The best museums Patan

Certainly the finest museum in the country, dedicated to the religious arts of Nepal, it's well worth a visit. Housed in the former palace of the Malla kings, built in 1734, the museum was inaugurated in 1997. It boasts a unique site, a haughty testimony to traditional Newar architecture. Although, like all the buildings, it was only slightly damaged by the 2015 earthquake, it has now been renovated and is fully open. You'll need to take the time to explore both floors and the first floor, and to read the many detailed explanations, both religious and historical. Alcoves and showcases highlight the exhibits (over 200 devotional objects, statues and sculptures). The whole is highly instructive, and the objects well displayed. Visitors learn how to recognize the gods: their positions, finery and clothing, and their attributes. The well-presented explanations help you find your way through the multitude of gods. The visit provides an interesting insight into Buddhism and Hinduism, a glimpse of the links between these two religions and, more generally, a different approach to Nepal's history. The exhibition also presents the different techniques used to create these remarkable pieces. Allow a good two hours to get the full picture. And don't forget to take a close look at Gallery H, where you'll discover that Durbar Square hasn't changed much in over a century.

Uku Baha is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Patan, although some of the buildings date from the 19th century. In operation since the 6th century, the temple houses authentic treasures donated by the faithful. It is also distinguished by a bronze lion from the Victorian period and a statue of Judda Shamsher, a rana Prime Minister, in ceremonial dress. Shamsher had contributed to the renovation of the temple after the 1934 earthquake.

The Tanga Baha temple protects the ancient Buddhist sanctuary of Minnath, which dates back to the Lichavi period. Tanga Baha is a brightly painted, double-roofed temple dating from the ^16th century. It houses the deity, a red Lokesvar idol identical to that of Macchendranath. During the procession, his smaller chariot follows that of Macchendranath. Mandalas, stone lion statues and a large prayer wheel can all be seen here.