Patan, also called Lalitpur, sits about four kilometres from Kathmandu's Thamel tourist district and forms part of the Kathmandu Valley. It is known for its Newari architecture, its medieval city centre and Patan Durbar Square, and it has become a preferred base for travellers who want more space and less chaos than the Kathmandu city centre.
For a visitor, the practical question is how close to base yourself to Patan Durbar Square and the surrounding Newari streets, and how much of a walk or taxi ride you are willing to add to reach the sights. This guide covers the areas of Patan that the source material identifies as places to sleep, what kind of traveller each one suits, and the general accommodation levels you can expect.
Best areas to stay in Patan
1. Patan Durbar Square and its immediate surroundings
The area around Patan Durbar Square, including Mahapal Mangal Bazaar and Swotha square, is the medieval heart of the city. Staying here puts you among the temples and traditional Newari houses, with guesthouses and restored Newari buildings offering views over the square's temples and rooftops. It suits first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of the main sights, and travellers interested in Newari architecture and decor.
Swotha square is a short walk from the Durbar Square, so accommodation here keeps you close to the centre while slightly removed from the busiest part. This is the most convenient base if your priority is seeing Patan on foot.
2. Kulimha, north of Patan Durbar Square
Kulimha, at Kulimha tole, lies north of Patan's Durbar Square. It is a quieter residential setting where you find well-preserved and restored traditional Newari houses built of brick and timber in traditional Malla style around a central courtyard. It suits travellers who want a calm base within reach of the Durbar Square and who value traditional architecture over proximity to restaurants and shops.
3. Kupondole Heights
Kupondole Heights is a quiet, residential area on the hill, close to the Summit hotel. It is described as an NGO-type area, reflecting the presence of expatriate communities and international organisations in the Patan area. It suits longer-stay visitors, NGO and embassy-related travellers, and anyone who prefers a calm neighbourhood over the busy centre.
Note that this area is about a ten-minute walk to the main road, and taxis may not know specific addresses, so confirm your route before starting your journey.
4. Jawlakhel and Shanti Chowk
Jawlakhel, around Shanti Chowk, is near the national zoo, past which you find further accommodation. This area suits travellers who want a quieter base with garden or rooftop dining options and who are comfortable being a short ride from the Durbar Square. Short- and long-term stays are both possible here.
5. Gwarko
Gwarko lies across the Ring Road from the B&B hospital. It is a residential area with access to bus stops and taxis within a short walk, which makes it practical for budget travellers who do not mind being further from the centre. It suits those prioritising low costs and local amenities over proximity to the Durbar Square.
6. The main road up the hill to Patan
Along the main road going up the hill to Patan, on the side after crossing the Bagmati, you find larger hotels in a residential setting. This area suits travellers who want hotel facilities and are willing to walk or take transport to reach the historic centre. Rooms here range from small garden-wing rooms to larger ones, so check what you are booking.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Guesthouses in traditional Newari houses, including some centrally located near Patan Durbar Square with views over the temples, as well as simple rooms in family-run houses further out such as Gwarko. Expect basic rooms, sometimes with attached bathroom, and breakfast included at some places.
- Mid-range: Restored Newari houses and small hotels blending traditional architecture with modern comfort, often around Swotha square and the medieval centre. These typically offer attached bathrooms, balconies, roof terraces and services such as laundry, and are available for short, medium or long stays.
- Splurge: Larger hotels with facilities such as a swimming pool, located on the main road up the hill to Patan and in residential areas. These cater mainly to Indian and United Nations clientele and offer more space and amenities than the guesthouses in the centre.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around Patan Durbar Square and Swotha square. This puts you in the medieval city centre, within walking distance of the temples and the square, and among restored Newari houses with rooftop views. It is the most convenient choice if you want to see Patan on foot and keep travel time to the sights to a minimum.
Frequently asked questions
Is Patan a good alternative to staying in Kathmandu's Thamel area?
Yes. Patan is about four kilometres from Thamel, and it has become a preferred area for travellers looking for more space and less chaos than the Kathmandu city centre. Many expatriate communities live in the Patan area, and several international organisations and embassies are located there.
Which part of Patan is closest to the main sights?
The area around Patan Durbar Square, including Mahapal Mangal Bazaar and Swotha square, is the closest to the main sights. Swotha square is a short walk from the Durbar Square, so accommodation there keeps you near the centre.
Where do longer-stay visitors tend to base themselves in Patan?
Longer-stay visitors often choose areas such as Kupondole Heights and Jawlakhel, which are quieter and residential, with some accommodation offering short- and long-term stays. These areas are a walk or short ride from the main road and the historic centre.
Do I need to worry about transport if I stay outside the centre?
In areas such as Gwarko, a bus stop and taxis are within a short walk. In Kupondole Heights, it is about a ten-minute walk to the main road, and taxis may not know specific addresses, so confirm your route before starting your journey.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.