Patan: The Jewel of Nepali Heritage

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeछोरा
  [chora]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा गर्नुहोस्
  [kshama garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [tapailai kasto cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तपाईं?
  [ramro cha. tapai?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [tapai angreji bolnuhuncha?]
• I don't understandमलाई सम्झिन्छैन
  [malai samjhinchhain]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya menu hernu chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम भांसाको मांस खाँदिन
  [ma bhasako maans khandina]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya bhuktaani garne chahanchu]

• Help!मदत गर!
  [madat gar!]
• Go away!चले जाऊ!
  [chale jau!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई फोन गर!
  [praharilai phone gar!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई फोन गर!
  [daktarlai phone gar!]
• I'm lostम बिर्सेको छु
  [ma birseko chu]
• I'm illमलाई बिरामी छ
  [malai birami cha]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma khareed garne chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गर्दैछु
  [ma sirjana gardaichu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [yo kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveत्यो धेरै महँगो छ
  [tyo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तिमी मूल्य हाल्न सक्छौ?
  [ke timi mulya haalna sakchau?]

• What time is it?कति बज्यो?
  [kati bajyo?]
• It's one o'clockएक बज्यो
  [ek bajyo]
• Half past (10)दस बजे देखि आधा
  [das baje dekhi aadha]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sajh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पाँच
  [paanch]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दश
  [dash]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ छ?
  [... kaha cha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तिमी मलाई देखाउन सक्छौ (नक्सामा)?
  [ke timi malai dekhaun sakchau (naksama)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले छ?
  [arko (bas) kahile cha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... सम्म)
  [ek ticket (.... samma)]

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is one of the oldest cities in Nepal, with its foundations laid during the reign of the Kirat Dynasty around the 3rd century BC. The city has a rich history that intertwines with the ancient cultures of the Kathmandu Valley, serving as a hub for Buddhist and Hindu traditions from its earliest days.

The Malla Dynasty, which ruled from the 12th to the 18th century, marked a period of prosperity and cultural renaissance for Patan. The city became a focal point for art, literature, and architecture. King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, in particular, is credited with constructing many of the city's iconic temples and buildings, including the Krishna Mandir and the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple).

Patan is renowned for its exquisite Newar architecture, which flourished during the Malla period. The Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the city's architectural grandeur with its array of temples, shrines, and palaces. Each structure, adorned with intricate carvings and woodwork, reflects the city's rich artistic heritage.

Patan holds immense religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. The city is home to over 1,200 monuments, including the Mahabouddha Temple, a terracotta masterpiece dedicated to the Buddha. Additionally, the city houses numerous bahals (courtyards) and chaityas (stupas), making it a pilgrimage site for devotees from across the region.

Historically, Patan was a bustling center of trade and commerce due to its strategic location along ancient trade routes. The city's artisans and craftsmen were renowned for their skills in metalwork, pottery, and weaving, contributing to Patan's reputation as a hub of traditional craftsmanship that continues to thrive today.

Patan is famous for its vibrant cultural festivals that reflect the city's rich traditions and heritage. The Rato Machhindranath Jatra, one of the longest and most important religious festivals in Nepal, celebrates the rain god Machhindranath. The festival involves a grand chariot procession through the streets of Patan, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.

While Patan is steeped in history, it has also embraced modernity. The city hosts numerous educational institutions, cultural centers, and art galleries, blending the old with the new. Despite facing challenges such as the 2015 earthquake, which caused significant damage to historical sites, Patan has shown remarkable resilience and continues to restore and preserve its cultural heritage.

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which is approximately 6 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-sharing apps to reach Patan in around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Additionally, local buses and microbuses operate between Kathmandu and Patan, offering a budget-friendly option.

Patan is well-connected by public transportation, including buses, microbuses, and taxis. Local buses and microbuses are the most economical way to get around, but they can be crowded. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-sharing apps. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a bicycle or a motorbike to explore the city's narrow streets and alleyways. Walking is also a great way to explore Patan, especially in the historic Durbar Square area.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in Patan, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in Kathmandu if you plan to travel to more remote areas.

Patan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be cautious in areas like Lagankhel and Mangal Bazaar, where pickpocketing can occur. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuable items openly.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for medical emergencies. The Patan Hospital is a major medical facility in the area and can provide emergency care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies in Patan where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' by joining your palms together. A handshake is also acceptable among younger generations. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Patan like a local, visit the local markets such as Mangal Bazaar, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Nepali goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Patan Museum, which offers a deep dive into the art and architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. For a unique experience, attend one of the many traditional festivals, such as the Rato Machhindranath Jatra, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Patan.