The Dwarika's Hotel, Kathmandu

Standing proudly on the edge of Nepal’s capital, Dwarika's is an award-winning boutique hotel inspired by the Newari royal palaces.

What makes this hotel special is the rich family history behind it. Founded by Dwarika Das Shrestha in the 1950s, the hotel began as a personal project to preserve Nepal’s architectural heritage. Dwarika salvaged ancient windows and incorporated them into the design. His visionary approach transformed the perception of these artefacts, highlighting their cultural significance. The legacy continues through his daughter, Sangita, and the hotel remains a family-run establishment. Each of the 80 rooms and suites has been thoughtfully designed and weave in traditional Nepali design touches, from beautiful terracotta tiles to intricate wooden furniture. 

During your stay, you can relax in the outdoor swimming pool surrounded by the leafy gardens or unwind in the Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa (where you can choose between many treatments which use indigenous herbs). Take your pick between the hotel’s three restaurants, including The Krishnarpan - its signature dining experience. The menu here is designed around fresh produce plucked straight from Dwarika’s organic farms.

This is one of our favourite places to stay in Kathmandu. It’s close enough to the airport to make it easy to reach for travellers who've just landed in the capital, and it is a wonderful oasis in which to relax and rejuvenate after a long flight, yet close enough to the city for those who want to explore. And, despite its relatively large size, this hotel feels surprisingly small and intimate.