GALLERY
This night time view of Sulimha Durbar Hotel captures the timeless beauty of Newar architecture under the soft glow of warm lighting.
Located in the heart of Sulimha Square, Pimbahal, Patan, the hotel’s exterior is built with restored bricks, intricately carved wooden windows, and traditional design details that reflect centuries of heritage.
This is where past and present meet, offering a one-of-a-kind stay in an authentic heritage hotel in Patan. Guests are welcomed by the serene atmosphere, traditional ambiance, and handcrafted beauty visible right from the entrance.
Whether you’re passing by or checking in, the view itself is a quiet invitation to experience the soul of Newar culture.
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Dhi Jhya
Dhi Jhya is a signature feature of Newar homes, allowing natural light and fresh air to enter while offering views of the bustling lanes outside. With its openable panels, it’s a place once used for gathering, relaxing, or observing the neighborhood.
At Sulimha Durbar, this feature has been preserved with care to retain its charm and originality.
Detached Guardian Head
(16th – 17thc. century)
This finely carved wooden head—likely depicting a Sardula (lion‑griffin) or Ajaru‑kula (goat‑headed demon)—originated as a corner strut (kunsala) from a traditional Newar temple in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley.
Such guardian figures formed a set of four, one at each corner of tiered pagoda roofs, designed both to support structural loads and to offer spiritual protection .
While still intact as a standalone piece today, its craftsmanship—bold facial features, curling mane-like scrolls, and weathered patina—reflects classic Malla-period artistry (16th–17th c.) carved from resilient sal wood .
Pasukha Jhya
The name Pasukhā Jhya translates to “five-windowed window”.
Developed during the Malla period (12th–18th centuries), Pasukhā Jhya were traditionally placed in monasteries, temples, and some palaces. Their design allowed soft light and gentle airflow while adding spiritual harmony to sacred spaces
Created by skilled Newar woodcarvers using durable sal wood, these windows feature intricate lattice work and five-panel composition. Typically positioned above entrances or shrine altars, they merge function, artistry, and symbolism
Traditional Door Handle
This traditional door knocker at Sulimha Durbar Hotel features the face of Lord Ganesh, known for symbolizing wisdom and good beginnings. Made of brass with intricate detailing, seen in many heritage buildings across the Kathmandu Valley.
Such design elements were not just decorative, but also believed to bring a welcoming presence to the home. Today, it stands as a preserved detail from the past, blending art, culture, and function.
Ek Mukhe Jhya
This image captures a close-up of traditional window which showcases intricate wooden carvings and layered cornices. These windows are part of Sulimha Durbar’s restored façade, reflecting the craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Designs like these are common in heritage homes across the Kathmandu Valley. They serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, blending beauty with function.
Traditional Newari Door
This traditional Newari-style wooden door showcases the fine craftsmanship found in heritage homes across the Kathmandu Valley. Made from seasoned hardwood, it features detailed hand-carved patterns and robust vertical frames that speak to the durability of Newar architecture.
The symmetrical design and precise joinery reflect centuries-old woodworking traditions passed down through generations. Doors like this are more than functional—they are integral to the identity of the home, symbolizing both protection and artistry. Often paired with ornamental elements like brass knockers, these doors stand as a gateway between everyday life and sacred space.
This particular example has been carefully preserved and restored inside Sulimha Durbar Hotel to honor its original beauty and cultural value.
Traditional Brass Door Handle
Its circular design is both functional and decorative, often used in historic Newar homes to complement carved wooden doors.
While simple in form, such pieces are a reminder of the balance between beauty and utility in traditional design.
Strut (Tundal)
A wooden strut, locally known as Tundal or Twaanaasin in Newar, is an essential structural element in traditional Newar buildings that supports the heavy overhanging roof and transfers the load to walls, ensuring stability even during earthquakes.
These struts have been used since the Licchavi period (from around 400 AD) and are often intricately carved with symbolic figures.