Kathmandu

Most of the alleys and lanes of the Capital teem with different stores offering diverse items. And Sajha Galli at Bhotahiti is one such lane. Even after the destructive earthquake of April 25, the stores here are standing and open for business. So, if you are looking for shoes or ready made garments for all age groups, this galli could be one of your shopping destinations.

Around Sajha Galli

The narrow lane on both sides of Sajha Bhawan, Bhotahiti is known as Sajha Galli — Sajha Bhawan is easy to recognise after which the lane has been named. The lane is one of the oldest business areas of the Capital and is famous for leather shoes At the other end of the lane lies Kamalachhi.

Narad Raut, owner of Bhotahiti Jutta Ghar/Leather Wings showroom shared, “I’ve been doing business here for 20 years, but except for the increase in number of stores, and those dealing in clothing items for all age groups, nothing much has been changed in this lane. Even the earthquake did not damage in this area. It’s safe here and I feel

that God has looked after this lane as during every religious procession — Gai Jatra, Ganesh Khat Jatra and more — people travel through this lane.”

The lane has more than 20 shoe stores and over 100 stores dealing with clothing items for children and adults.

At the stores

At RB Fashion you can get shoes and attires for your little ones — from a newborn to 13 years of age. The items here are all from China and one can get 15-20 per cent discount, as per its owner Ram Krishna Thapa.

Though parking space is nonexistent in this lane, a motorbike can pass through the lane. It is surprising to see how many stores can exist in such a congested area with even a few fast food eateries.

At Bhotahiti Jutta Ghar/Leather Wings showroom, you can get Nepali brand shoes like Royale, Leather Wings, Fit Rite, Foot Land, New Lotus and more with six months warranty in sizes four to 11, as per Raut.

At the shoe stores you can get shoes from Nepal, India and China. Talking about the durability of the shoes, Suman Bishankhe, owner of Sagun Shoes informed, “The looks and finishing of Chinese shoes are attractive, but in terms of durability Nepali shoes are better. These days Nepali shoes also have a variety and more styles.”

Talking about the changing scenario of the lane, Prakash Shahi, owner of Manakamana Traders said, “Though the number of stores dealing in clothing is increasing, the lane still holds the charm as the right place to get variety in leather shoes for schools, colleges and offices.”

Proving him right, a customer at Bhotahiti Jutta Ghar, Subash Shrestha commented, “I always come here for my shoes and I get reasonable discount. You get a variety to choose from at the stores here.”

The stores here offers discount from five to 20 per cent but it’s up to your bargaining skills on how much discount you can get from the storekeepers.

Price List

RB Fashion

Boy’s shoes: Rs 450 to Rs 1,400

Girl’s shoes: Rs 450 to Rs 1,700

Frock: Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,700

Tee-shirt: Rs 250 to Rs 1,700

Boy’s pants: Rs 400 to Rs 1,200

Bhotahiti Jutta Ghar

Men’s leather shoes: Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000

Sports shoes: Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000

Children’s shoes: Rs 500 to Rs 2,000

Sagun Shoes

Men’s shoes: Rs 500 to Rs 5,500

Leather Desire

Leather shoes: Rs 450 to Rs 2,000

Sports shoes: Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,200

Men’s sandals: Rs 850