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PATAN (Lalitpur)
The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as
the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist
monuments.The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism
and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing
in this city for today's visitors.
Orientation and Arrival
Old Patan developed along two intersecting axes, which extended out to the
four Ashokan stupas. The northern route, now pedestrianized, takes in
Patan's Durbar Square and also the famed Golden and Kumbeshwar temples.
Patan's western axis serves as the main way into town from Kathmandu. The
busy southern road runs past the Machhendranath Mandir and the Lagankhel
bus park, while the eastern road skirts the temple of Mahabuddha. The 'fibetan
crafts centre of Jaulakhel is located at the southwestern edge of the
city.
Getting to Patan has become a bit more civilized and less polluting since
the introduction of the battery-powered Safaa Tempo ("Clean Tempo")
service. Donated by a multilateral aid programme, the white three-wheelers
run from Kathmandu's northern suburbs to Patan's Mangal Bazaar via the
City Bus Park and Martyrs' Gate.
By bike, it shouldn't take more than half an hour. Coming over the main
bridge from Kathmandu, you can enter the city via the Western
Stupa or more directly via Patan Dhoka. |
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