Unseen Patan Galli Tour Itinerary for Explorers of Nepal

Full Itinerary for a Self-Guided Tour in Hidden Patan

Who is this for?

• Self-Directed Travellers who want to see the Inner side of Patan and its local people
• Open to going through Gallis to see beautiful hidden spots
• Planning a quick hangout with friends
• Morning/Evening Walk goers who want to try a new route
• Just fed up with staying at home because of the pandemic and want to explore a new place in close proximity

The following itinerary was a short tour that I developed before the pandemic for tourists to explore the Hidden Side of Patan while tasting local delicacies on the way. The route is filled with “Gallis” that touch many of the temples that you might have never even seen, even though you might have been a resident of Kathmandu Valley!

The city of Patan has so much more to offer than what the common person would perceive.

Being a local of Patan, I knew more people had to see the side of this ancient city that’s unseen. I had done two test tours of this itinerary with expats here in Nepal and they loved it. Sadly, the pandemic happened after that.

But I still have the itinerary of the tour so I thought why not share it?

We’re all clogged up mentally with the pandemic, aren’t we? I thought about sharing this route so that if you want to explore a new place or just plan an interesting activity rather than staying home all the time, this could be a good short tour.

Duration: Usually 2 hours when guided with descriptions on every spot. But, with your own self-guidance, it shall be at your own pace. I recommend that slower is better for this one!

Time: Mornings are a great time since you get to explore the daily life of Newars here performing their rituals. Moreover, you’d have the chance to taste the local delicacies cooked right on the spot. You can opt to go in the afternoon too but make sure that you go before it’s dark.

The final destination of the tour is Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the major attraction of Patan.

I initially thought about sharing it in Google Maps but the locations didn’t show up accurately which would’ve lead to a lot of confusion.

Rather, this is a descriptive guide with pictures of every place to smoothly complete the tour.

A great gathering place to start the tour would be Labim Mall. As you start to walk from Labim Mall towards the direction of Patan Durbar Square, you will see this temple right on the left side of the road. This is the start of the core area of Patan.

Walk forward keeping this small Galli in mind named “Jhee Multiple Co-operative Society”. This is where the tour officially starts.

Take the right into the first spot of the tour.

This place is called Shee Bahal. There are around 16 main “Bahals” in Patan among which this one was made at the very end. The God present here has the name of Ratna Pane Lakeshwor.

Why such Bahals are present?

It is to create a sense of unity, known as a Sangha. The people live together as a community with them having the deity as a common worshipping place. At the same time, it creates safety for both the god’s statue and the people that are present there.

Where there is a Deity’s symbol, there is also a Chaitya that is always present.

Moreover, the Bajra which is present is the symbol of Dharma Dhatu Mandal which symbolizes Power since it is like a weapon with the purpose of protecting the people.

If you are lucky, you might even see the locals there gathering and singing their Bhajans usually done in the morning or evening time.

In Nepal, at one time Buddhism was banned and even the name Buddha was not allowed to be said. They wanted to diminish Buddhism. That is why people came up with Bhajans with messages of the Buddha in the local language which basically helped spread the messages of Buddhism without the authority knowing about it.

Now, we move on!

From the Bahal, go towards the exit. For reference, see this Dega’ made of Stone. It was actually made in the Licchavi Period.

Walk left from here.

Did you know?

Newars actually originated from Kapilvastu, Lumbini. However, at one time in history around 700–800 years ago, the Muslims had destroyed all the culture of Buddhism here. As a result, many Newars were displaced with them seeking the valley as their alternative stay.

It has only been 122 years that Lumbini was found here in Nepal. Over time Newars became the majority population in Kathmandu Valley and this entire area became the Newar Rajya.

As you go on walking, you’ll see this resting place.

Take a right from here.

You’ll see this to be a typical alley within Patan with kids playing all over the roads.

Still, there is a sense of time slowing down when you enter this part of Patan in comparison with the main roads full of vehicles.

We are heading towards Pimbahal now.

After 30 seconds, we now reach Pimbahal.

Before, this was the Water source from which people had water, washed clothes, and all. Today, it’s more of a mini-tourist destination with its Shikhar-styled area in the middle of the pond.

On the left side, there is this stupa. Take a round to view this historic stupa which was made in honor of Emperor Ashoka who was greatly inspired by Buddhism in the later parts of his life going on a project throughout Asia to spread the teachings of Buddhism.

Who was Emperor Ashoka?

