About us
OUR STORY
Sulimha Durbar is a unique heritage boutique hotel and museum in the historic Sulimha Square, Pimbahal, Patan. This traditional Newari hotel, dating back to the 13th century, was once the home of Gayobajya (also known as Gayopati), a legendary tantric master who lived in this sacred space centuries ago. Now, Sulimha Durbar stands as a living museum filled with history of restoration, revival, and preservation of Newari Architecture.
Every detail of our traditional Newari hotel reflects centuries of craftsmanship — from hand-carved wooden windows and traditional brick courtyards to authentic antique elements that tells the history of Newar history. The original Newari architecture, with its intricate woodwork and sacred design elements, creates an atmosphere where history comes alive.
As one of the finest Newari hotel in Patan, Lalitpur, we offer an authentic traditional newari stay experience. Our old newari hotel has been carefully restored to preserve its original medieval architecture while providing modern comfort for today’s travelers.
Guests can immerse themselves into Newar heritage through the conservation of Newar’s architectural wooden masterpieces, centuries old courtyard, and antique elements that echo centuries of Newar history.
Located in one of Nepal’s oldest continuously inhabited areas, our old Newari hotel in Kathmandu Valley offers travelers a rare opportunity to sleep within walls that have witnessed centuries of Newar traditions, rituals, and daily life.
Whether you’re seeking Newari hotels for cultural exploration or looking for an authentic traditional home stay in Nepal, Sulimha Durbar provides an unmatched experience where ancient Newari heritage meets contemporary comfort.
OUR HISTORY
House of Gayahbājyā, The Legendary Tantric
The building of Sulimha Durbar Hotel was once home to the legendary tantric master Gayahbājyā, also the contemporary king of Siddhi Narsingh Malla. His real name was Gayapati—a respected scholar from Sulimha, Patan. Gayapati lived in the 14th century during the Malla period, studied tantra under a humble mentor, and later became one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most famous tantric figures. He is remembered for his miracles and for introducing the goddesses Chandeshwori and Harisiddhi to Patan, along with composing dramas and rituals that defined spiritual life in his time.
Evidence shows that Gayapati performed spiritual practices in this very house, which now forms the core of Sulimha Durbar. Historical notes and inscriptions from the mid-1400s identify him clearly as a Brahmin scholar and tantric master called “Gayapati of Sulimha”. Legends say he would perform deep meditation in underground chambers and nearly vanished into stone—a story still tied to his preserved room in the old building .
Today, we’ve honored that history by transforming his home into a heritage hotel and living museum. Carefully restored, our walls, woodwork, and sacred spaces preserve centuries of Newar architecture and ritual life.
Portions of this content were adapted from Nutandhar Sharma’s research note, “The Legends of ‘Gayahbajya’ of Patan in the Kathmandu Valley.”
Photograph: Niels Cutschow, August 1992
House of Gayahbājyā, The Legendary Tantric
The building of SulimhaDurbarHotel was once home to the legendary tantric master Gayahbājyā, also the contemporary king of Siddhi Narsingh Malla. His real name was Gayapati—a respected scholar from Sulimha, Patan. Gayapati lived in the 15th to 16th century during the Malla period, studied tantra under a humble mentor, and later became one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most famous tantric figures. He is remembered for his miracles and for introducing the goddesses Chandeshwori and Harisiddhi to Patan, along with composing dramas and rituals that defined spiritual life in his time.
Evidence shows that Gayapati performed spiritual practices in this very house, which now forms the core of Sulimha Durbar. Historical notes and inscriptions from the mid-1400s identify him clearly as a Brahmin scholar and tantric master called “Gayapati of Sulimha”. Legends say he would perform deep meditation in underground chambers and nearly vanished into stone—a story still tied to his preserved room in the old building .
Today, we’ve honored that history by transforming his home into a heritage hotel and living museum. Carefully restored, our walls, woodwork, and sacred spaces preserve centuries of Newar architecture and ritual life.
Portions of this content were adapted from Nutandhar Sharma’s research note, “The Legends of ‘Gayahbajya’ of Patan in the Kathmandu Valley.”
OUR HISTORY
Photograph: Niels Cutschow, August 1992
Stay
Enjoy a premium stay in the heart of Patan at Sulimha Durbar, where every room blends traditional charm with modern comforts. From cozy beds and clean private bathrooms to air conditioning and high-speed Wi-Fi, we make sure your experience is both restful and rich in culture.
Stay
Enjoy a premium stay in the heart of Patan at Sulimha Durbar, where every room blends traditional charm with modern comforts. From cozy beds and clean private bathrooms to air conditioning and high-speed Wi-Fi, we make sure your experience is both restful and rich in culture.
Museum
Step into our private heritage museum, located inside Sulimha Durbar itself. This mini-museum showcases centuries–old original Newar architecture, including carved wooden windows, ritual spaces, and rare antique details preserved with care. It’s a quiet space where guests can see and feel the timeless craftsmanship of Patan.
Museum
Step into our private heritage museum, located inside Sulimha Durbar itself. This mini-museum showcases centuries-old original Newar architecture, including carved wooden windows, ritual spaces, and rare antique details preserved with care. It’s a quiet space where guests can see and feel the timeless craftsmanship of Patan.
Newar Heritage
Sulimha Durbar is built on the foundations of Newar heritage, preserving the authentic art, architecture, and spirit of Patan. The hotel keeps alive the unique designs, carved beams, brick courtyards, and traditional layouts passed down through generations. Every detail reflects the rich cultural history of the Kathmandu Valley’s oldest city.
Newar Heritage
Sulimha Durbar is built on the foundations of Newar heritage, preserving the authentic art, architecture, and spirit of Patan. The hotel keeps alive the unique designs, carved beams, brick courtyards, and traditional layouts passed down through generations. Every detail reflects the rich cultural history of the Kathmandu Valley’s oldest city.