Discover the Hidden Gem: Yala Dhwakha Gate, A Patan Landmark - Nepal Purple Travel Guide

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Start your self-guided walking tour of Patan at Yala Dhwakha. You can easily get here by taxi or Pathao.

Yala Dhwakha (also known as Patan Dhoka) is one of the historic gates to the city of Patan/Lalitpur.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we typically promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the Viator tours below.

Origin of the name Yala Dhwakha

In the Newar language, ‘Yala’ is a traditional name for Patan, while ‘Dhwakha’ means ‘gate’ or ‘door’. So, Yala Dhwakha quite literally translates to ‘the gate to Yala (Patan)’. Historically, this gate marked the southern entrance to the walled city of Patan, guiding traders, pilgrims, and royals into one of the most artistically vibrant cities of the Kathmandu Valley.

Yala Dhwakha - A Gateway Rich in Symbolism

Yala Dhwakha was one of several fortified gates that protected Patan when it was a thriving independent kingdom. These gates weren’t just for security, they were also spiritually significant, believed to be guarded by deities and used in ceremonial processions during religious festivals.

History of Yala Dhwakha

While the exact construction date of Yala Dhwakha is not clearly recorded in inscriptions, it is believed to have been built during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla (ruled 1619–1661), who was known for extensive architectural developments in Patan, including temples, courtyards, and gates.

Yala Dhwakha has undergone several restorations in its history. During the restoration in 2018, which repaired damage from the 2015 earthquake, two falchas (traditional Newar rest houses located inside and outside the gate) were removed.
While restoration efforts aim to preserve and enhance historical structures, they can sometimes lead to the loss of original features, impacting the site's authenticity. The removal of the falchas at Yala Dhwakha has raised concerns among heritage conservationists about maintaining the integrity of such culturally significant landmarks.

Yala Dhwakha Today

Today, Yala Dhwakha stands as a reminder of Patan’s medieval past and, as a reminder of its historic importance, it gets newly painted when needed to make it stand out among the more traditional architecture in this part of town.

Back to your self-guided tour

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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