Tucked behind the main roads and busy squares of Kathmandu lies a labyrinth of narrow, hidden alleys that reveal a quieter, more intimate side of the city. These winding paths, often no wider than a few feet, weave through centuries-old neighborhoods like Asan, Thamel, and Patan, connecting temples, courtyards and traditional homes in a maze of brick and stone.
Walking through these alleys feels like stepping back in time — prayer flags flutter overhead, carved wooden windows peek out from old houses and the scent of incense lingers near hidden shrines. Locals move through them effortlessly, stopping at tiny tea shops, market stalls, or neighborhood wells. Some alleys open suddenly onto unexpected courtyards filled with stupas or statues, remnants of Kathmandu’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage.
Often overlooked by visitors, these quiet lanes are where the rhythm of daily life in Kathmandu truly unfolds — subtle, sacred, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Photography: Walter E. L. Somers
in collaboration with High Asia Tours
