Fodor's Expert Review Patan–Durbar Square

The only way you could fail to be impressed by Patan's magnificent central Durbar Square would be if you've already been in Kathmandu some time and have become 'templed out'. Officially a seperate city to Kathmandu, Patan's center is only 3 miles (and a short bus ride) away, and over time the two urban sprawls have merged into one. Patan's comparatively quiet Durbar is filled with intricately carved shrines and temple pagodas. Possibly the most impressive is the octagonal gray stone Krishna Temple, dating from 1723. Occupying one whole side of the square is the Royal Palace of the Malla Kings, a series of interconnecting temples and courtyards begun in the 14th century.