Patan Darbar Square, Kathmandu

• Patan Darbar Square faced maximum damage during the 2015 earthquake, the restoration work is going on even 7 years later
• The late evening time with lighting and less crowd is more suited for those who want to check this place thoroughly

Patan Darbar Square is the most prominent of the darbars not just because of its exquisite beauty but also because of the significant damage and restoration work that it had to go through after the devastating 2015 earthquakes. The darbar, a Unesco World Heritage Site, houses more than 50 temples within its premises.

Patan Darbar Square at night, Kathmandu

Just as you enter you can see scaffoldings on the first tower to the right. From the pictures before earthquake it was clear that this used to be a significant structure, now in ruins. Walking to the centre of the darbar, the major structures are clearly visible to admire. Walking further in, to the right a set of steps take you to what looks like an elaborate bath.

Carved taps, water still flowing

It looks strange that there are residential buildings adjacent to such intricate artwork. Some of these houses have restaurants built into it but mostly were closed possibly because it was night when we were exploring the darbar. Still the neon lights from these houses were eerily disturbing.

New residential building adjacent to darbar temples

I loved the temple with the elaborate roof the most. Even the supporting pillars were carved in stone with different kind of gods and goddesses. We learned later that this is one of the most celebrated kind of artwork in ancient Nepal.

Intricate roof work @ Patan

Since this was our first day in Kathmandu and next few days were going to be hectic covering the seven heritage sites of Kathmandu valley, we decided to call it a day and go back to our hotel which was ten minute drive by cab from here.