great position in the Patan palace, it is also the only temple in Nepal which as 21 shrines and is completely made of stone, and fine carvings. The temple has three floors, Krishna, Shiva, Lokeshwor are enshrined in first, second and third floor respectively. During the Krishnastami, the lord Krishna's birthday, the temple is the destination of thousands of worshippers from around the country. The temple is beautifully lighted by thousands of oil lamps during the festival.
Mahabouddha: The temple is dedicated to Gautam Buddha. The temple was built by Pandit Abhaya Raj, a Buddhist architect, and more interesting thing about the temple is that every single brick has Buddha engraved in it. There are nearly one thousand bricks of Buddha in the temple!
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: This three storey golden pagoda temple is located about 650 feet from the Patan Durbar Suare. It has the images of Lord Buddha and large prayer wheels. The pagoda is also known as Kwa Bahal or Suwarna Mahavihar or Golden temple.
Kumbheshowr: the finest five storeyed temples in the valley portraying fine arts. An annual festival is held here once every year on the special day on August-September. This Temple carries greater historical and cultural value. On every Thursday there you can see special function and you can see a lot of people praying around there.
Jagat Narayan Temple A temple of Lord Vishnu made of red bricks. It has fine images of stone and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar. Statues inside this temple show the richness of architecture and handicraft in Nepal and especially in Patan.
Rudra Varna Mahavihar : A Buddhist monastery containing a collection of images and statues in stone, wood and metal and also the treasures offered by king's devotees. In ancient times, Nepal's kings were crowned in this monastery.
Ashoka Stupas: Stupas known to have been built in 250 BC by the Ashoka Emperor are located in Pulchowk, Lagankehl, and Ebahil and in Teat all of which act as evidence to this city's ancient religious importance.
Machhendra Nath: Also known as Avalokiteshowr and Adinath Lokeshwor and it carries Historical value. It is a pagoda styled temple that is situated here in Patan. For every six months of each year and on the special day an important function is being organized in keeping the ancient traditions alive.
Godavari: Situated at the foothills of Phulchoki, this place is surrounded by green jungle or gardens and flowers. It is an ideal place for picnic and hangouts for people of Kathmandu Valley. It is very nice to be there once if you are in Nepal.
Phulchowki: 10 KM away from Godabari, these 2759 mters high spot is good for hiking and whenever you are on its top we will see beautiful scenario all around . The Gurans flower (Rhododendrons) of white to dark red can be seen here at the particular time.
REMEMBER FOR THE FOLLOWING TOURS AND TREKS IN NEPAL:
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
2. Renjo La Pass Trekking
3. Everest High Pass Trekking
4.Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek
5.Nuptse Lhotse Trek
6.Gaurishankar Tashi Lapcha Pass Trekking
7.Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
8.Round Annapurna Trekking
9.Kathmandu Chitwan Pokhara
10Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek are the world's best trekking destinations, both are in Nepal.
