This tour focuses on how the locals of Patan live life today. Visitors will learn about the historical context of the transition of farming for a living vs. switching it up to real estate and other businesses, which has influenced the city’s culture, architecture, and identity. The tour will highlight how Patan and its people have adapted to these changes, and how they continue to shape the city’s unique character today.
Swotha
On heading north from the Patan Durbar Square, the neighborhood is called Swotha square courtyard housing temples, water well and tap, and currently also some trendy eateries and tea shops.
The main eye-catching landmark of the square is the Swotha Krishna Mandir, an ancient Malla era temple made in replication of the Patan Durbar Square’s famous Krishna Mandir. In the process of reconstructing after the 2015 earthquake, the upper floors were then replaced with the white dome structure – a mismatch with the floor of the temple structure. The old water well and tap is part of the larger water distribution system of Patan, and was for public use.
Tumbahal
Heading east through Wolkhu galli from the Swotha square, Tumbahal is a neighborhood in Swotha. The neighborhood houses Gajendra Moksha Narayan Mandir temple and is currently one of the trendy streets with cafes and eateries.
Uwkhul Ganesh Area
Notice the windows and door frames which is an indicator for when that building was initially built. This area also shows the integration of Buddhists and Hindus
Kautisaugal
Kautisaugal (by the crossroads of Taha Galli) is historically known for the inscriptions on this stone slab dating back to the 7th century
Chapat Ganeshthan
Chapat Ganeshthan is a public house built for communal activities such as celebrating festivals and gathering for feasts.
Subahal
Subahal is a monastery surrounded by private homes of the lay people who go to worship at the monastery
Bhinchhe Bahal
Bhinchhe Bahal is known for stone carving. This is also a monastery like Subahal and you can go into the compound to see the architecture of the houses change over different time periods.
Pilachhen
Pilachhen is a neighborhood known for its embossing work. The neighborhood gets its name from the mythical story of being home (‘chhen’ in newari) of the Lakhey named ‘Pila’. The neighborhood is an example of a cultural newari community; a ganesh mandir, mahabihars, chowks, falcha, and guthi chhen.
