Patan - Matsyendranath Area

In addition to some large palaces dating from the Rana period, the suburb of Jawlakhel in south-west Patan also contains a zoo. Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet many Tibetan exiles made their homes here, bringing their skills in carpet-weaving with them.

Like other Nepalese crafts carpet making is carried on in the streets, a marvelous opportunity to watch the nimble fingers at work and to learn something about the different patterns and qualities. This apart, Jawlakhel is principally a new district with undistinguished concrete housing.

This small square on Patan's main east-west thoroughfare boasts a shrine dedicated to Narayan. The figure of Shankara Narayana dates from the 5th or 6th c.; the stele depicting the sun god Surya was erected in 1082.