July 27, 2025

Hidden beneath a sloping alley near Durbar Square lies Sauga Hiti, one of Patan’s finest and best-preserved sunken water spouts. A marvel of traditional Newar urban design, the hiti is still functional, its waters gurgling gently through stone channels carved centuries ago.

Guarded by naga figures and stone lions, the hiti feels like a sacred undercurrent running through the city’s surface. Though it’s no longer used for royal ablutions, locals still come here to fetch water, wash, and pray. For travelers fascinated by Kathmandu Valley’s ancient hydraulic engineering and everyday spirituality, Sauga Hiti is a quiet wonder.