Patan is the last one amongst the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley, situated only 5 kilometers from the capital, across river Bagmati. For the connoisseurs of fine art and history, the city serves as a paradise with its ever-blooming handicraft industry and traditional lifestyle. Although, it is categorized as a sub-metropolitan city, you will still have the sense of being in the ancient Nepal, owing to the old-style architecture. Officially the name is Lalitpur (City of Beauty), and is also called by its Newari name, Yala.
Most travelers coming to Kathmandu take a one-day trip to Patan; however, an overnight stay in the city will introduce you to the charming beauty of the Durbar Square during the evening. At the myriad of squares you can visit several palaces, walk around the stupas, shop at the handicraft markets and lay your eyes upon the finest works of sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist statues.