Historical Majesty of Patan Durbar Square

• Helloनमस्कार
  [Namaskāra]
• Goodbyeफेरी भेटौं
  [Phērī bhēṭauṅ]
• Yesहो
  [Ho]
• Noहोइन
  [Hō'ina]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kṛpayā]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavāda]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [Māpha garnuhōs]
• How are you?तपाइँलाई कस्तो छ?
  [Tapā'īnlā'ī kastō cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तपाईंलाई?
  [Rāmrō cha. Tapā'īnlā'ī?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [Tapā'ī angrejī bōlnuhuncha?]
• I don't understandमैले सम्झिन
  [Mailē samjhin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kṛpayā mēnu hērn cāhanchu]
• I don't eat meatम भांसो खाँदिन
  [Ma bhānsō khādin]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Ciyarsa!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kṛpayā bhuktānī garna cāhanchu]

• Help!मदद गर्नुहोस्!
  [Madada garnuhōs!]
• Go away!दुर्गम गर्नुहोस्!
  [Duragama garnuhōs!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [Praharīlā'ī bōlā'unuhōs!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [Ḍākṭaralā'ī bōlā'unuhōs!]
• I'm lostम खोइएको छु
  [Ma khō'ēkō chu]
• I'm illम बिमार छु
  [Ma bimāra chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [Ma kharīda garna cāhanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गर्न गएको छु
  [Ma sirjanā garna gēkō chu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [Yō kati hō?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [Yō dhērai mahangō cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मूल्य माथि तल गर्न सक्छन्?
  [Kē tapā'ī mūlya māthi tala garna sakchan?]

• What time is it?कति बज्यो?
  [Kati bajyō?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे भयो
  [Ēka bajē bhayō]
• Half past (10)दस बजे अर्को आधाघन्टा भयो
  [Dasa bajē arkō ādhāghaṇṭā bhayō]
• Morningबिहान
  [Bihāna]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [Di'um̐sō]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [Sām̐jha]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [Hijō]
• Todayआज
  [Āja]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [Bhōli]
• 1एक
  [Ēka]
• 2दुई
  [Dui]
• 3तीन
  [Tīna]
• 4चार
  [Cāra]
• 5पाँच
  [Pām̐ca]
• 6छ
  [Chha]
• 7सात
  [Sāta]
• 8आठ
  [Āṭha]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Dasa]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ...?
  [Kahām̐...?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के छ?
  [Ṭhēgānā kē cha?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?मलाई देखाउन सक्छ भने (नक्सामा)?
  [Malā'ī dēkhā'un sakcha bhanē (naksāmā)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहाँ जान्छ?
  [Arkō (basa) kahām̐ jāncha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक काटा (मा....)
  [Ēka kāṭā (mā....)]

Patan, also known as Lalitpur, was established in the 3rd century AD and is one of the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley. It was founded by the Kirat dynasty, and its strategic location facilitated trade and cultural exchange. The establishment of Patan Durbar Square marked the city as a significant political and economic hub.

During the Malla period (12th to 18th centuries), Patan became a center of art, architecture, and culture. The Malla kings were great patrons of the arts, and many of the temples and structures in Patan Durbar Square were constructed during this time, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and intricate wood and stone carvings.

The devastating earthquake of 1934 caused significant damage to Patan Durbar Square, leading to the destruction of several historic buildings. However, this tragedy also spurred restoration efforts that helped preserve the architectural heritage of the square, allowing the community to recover and rebuild.

In 1979, Patan Durbar Square was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural significance and the rich architectural legacy of the Malla kings. This designation has helped promote conservation efforts and increased global awareness of Patan's historical importance.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the preservation and promotion of Patan's cultural heritage. Local organizations and the government have initiated various projects aimed at restoring damaged structures, promoting traditional crafts, and enhancing the tourism experience in Patan Durbar Square, thereby reviving the vibrant culture of the area.

Patan Durbar Square is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Patan. You can take a local taxi, which is the most convenient option. Alternatively, you can use the microbus service that operates frequently throughout the city. If you are coming from the Thamel area in Kathmandu, take a taxi or a local bus heading towards Lagankhel, and from there, it's a short walk to the square.

Patan Durbar Square is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. You can walk to various attractions within the square and its surroundings. Bicycles are also available for rent in the area. Public transportation options like local buses connect to other parts of Patan, but they may not directly reach the square. Taxis are readily available for longer distances.

Patan is generally a safe area for tourists, but it's wise to remain vigilant. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night. The streets around the Patan Durbar Square are typically safe, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be cautious in places like the small alleyways where tourists gather, and keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for ambulance services in Nepal. There are local hospitals and clinics nearby; it is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest medical facility, which can be found in the vicinity of the square, just in case.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples and religious sites. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs; always ask for permission before taking photographs in sacred areas. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly and women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do use a polite greeting like 'Namaste' with a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local eateries and try street food, but don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Patan Durbar Square like a local, visit the nearby artisan workshops where you can see traditional crafts being made. Engage with local shopkeepers and ask about their crafts; many are happy to share their stories. Don't miss the chance to explore the hidden temples and courtyards that may not be in the guidebooks. For a unique experience, try visiting during festivals, when the square comes alive with cultural activities.