Patan Durbar Square      Durbar Square, the most important area of Patan and the center of the city's religious and social life, is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards, and graceful pagoda temples. It is a celebration of Newari architecture, its distinct character a product of the traditionally pivotal role of religion in society combined with the rivalry that existed between 17th and 18th century Malla rulers of the Kathmandu Valley's three city states for the most resplendent reflection of their authority. Durbar Square, a former royal palace complex, has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.      A British traveler, Percival London, who was highly impressed by the sight of this beautiful square, wrote in 1928, "As an ensemble, the Durbar in Patan probably remains the most picturesque collection of buildings that have been set up in so small a place by the piety of oriental man."   Patan Museum      The Patan museum inside Durbar Square specialises in bronze statues and religious objects and contains nearly nine hundred items. Some pieces go back to the 11th century. Most of the statues are of Buddha and of Hindu deities. The Patan museum, a former palace of the late Malla dynasty, was restored and adapted over a period of 15 years and completed in 1997 with professional and financial assistance from the Austrian Government    Iba Bahi      Iba Bahi, about a 2-min. walk south of Durbar Square, is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley and reflects the sophisticated architecture of the Malla period. A two-step platform leads to the courtyard with a hall. There is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha right across the entrance.   Kwa Bahal (Golden Temple)      Kwa Bahal, also known is Hiranya Varna Mahavir, is a Buddhist monastery built by King Bhaskar Verma the 12th century. A pair of decorative stone lions guard the inconspicuous entrance, which opens onto a large paved courtyard. The monastery building is embellished with exceptionally fine wood-carvings, and other artistic images are scattered around the courtyard. The temple itself is a magnificent three-storey pagoda with each roof covered in copper. A large bell hangs beneath a gilded canopy near the entrance to the main temple, while above the entrance is a series of twelve carved images of the Buddha.   Mahabouddha Mahabouddha is a 14th century temple, modeled after the temple in Bodhgaya, where the Buddha was enlightened. According to legend, the gold image of the Buddha in the center of the temple was brought from Bodhgaya. Mahabouddha is dedicated to the thousand Buddhas of the auspicious aeon whose names are enumerated in the Bhadrakalpika-sutra. This is a masterpiece of terracotta art, indicating the skill of Patan's ancient craftsmen. Each of the bricks (approximately 9000) is said to carry an image of the Buddha. Surrounding the shrine are numerous friezes depicting scenes from the Buddha's life. A small shrine, dedicated to Mayadevi, Buddha's mother, is usually illuminated by many oil lamps lit by worshippers.   Oku Bahal Oku Bahal, also called Rudravarna Mahavihar, is situated a few steps past Mahabouddha. Built in 13th century, it is one of the oldest and the best known Buddhist places of worship in Patan. The main temple rises from the center of the monastery buildings. Five decorative stupas and small statues of peacocks top the tiled lower roof of the two-storey pagoda, and the copper upper roof has beams trimmed with images of demi-gods. Above the richly adorned entrance are bronze friezes with various Buddhist representations, including Mayadevi. Inside the rectangular complex are courtyards alive with reflections of the culture of Patan, with bronze and stone statues. A two-storey building with gilded roofs encloses the stone-paved courtyard.   Tibetan Refugee Camp This camp was set up in 1960 under the initiative of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss Development Corporation, in cooperation with His Majesty's Government of Nepal. Its main objective is to help the Tibetan refugees become productive and support themselves. In the carpet factories, managed by the refugees themselves, a visitor can see the entire process of spinning, dying, and weaving wool carpets with traditional Tibetan designs. There is also a well-stocked showroom with all kinds of carpets for sale.   Kumbheshwor Kumbheshwor, one of the two five-storied temples in the Kathmandu Valley, is dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva.This temple was built by King Jayasthiti Malla in 1132, while the golden finial was added in 1422. In the courtyard is a natural spring whose source is believed to be the famous glacial lake of Gosainkunda, a five-day walk north of Kathmandu. A fair, which includes ritual bathing in the courtyard, is held here on Janai Poornima, the full moon in August.   Achcheshwor Mahavihar This temple was established at the beginning of the seventeenth century by Achheshwor Shakya to house an image of Buddha. Recently remodeled, the Mahavihar now includes a monastery, the Dyankuti International Buddhist Research Centre, a training centre, a library, a meditation room, and an international guesthouse. Situated behind the Ashoka Stupa at Pulchowk, The Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu valley.   Temples of Machchindra Nath and Min Nath The Temple of Machchindra Nath, temple of Bungadeo, built in 1408, is called Tabahal by local people. In the center of the courtyard, full of votive stupas, is a pagoda housing an image of Machchindra, also known as Avalokiteshvara and Janmadyo. Six months of each year, however, the image is taken to a shrine in Bungamati. Opposite this temple is the Temple of Min Nath, which is smaller, but older.   Zoo Patan Zoo is situated at Jawalakhel. This small zoo houses many animals, birds, and reptiles native to the Himalayan region. There is also a beautiful pond built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in the17th century.   Phulchowki Located about 10 km southeast of Patan, this mountain, 1759 m high, is a good spot for hiking. Many varieties of rhododendrons ranging in colour from pure white to dark red can be seen in spring. At the top of the mountain are Buddhist and Hindu shrines. The dirt road up the mountain is also navigable by four-wheel drive.   Ashoka Stupas At each of the four cardinal points marking the ancient boundaries of Patan, King Ashoka erected a stupa. These stupas are still recognizable, but all except the Northern Stupa are now mostly grassed over.     1. Bahai Thura (Northern Stupa) is located in Goache Tole, north of Durbar Square, beyond the Uma Maheshwar Temple. This is the best preserved of the four stupas. A lotus-shaped adornment supports the Kailasa pinnacle above the spire's 13 steps, representing the 13 stages of the path to enlightenment, and a group of chaityas (small pagodas) form part of the circumference wall at the base of the stupa.     2. Tetta Thura (Eastern Stupa), the most out of the way of the four stupas, lies outside the modern city of Patan. Four chaityas are fitted into the brick perimeter wall at the cardinal points, and a small stone structure, the remains of the pinnacle, projects from the top of the grassy hillock.     3. Lagan Thura (Southern Stupa), the largest of the four, is situated by a lotus pound and gives this area Lagankhel its name. Protruding from the top of the stupa is a small hemispherical stone edifice painted with the eyes of Buddha and supporting a compact spire with the 13 steps.     4. Pulchowk Thura (Western Stupa) is situated in Pulchowk. All that remains is a large mound, topped by a stone structure painted with the eyes of Buddha and with four chaityas in the base.