Ashoka was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, who ruled almost all of the Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. Ashoka promoted the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia. In about 263 BCE, he converted to Buddhism after witnessing the mass deaths of the Kalinga War, which he had waged out of a desire for conquest and which reportedly directly resulted in more than 100,000 deaths and 150,000 deportations.

You can opt to chill out in Pimbahal for a while and maybe even have a cup of tea. The area in the middle of the pond especially provides relaxation.

As you continue your journey going clockwise, you’ll also see this Hindu Temple.

This shows the unity in diversity that is present in Nepal with a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple in such close proximity.

Go on towards the right and bid farewell to Pimbahal.

Keep on going straight from here. You’ll also see this potato chips shop on the way. It’s the most popular shop in this area for snacks! Maybe grab some on the way too.

Keep on going straight from here.

Before the main road comes, you will see this small Galli opening.

That’s where we wanna go.

Right after going through that Galli, you’ll see another such Galli.

These gallies are dark even in the afternoon so just a reminder, this trip is meant to be taken in broad daylight.

Now, we reach Yasodhar Mahavihar Bubahal.

It is among the largest Bahals of Patan.

Look at the top-left area of the last pic with Lord Buddha’s statue.

The tour will continue from there.

The Galli is recognizable from this beautiful sculpture above it.

Gallis Galore from here. We will pass multiple Gallies from there.

This area can seem to be a bit confusing to first-timers in this route.

Just explore around. The photos below are meant to act as a reference to make sure you’re on the right path.

These photos are in order of what comes one after another.

Finally, after going straight from the final picture above, take a right.

Have a taste of some yummy Samosas on the way here. A quick energizer! If you’re going in the morning, Gwaramari’s are the best choice!

You have now reached a place called Sasto Bazaar in Dhaugal.

As a tip, if for some reason you managed to get lost in the route above, just ask people around from where to go to Sasto Bazaar.

You should now take a left from here.

Not a Samosa fan?

On the way here, there is a local eatery called Balkumari 7 Star Mo:Mo.

We’re now heading towards Nagbahal.

Take a left and then right after that take a right to the green shop.

Here is the entrance of Nagbahal, another big bahal in Patan.

On the right, you will see a sign that says you can go to the Golden Temple from here.

If you’d like you can opt to visit this beautiful temple too but be aware that the pandemic restrictions mean that visits might not be allowed.

Note: For foreigners, there is an Rs. 100 fee to enter the temple.

If the golden temple is closed, you can go straight from the bahal to the exit area.

Take a right from here.

Doubt your’e on the right track?

Check out for these unique pieces of art on the way to be sure!

Take a left from here now while taking a moment to notice the meanings of the different arts on the way.

This is in Banglamukhi, with a Hindu Temple called Kumbheshwar Temple. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Patan.

The temple is noted for its graceful proportions and fine woodcarvings and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sadly, the temple is closed as of right now too because of it’s renovation as well as the pandemic.

But, if it is open, be sure to get your blessings in the holy temple!

Go Clockwise from the temple towards Shankhamul.

Going straight from here, you shall see an easily visible sign that shows the way to Ashok Stupa.

This is the beauty of Patan.

Small, dark Gallis lead to unexpected places out of the blue.

After enjoying this stupa, you should head towards the right from the entrance as in the picture.

On the way, you will see this “Baily”. Before the concept of schools took over, this was the place to educate yourself with religious learnings.

Make sure you keep an eye on taking a left from this road.

It is recognizable by a Pole near it.

We are heading towards Chyasal now and are very close to Patan Durbar Square.

Keep on going straight from here until you see this shop/turning point to the right as shown below.

Go straight from here until you reach an opening.

If you really get confused here, just show locals these pictures and you’ll be on your way.

Go straight now as seen in the above picture.

You will see a resting place from which you have to take a right.

You shall see this beautiful temple on the way.

Head towards the direction as shown in the picture above and you shall reach your final destination which is Patan Durbar Square!

We’re here now.

There are many quality restaurants and cafes to hang out with around here.

If you are a foreigner and would like to enter the Durbar Square, there would be a fee of Rs. 1000 which includes entry into Patan museum.

If you thoroughly explore the area instead of just looking at the main temples, the price is well worth it!

That’s the end of this tour!

I hope you will try out this small adventure in Patan for a fun-filled Galli Tour.

Though I’ve tried to elaborate on the details of the itinerary as much as possible, if you find any difficulties in the route, just ask around to friendly locals who’ll surely help you out!

-Anupam Bajra