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The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Nepal

Mountain Glory Forest Resort is a luxurious refuge from the bustling cities of Nepal
Mountain Glory Forest Resort is a luxurious refuge from the bustling cities of Nepal | Courtesy of Mountain Glory Forest Resort / Expedia

It may be known as a budget backpacker destination, there are many luxury hotels in Nepal that cater to the luxury end of the market. Many of them have the added benefit of being more affordable than luxury hotels elsewhere in the world. From boutique city hotels to safari lodges, here is our pick of the finest five-star places to stay.

Shangri-La Village Resort Pokhara

Resort

The exterior of the Shangri-La Village Resort Pokhara, Nepal
Courtesy of Shangri-La Village Resort Pokhara / Expedia

Pokhara is as close to the legendary Shangri-La as you can get. Shangri-La Village Resort sits on an expansive property in the centre of Pokhara, with 61 gracefully furnished rooms. On site, you have a variety of indoor and canopied outdoor dining options, plus manicured gardens to stroll through with views of Machhapuchhre and the Himalayas. This resort is the place to relax before or after a rugged-terrain trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary and base camp, at just over 4,000m (13,000ft).

Mountain Glory Forest Resort

Resort, Boutique Hotel

A double room at Mountain Glory Forest Resort, with a double bed, a desk with champagne, and a terrace
Courtesy of Mountain Glory Forest Resort / Expedia

Just outside Pokhara, Mountain Glory Forest Resort offers a refuge from the city, surrounded by trees. Dark wood panelling and floors bring a touch of intimate warmth to all of the rooms. Private room terraces afford spectacular views of the Annapurna massif, jutting skyward, beyond the forest canopy. Mountain biking, hiking and dips in the outdoor pool (weather permitting) are all popular activities here.

Hotel Shanker

Hotel

A grand double room in Hotel Shanker, with a golden sofa and red armchair
Courtesy of Hotel Shanker / Expedia

Kathmandu’s luxury Hotel Shanker was converted from an opulent 19th-century Rana dynasty palace. It boasts regal gardens, an outdoor pool and chandelier-decked interiors. The Kailash restaurant serves Nepalese, Indian and Chinese cuisine – try the delicious chicken momo (Nepalese-style dumplings). Even though this hotel feels like a secluded estate, you’re actually in the centre of lively Kathmandu, right next to the Narayanhitiy Palace Museum.

Baber Mahal Vilas

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

An outdoor pool at Baber Mahal Vilas, with a bridge running over it
Courtesy of Baber Mahal Vilas / Expedia

Once a royal place, Baber Mahal showcases different architectural styles that have shaped Nepal’s history. From the reddish hues of Kathmandu’s Newari people to suites featuring Buddhist design aesthetics, this hotel is a design buff’s dream. Enjoy Nepali cuisine by the rooftop pool and make sure you pop into the on-site shop where you can buy souvenirs that support local artisans.

The Dwarika's Hotel

Hotel

A room with two double beds at Dwarikas Hotel, Kathmandu
Courtesy of Dwarika's Hotel

Dwarika’s is one of the most beautiful hotels in Nepal. It’s not in a fancy location, but behind its walls lies an oasis of architectural charm. It was founded by Dwarika Das Shrestha in the 1950s, partly as a project to rescue the traditional Newari crafts. Now, the hotel is practically a museum, designed in the style of traditional Newari palaces. The 80 rooms and suites are full of antiques, paintings and locally made bed linens. There’s a lovely pool in the centre of the courtyard, five restaurants, plus daily yoga classes with a famously eccentric teacher.

The Dwarika's Resort

Hotel

A double bed at Dwarikas Resort with trad decor including parquet floors
Courtesy of The Dwarika’s Resort / Expedia

Dwarika’s Kathmandu city property is all about design, whereas the newer Dwarika’s Resort focuses on relaxation in a mountain setting. Located in Dhulikhel, about 30km (19mi) from Kathmandu, there are gorgeous views of the snowy Himalayas on clear days. Alternative therapies are a key part of the spa here. Unwind in the Himalayan salt crystal room, indulge in an Ayurvedic massage or try the outdoor meditation maze.

Barahi Jungle Lodge

Boutique Hotel, Resort

An outdoor pool at Barahi Jungle Lodge, illuminated green
Courtesy of Barahi Jungle Lodge / Expedia

If you want to go on a safari in Chitwan National Park but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, then stay at the Barahi in Meghauli – which you can do as part of Culture Trip’s specially curated 11-day Nepal adventure, led by our Local Insider. The region is home to rhinos, tigers, elephants and bears which can be seen on foot or via 4×4. Back at the hotel, there are 34 deluxe rooms and a family suite, each housed in a thatched chalet with a private balcony overlooking the River Rapti and national park. Head off on a canoe trip, watch a traditional Tharu dance performance or take a dip in the outdoor pool.

