World by City

Temples & religious sites

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

Open in Maps
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

Commonly known as the Golden Temple, this is a historic Buddhist monastery and temple dedicated to Buddhism. Visitors go here to observe the traditional Newari architecture, specifically the elaborate metalwork and the gilded roof that gives the site its name.

Getting There

The temple is located within the urban center of Patan. From the main city hub, it is accessible via a short walk or a quick rickshaw ride, typically taking less than 10 minutes depending on the starting point.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 45 to 90 minutes to walk through the courtyard and examine the detailed carvings and metal decorations.

When to Visit

Early morning is recommended to avoid the largest crowds. The site can become crowded during local religious festivals and on weekends. The autumn and spring seasons offer the most stable weather for visiting the outdoor courtyards.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this site can be combined with several other landmarks within walking distance:

  • Krishna Mandir: 0.2km
  • Kumbheshwar Temple: 0.2km
  • Patan Museum: 0.2km
  • Patan Durbar Square: 0.3km

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Bhaktapur hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Krishna Mandir

Temples & religious sites

Krishna Mandir

Built in the 17th century by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, this Shikhara-style Hindu temple stands in Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Damaged in the 2015 earthquake, it was restored in 2018 and is once again open to visitors.

0.2 km away

Kumbheshwar Temple

Temples & religious sites

Kumbheshwar Temple

Kumbheshwar Temple is a five-story pagoda near Patan Durbar Square, built in the 14th century as Patan's oldest temple. Dedicated to Shiva, it features intricate wood carvings and a large Nandi statue facing the shrine.

0.2 km away

Patan Museum

Museums & galleries

Patan Museum

This museum occupies the site of the former Malla dynasty royal palace and is a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing traditional Nepali religious art. Visitors can also admire the intricate wooden palace architecture.

0.2 km away

Patan Durbar Square

Parks & gardens

Patan Durbar Square

One of Nepal's Durbar Squares, located in Lalitpur (formerly Patan). Strolling around the old royal palace, you can sense centuries of history, making it a pleasant spot to relax and take in the old-town atmosphere.

0.3 km away

Balkumari temple

Temples & religious sites

Balkumari temple

Balkumari Temple stands in the Lalitpur area of Nepal; its exact founding date is unknown, but it is believed to have been built sometime between the 7th and 17th centuries. It is dedicated to Balkumari, one of the Ashta Matrika goddesses, and continues to draw a steady stream of worshippers.

1.0 km away

Kathmandu Zoo

Zoos & aquariums

Kathmandu Zoo

This is a zoo in Nepal, home to 969 animals across 109 species. Open to the public since 1956, its long history makes it a great choice for families.

1.4 km away