Things to do in Lalitpur

Patan Durbar Square, the heart of the city symbolizes Nepal’s rich Newar heritage with meticulous carvings and various temples, palaces, and courtyards making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A bearable walk in the sun away is the three-story Krishna Mandir built in Shikhara style and the Golden Temple, a significant Newar Buddhist Monastery glowing with brass-coated structure and exquisite woodwork. Neighborhood places such as the Sundhara, Kwa Bahal, and Mangal Bazaar have ancient temples, shrines, and little carvings tucked away in forgotten nooks. You might even witness a traditional puja accompanied by the rhythmic chants of monks or the melodic clang of hand cymbals.

Lalitpur might be an urban area, but it’s surrounded by natural beauty that provides a refreshing contrast to the historic charm of its city streets. A popular route leads to Godavari, where the lush greenery of the botanical gardens and hills offers a refreshing escape—until gravity reminds you it’s all uphill. Godavari Botanical Gardens is packed with forested trails and wild flora while also connecting historical dots with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh as a reminder of the friendship between the UK and Nepal, with trees planted by dignitaries like the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Her late Majesty & Prince Philip. For a more exhilarating activity, the hike up to Phulchowki Hill grants you the best panoramic views while Lakuri Bhanjyang offers a tranquil view of the valley.

Begin with a Samay Baji plate consisting of rice, spicy pickles, black soybeans, and a fried fish dish often served at festivals and family gatherings, which is downed with chaang, a traditional millet beer. Yomari is a steamed dumpling filled with jaggery and sesame paste melting into a sweet, comforting flavour in your mouth. While you are exploring the Patan Durbar Square, ensure to stop by one of the local eateries that serve hot bowls of buff suki, spicy dried buffalo meat that’s a local favorite, best paired with cold momo or a glass of refreshing yogurt-based drink, lassi.

Lalitpur exceeds its reputation as the “City of Fine Arts” breathing creativity,  from the intricate carvings on temple doors to the delicate works of pottery. The place hosts various workshops and often invites visitors to join in their centuries-old traditions and practices that the city’s local artisans performed by providing hands-on experience. The Traditional Metal Crafts Foundation and Yala Mandala are two excellent spots to witness the fusion of traditional techniques and modern art, as well as to learn about the Newar metalworking traditions that have been passed down for generations.

The Golden Temple harbors an atmosphere where the air is thick with incense and the sacred sound of bells. It is not just the golden structure but also the ritualistic energy that fills the space. The Mahaboudha Temple, also referred to as the “'Temple of a Thousand Buddhas” is a small temple dating back to 1585 surrounded by buildings cemented by bricks engraved with intricate Buddha images since one Buddha wasn't enough. Wandering further will take you to Rudra Varna Mahavihar, an ancient monastery housing stunning deities, intricate wood, and metalwork, and is still used by Buddhist monks for rituals and learning. 

Things to do in Lalitpur become more diverse during festivals when centuries-old rituals blend with a unique communal energy. Rato Machhindranath Jatra, one of the longest and most revered festivals in the Kathmandu Valley consists of a dramatic chariot procession honoring the rain god Rato Machhindranath and typically lasts over a month because nothing says devotion like a month-long chariot procession, street feasts, and non-stop music and dancing. Lalitpur’s celebration of Krishna Janmashtami is particularly spectacular at Patan Durbar Square where devotees gather to light oil lamps, sing bhajans, offer milk, sweets, and flowers throughout the night, and sacrifice their peace treaty. Then there’s Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, observed with special serenity in the many viharas and stupas across the city.

The city is home to several futsal courts and bike rental shops. Lalitpur’s bike rental shops provide an opportunity to explore the city and its scenic outskirts at your pace popular route leads to Godavari, where the lush greenery of the botanical gardens and hills offers a refreshing escape, nothing says "spiritual awakening" like realizing you’re wildly out of breath five minutes into a nature walk. For a more immersive experience, join a local yoga class or a traditional dance workshop. If you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, you’ll often find people gathered around a carrom board or chess set in cozy roadside tea shops, engaging in a game over cups of hot masala chai.

Lalitpur truly is a treasure trove for hidden gems. From uphill hikes to downhill food comas, Lalitpur is the kind of place that manages to feel both ancient and alive at the same time. A city that welcomes every kind of traveler with open hearts and streets. Lalitpur doesn’t just give you things to do—it gives you stories to take home. Even the bricks here tell stories, some dating back to the 3rd century BCE.