Understanding Patan and the Kathmandu Valley
Patan, also known as Lalitpur, sits within the Kathmandu Valley and is closely tied to the capital, Kathmandu. For visitors, the two cities function almost as one continuous urban area, which means getting around Patan is really about moving through the wider valley. The good news is that the historic core and its sites are compact and best explored on foot, while a mix of buses, micro buses, taxis, and other small vehicles fills in the longer hops.
Getting Around on Foot
Walking is the best way to see Patan and its sites. The city's attractions are clustered closely enough that you can cover the highlights on foot, and the streets themselves are part of the experience. If you are coming from Kathmandu, it is quite straightforward to walk from Thamel to Patan in about ninety minutes, with plenty to see along the way. A couple of bridges provide access from Kathmandu to Patan, so a good city map is a real asset.
One useful landmark for walkers is the Bagmati Bridge, a two-lane bridge over the Bagmati River that connects Patan with Kathmandu on the northeast side of the city. From the Ring Road, it is only about a fifteen-minute walk to Patan Durbar Square.
Rail, Metro and Tram
There is no rail, metro, or tram network to rely on for getting around Patan. Visitors should plan their journeys around road-based transport and walking instead.
Buses and Micro Buses
Public buses and micro buses are the mainstay of local transport. From Kathmandu, you can catch a micro bus from Ratnapark; the fare is around 15 rupees, with a reduced rate of about 10 rupees for students and volunteers who hold a Nepalese ID card.
Buses are another option. You can catch a blue or green bus on Kathmandu's Ring Road, which loops around the Kathmandu Valley. Fares run roughly 15 to 20 rupees. Simply tell the cashier or attendant that you want to go to Patan, and they will let you know when you arrive.
One practical warning: Nepal's buses and micro buses are not very good for handicapped people or the faint of heart. The people are very friendly, but the vehicles are very old and rough, so set your expectations accordingly.
Taxis, Minibuses and Tuk Tuks
Taxis, minibuses, and tuk tuks are widely available for getting around Patan. Taxis are the more expensive option compared with buses and micro buses, costing roughly 200 to 350 rupees (about 3 to 5 US dollars) for a journey such as the one from Kathmandu. Tuk tuks and minibuses offer additional flexibility for shorter trips within the city.
Walkability
Patan is a very walkable city. The city and its sites are best seen on foot, and the compact historic core rewards slow exploration. Even arriving from Kathmandu on foot is feasible for reasonably fit visitors, and the walk brings you past many points of interest. Carry a good city map, especially if you plan to cross between Kathmandu and Patan, since the bridges are the key connections between the two cities.
Getting from the Airport into the City
The source material does not describe airport transfers for Patan. In practice, visitors arriving by air will be arriving through the Kathmandu Valley's airport and then continuing into Patan using the same options described above: taxis, buses, or micro buses. Taxis are the most direct and comfortable choice, while buses and micro buses are the cheapest. Whichever you choose, expect the journey to reflect the same conditions as other road travel in the valley.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Walk whenever you can — Patan's sites are best seen on foot.
- Carry small change for bus and micro bus fares.
- Tell the bus attendant your destination; they will signal when to get off.
- Budget more for taxis than for buses if comfort matters to you.
- Keep a good city map handy, particularly for crossing between Kathmandu and Patan.
- Expect old, rough vehicles on public transport, and plan accordingly if you have mobility concerns.