The Pavilions Himalayas, in Pokhara, at the foothills of the Annapurnas, is the ideal choice for the eco-conscious luxury traveller | Courtesy of The Pavilions Himalayas, Pokhara / Expedia
From the epic Himalayas to the subtropical Chitwan National Park, Nepal is the destination for adventure. But while you’ll be spending many a night in homestays and teahouses on the trekking circuits, there are also plenty of upscale hotels if you want a bit of TLC and luxury. From mountaintop lodges to a Taj safari, here are the best.
Jurassic Resort and Villas, Pokhara
Resort, Villa
4.6/5 (5 Reviews)
Courtesy of Jurassic Resort and Villas, Pokhara / Expedia
This is one for the time travellers – a luxury lodge within what can only be described as a Jurassic tropical park. There are no dinosaurs here, but there are rare plants and lots of local fauna. It’s all located on a quiet mountaintop just 15 minutes from the centre of Pokhara, with views of the Annapurna mountains in one direction and the city in the other.
Made for the luxury-loving culture vultures, this high-end hotel combines a rural location with upscale amenities. Found in Rupakot, a small, secluded village one hour from Pokhara, you can spend your day hiking from one temple to the next before watching the sunset from the mountainside infinity pools (yes, plural). The resort offers cultural tours to local farms (where it also sources ingredients for the restaurant), as well as yoga, meditation and calming mountain views.
The Pavilions Himalayas in Pokhara is the ideal choice for the eco-conscious luxury traveller looking to connect with nature. Sitting amid the foothills of the Annapurna mountains, the resort is part of an organic farm that provides renewable energy, plus fresh fruit and vegetables to the hotel. There are 14 luxury villas set around the farm, but head to the nearby lakeside to enjoy the comforts of eight glamping tents.
There are few better places to rest sore legs after a long trek in the Himalayas than Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Built around a mountaintop overlooking the Pokhara Valley, this resort offers secluded luxury cottages with a layout inspired by traditional Nepali villages. Guests enjoy fresh Nepali food with homegrown ingredients, as well as mountain views from the outdoor swimming pool.
Although travellers are often drawn to Nepal for its skyscraping peaks, many stay for the subtropical forests of Chitwan National Park. To fully experience the jungle and wildlife, your best bet is to stay at Meghauli Serai, a Taj safari offering five-star comfort in the wild. With 16 luxury villas built along the Rapti River, you could be in with a chance to glimpse a rare one-horned rhino, as this is the primary habitat of a group of them. Join guided tours into the forest or bird-watching trips along the river before a gourmet meal cooked around an open campfire.
One for trekkers, this local teahouse offers expansive views of the Annapurna Massif from its rocky perch above the village of Ghandruk. At almost 2,000m (6,562ft) on the Annapurna Circuit, it’s a challenge if you make it this far. The lodge has 18 ensuite rooms offering more comfort than your average homestay. There’s also a spacious garden providing a relaxing after-trek area in which to unwind.
Inspired by traditional Chitwan village life, this boutique jungle camp is an ideal base from which to explore nature and culture. Its jungle lodges, styled on the longhouses you’ll see in the surrounding villages, are constructed from locally sourced materials using centuries-old architectural knowhow. And if you want to get even closer to the wildlife of Chitwan National Park, Tigertops has nine glamping-style jungle safari tents in the forest.
If you’re looking for pampering and luxury after a stint on the high-altitude Annapurna Circuit, the Shangri-La Villa Resort in Pokhara valley is the hotel for you. Set away from the city and surrounded by mountain peaks, you can take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool and gaze up at the very mountains you just conquered. Enjoy a relaxing spa session (a foot massage might go down well), before dining at Caravanserai, which offers international cuisine to famished trekkers.
Just 32km (20mi) from Kathmandu, Club Himalaya by Ace Hotels, in Nagarkot, is your escape from the capital. Sitting on a secluded hilltop 2,000m (6,562ft) above sea level, it offers views across the mountains from your balcony, where you can watch the clouds and mist roll in. There’s a heated indoor pool where you can retreat from the chilly climate, or embrace the wild with a hike or mountain bike session along the trails around Nagarkot.
These private riverside cottages offer a wilderness experience with a level of luxury you wouldn’t expect in the middle of a national park. Sitting on the banks of the Rapti River, this is the perfect place if you’re a luxury traveller wanting to immerse yourself in the wilds of Chitwan. Take a boat safari along the river in search of elephants and rhinos, or loll about in the infinity pool and wait for the wildlife to come to you.
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