Discover Nepal guide

Lalitpur District: Culture & Travel Guide

Explore Lalitpur District: geography, communities, heritage, food, trekking routes, best time to visit and practical details.

Patan — the city of fine arts — and the green hills of its southern half rising to Phulchowki.

People and communities

Newar communities form the historic core of Patan city, with Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa and other communities across the district.

History

Culture and traditions

Patan's metalworkers and stone carvers still hold workshops in the old town's bahals; the Rato Machindranath Jatra, the valley's longest chariot festival, ends each spring in Lagankhel.

Food and agriculture

Patan specialities include bara wo, chatamari and the yomari of harvest festivals; the old-town cafés now fuse Newa cooking with the modern menu.

Best time to visit

Oct–Nov and Feb–Apr.

Places and heritage

  • Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO)
  • Patan Museum
  • Golden Temple (Kwa Baha)