🏛️ Culture

Patan Durbar Square

Kathmandu, Nepal

About Patan Durbar Square

Across the Bagmati in Lalitpur, Patan's royal square is a showcase of Newar craftsmanship, including the stone Krishna Mandir and the old royal palace, part of which is now the excellent Patan Museum. Foreigners pay an entry fee (NPR 1,000 in 2026) that covers the museum. Afterwards, eat Newari food at Honacha on the square's northern edge.

durbar-squaremuseumnewariunesco

📍Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur 44700, Nepal

🗺️View on Google Maps & Reviews →

Why it works for solo travelers

✓ Comfortable to visit on your own.
✓ Budget-friendly ($).

More solo-friendly culture in Kathmandu →Kathmandu solo travel guide →

Quick info

Price range

More Culture in Kathmandu

🏛️

Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal's holiest Hindu temple complex, on the banks of the Bagmati River. Only Hindus may enter the main temple, but visitors can explore the ghats, shrines and cremation terraces, which are moving to watch respectfully from across the river. The evening aarti, with lamps and chanting, starts around 6–7pm; foreigners pay an entry fee (NPR 1,000).

🏛️

Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its huge white dome crowned by the watchful eyes of the Buddha and ringed with prayer flags. The surrounding square is lined with Tibetan monasteries, shops and rooftop cafés. Come in the early evening, when pilgrims walk the kora clockwise around the stupa spinning prayer wheels.

🏛️

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

An ancient hilltop stupa on the western edge of Kathmandu and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nicknamed the Monkey Temple after the troupes that live here. The steep eastern stairway of 365 steps leads up to the painted eyes of the stupa and wide views over the valley — great at sunrise or sunset. Keep food out of sight: the monkeys are bold.

Culture in other cities

Planning your trip to Kathmandu?

📋 Resources for your trip

🏨

Where to stay in Kathmandu

Hotels & stays on Booking.com

🛡️

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing & World Nomads

📱

eSIM for this trip

Stay connected from $5

🗺️

Solo-friendly tours

Group tours on GetYourGuide

Some of these are affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.