Alko Hiti, also known as Alkwo Hiti, Aluko Hiti or Alok Hiti is a 15th-century dhunge dhara in the city of Patan, Nepal. Thanks to the active involvement of the people who rely on this dhunge dhara for their drinking water, Alko Hiti has remained operational from the time it was built to the present day.
The three main spouts of Alko Hiti
Sign describing do's and don'ts at Alko Hiti. The hole below it belongs to a tutedhara that is no longer in use
Courtyard with Alko Hiti from the south. The Buddha statue and main stairs are on the left, The Ganesha temple is on the right. The entrance gate and sattal-pati are in the background
Alko Hiti viewed from the north-west. The three makara spouts are on the left, two people are crouched in front of each of the lower spouts. The main aquifer of Alko Hiti is behind the courtyard wall in the background
A dhunge dhara or hiti is a traditional stone drinking fountain found in Nepal. It is an intricately carved stone waterway through which water flows uninterrupted from underground sources. Dhunge dharas are part of a comprehensive drinking water supply system, commissioned by various rulers of Ancient and Medieval Nepal. The system is supported by numerous ponds and canals that form an elaborate network of water bodies, created as a water resource during the dry season and to help alleviate the water pressure caused by the monsoon rains. After the introduction of modern, piped water systems, starting in the late 19th century, this old system has fallen into disrepair and some parts of it are lost forever. Nevertheless, many people of Nepal still rely on the old dhunge dharas on a daily basis.
Manga Hiti in Patan is the oldest dhunge dhara still working
16th-century manuscript about hiti design
Narayan Hiti in Patan with storage tanks
Stone spout in Bhojpur District
