Our Story | Hem Narsingh's Heritage

Nearly a century of family

The exact year this house was built remains unknown, but family history suggests it is nearly a century old. As our grandmother remembered it, the house already stood when she married into the family many decades ago.

The property has been passed down through the generations and is today owned by Mr. Prakash Narsingh Amatya, son of Subarna Narsingh Amatya and grandson of Hem Narsingh Amatya, after whom the house is named.

Hem Narsingh AmatyaThe house is named after him
Subarna Narsingh AmatyaHis son
Prakash Narsingh AmatyaHis grandson and today's owner

An archival aerial photograph of Patan Durbar Square — Patan Durbar Square, in an archival aerial photograph.

Built by hand, built to last

The building is remarkable for its traditional construction. Unlike most modern structures, it was built without reinforced concrete pillars. Thick brick masonry walls form its foundation, a testament to the craftsmanship and engineering knowledge of the artisans of that era.

When the house was restored in 2022, the family came to appreciate those builders even more. It was their work that allowed the house to withstand the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal.

A restored room with painted ceiling beams and arched windows — Inside, restored in 2022.

Reading the facade

The house is a unique blend of Rana-era neoclassical influences and traditional Newari design, and its facade rewards a closer look.

The lion: Above the central window sits a lion figure representing Narsingh (Narasimha), the lion-headed avatar of Lord Vishnu. “Narsingh” has long been the middle name of the family's male line.
H and B: Above two of the windows are the letters “H” and “B”: H for Hem Narsingh Amatya, and B for Bhakta Narsingh Amatya, his eldest son.
रघुनाथ: The Devanagari inscription between the columns is dedicated to Lord Ram.

The white facade of the house with red arched shutters — The facade, where Rana-era and Newari design meet.

Hem Narsingh Ko Pasal

The Narsingh Amatya family has been in business for generations. Its best-known venture was “Hem Narsingh Ko Pasal”, a shop supplying the ritual and ceremonial items needed through every stage of life, from birth ceremonies to funeral rites.

It became a well-known name in the community, and many local residents still remember it today.

A gathering in the square outside the house — Life in the square, just outside the door.

From family home to heritage stay

For most of its life the house was simply a family home, where several generations grew up together. In 1998 it was leased to the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT), an organisation widely recognised for conserving and restoring the valley's historic temples, palaces and traditional buildings.

Today the house continues its journey as Hem Narsingh's Heritage, welcoming guests while preserving the architectural, cultural and family legacy that has shaped it for nearly a century.

Through the years

Nearly a century agoThe house is built with thick brick masonry walls and no concrete pillars.
1998The house is leased to the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust.
2015The house stands firm through the devastating earthquake in Nepal.
2022The house is restored, revealing the skill of its original builders.
TodayThe house welcomes guests as Hem Narsingh's Heritage.

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A house nearly a century old