Explore Patan: Heritage Walking Tour

Patan is one of the most culturally distinct and amazingly well-preserved of the ancient cities in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. Believed to have been founded in the eighth century, it was once an independent kingdom. This rich heritage has allowed it to maintain its identity despite being a mere five km away from the capital city of Kathmandu. There's no better destination, then, for a cultural patrimony tour than Lalitpur, the Sanscrit name for Patan, which means "City of Beauty."

And beautiful it is. There are 55 major temples in this city, as well as 136 Buddhist monasteries. A tour of it all is led by a knowledgeable local guide who takes folks on an odyssey through the city's ancient courtyards. See how the indigenous Newari artisans live, marvel at the thangka Buddhist artworks, and witness the fruits of the stone carvers and metalworkers. The tour includes opportunities to meet and chat with these locals, which offers even more insight into their traditions and way of life.