Meghauli Serai

Resort, Hotel

An outdoor pool at Meghauli Serai, Nepal
Courtesy of Meghauli Serai / Expedia

Located close to Barahi, Meghauli Serai is also in the Chitwan National Park. This 30-room lodge is part of the luxury Taj hotel chain. It has a more polished feel with a sleek open stone lobby, white-cushioned sofas and local Tharu artwork decorating the walls. Each of the 30 rooms varies from balcony suites overlooking the Terai grasslands to the Rapti Mahal Suite with its own private plunge pool. You might even catch sight of an elephant at the al fresco riverside dining deck.

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Hotel

The exterior of the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

The Hyatt Regency is a favourite among expats in Kathmandu for its gorgeous swimming pool and epic weekend breakfast buffets (chocolate fountain, anyone?). It’s just a 10-minute walk through back-lanes to Boudha Stupa, the holiest Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet. This hotel is big, but it doesn’t feel impersonal. Downstairs, the spa is arguably the best in the city.

Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge

Resort, Eco Hotel

The exterior of Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, Nepal
Courtesy of Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge / Expedia

Established in 1964, Tiger Tops is one of the oldest tourist establishments in Nepal and has quite a reputation. It is located just outside Chitwan National Park but not in busy Sauraha, where many park-related accommodations are, so staying here feels more remote and peaceful. Choose between luxury tents or rooms in mud-walled buildings. The gardens are carefully tended, plus there’s a swimming pool and serene views over the river. All park activities (such as walking, jeep safaris and boat rides) can be arranged. Beside the Tharu Lodge is the Elephant Camp, a pioneering endeavour in elephant care and conservation.

Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge

Hotel

A dimly lit dining area at Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Courtesy of Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge

In the far west of Nepal is Bardiya National Park, a much lesser-visited jungle park than Chitwan, but popular among those who want a wilderness experience. Tiger Tops has transported its classic safari-style lodging from Chitwan to Bardiya at the Karnali Lodge. There are just nine boutique rooms with delicious organic food served in the restaurant. Although it’s more of a mission to get to Western Nepal from Kathmandu (a flight to Nepalgunj, or a very long bus ride), the rewards are fewer tourists and a greater opportunity for spotting a royal bengal tiger.

Yeti Mountain Home

Hotel

Exterior of Yeti Mountain Home, Nepal
Courtesy of Yeti Mountain Home / Expedia

If you like the idea of trekking in the Himalayas but don’t fancy the “rugged” accommodation, then book the Yeti Mountain Home. These luxury lodges in the Khumbu (Everest) region are located at strategic points along the Everest Base Camp trekking route. Each is beautifully decorated with a twin or king-sized bed, electric blanket to keep your bed warm and ensuite bathrooms. It’s a whole lot easier to stay energised and motivated to trek when you’ve had a good night’s sleep. Yeti Mountain Home can also arrange your trekking package.

Gokarna Forest Resort

Hotel

A bedroom with a double bed, red rung and bare brick wall at Gokarna Forest Resort
Courtesy of Gokarna Forest Resort / Expedia

Gokarna Forest Resort’s first distinguishing feature is that it is home to one of only four golf courses in Nepal. The eighteen-hole course is a favourite among well-to-do Nepalis. Just take care that the cheeky monkey inhabitants don’t run away with your balls. Its second distinguishing feature is that the adjacent Gokarna Forest was once a hunting reserve of the Nepali royal family. It’s home to deer, more monkeys and even the odd leopard. Walks through the forest can be arranged at the resort. There’s also a lovely swimming pool, a gym and spa, a stylish bar and floor-to-ceiling windows in some of the rooms, overlooking the forest. Gokarna Forest Resort is very close to Kathmandu but feels far removed from it.

Temple Tree Resort & Spa

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Exterior of Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Nepal
Courtesy of Temple Tree Resort & Spa / Expedia

Temple Tree Resort and Spa is considered one of the finest hotels in Pokhara, the popular lakeside city that is a gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas. The hotel is comprised of individual two-storey cottages, made from rough, hand-cut stone. The outdoor infinity pool provides respite from the heat in summer. Lounge in a hammock under frangipani trees (also known as temple trees) or rent a mountain bike from town to explore the area.

Carl Pettit contributed additional reporting to this article.

For more options, discover our guide to the best hotels in Kathmandu and book now on Culture Trip. Fancy a weekend getaway? Check our our guide to the best weekend getaways from Kathmandu.

About the author

Elen Turner is a travel writer and editor who divides her time between Nepal and New Zealand. Her biggest travel dilemma is figuring out how to see all the corners of South Asia that she hasn't already visited without neglecting the rest of the world.

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