Best hotels in Nepal

Nepal's Pokhara Valley sits at the foot of the Annapurnas, cosseted by three of the world's tallest peaks and the unmistakable fishtail silhouette of Machapuchare. And it's in this magical spot that you'll find The Pavilions, two sister retreats called The Farm, a working organic smallholding dotted with private villas, and Lake View, a collection of glamping tents reached by paddle boat across Phewa Lake. But what sets The Pavilions apart isn't just the scenery or the farm-fresh food – it's the fact that the majority of profits fund local education and support vulnerable women and children. It's eco-credentials are genuinely impressive too, with solar power, biogas and triple-recycled rainwater running the show.

Perched a thousand feet above Pokhara Valley, Tiger Mountain delivers views that make you temporarily forget your own name. Three 8,000-metre peaks – Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu – dominate the horizon, while the sacred Fishtail mountain peeks through the morning mist. This isn't your typical mountain lodge however, but a stone village dreamt up by Harvard architects and blessed by Sir Edmund himself back in '98. The staff, most who have been here since day one, know every butterfly by name (there are 275!) and can spot a Himalayan griffon before you've finished your cup of tea. It's the perfect spot for pre-trek acclimatisation or simply hiding away from the world with a good book and even better views.

Your home away from home in Nepal comes in the guise of Nepali Ghar, a characterful boutique hotel. Tucked into bustling Thamel, it's blissfully quiet once you step inside and has become a beloved sanctuary for trekkers seeking comfort before and after Himalayan adventures. But what makes it truly special is the journey through Nepal's architectural history, the original building showcasing exquisite Newari woodwork, while the newer Seto Ghar wing occupies a restored 200-year-old neoclassical mansion that once housed Rana-era royalty. Throw in an exceptional team, free daily yoga and the Garden of Dreams just two minutes away, and you've got yourself a proper Kathmandu base.

When Thailand's Dusit brand planted its flag in Nepal's capital in 2023, it brought something refreshingly different to Lazimpat's leafy streets. It's certainly not your typical Kathmandu crash pad and instead you've got an infinity pool gazing at Himalayan peaks (it's the highest in Nepal), rooftop shisha lounges pulsing with DJ sets, and Thai masseurs working their magic twelve floors above the city's bustle. The whole place feels uncluttered and calm – all clean lines and peaceful corners, and it's quickly become a clever choice for travellers who want their dal bhat served with a side of high-end sophistication.

Forget your typical heritage hotel – Dwarika's is what happens when someone becomes so obsessed with saving Kathmandu's disappearing architecture that they accidentally create one of the finest luxury retreats in Nepal. Started by one man (Dwarika Das Shrestha) rescuing centuries-old carved doors and windows from bulldozers in the 1950s, this extraordinary property has grown into a living showcase of Newari craftsmanship and it's now one of the world's largest private collections. Tucked away from Kathmandu's honking madness yet conveniently close to sacred sites and the airport, you'll find yourself having breakfast beneath 13th-century woodwork whilst planning your Himalayan adventures...

Tucked into the medieval lanes of Bhaktapur, just two minutes from Durbar Square, this charming boutique hotel bills itself as a 'museum of life' – and it's not wrong! Named after the Newari word for courtyard, the property is built around traditional communal living, with no perimeter wall separating guests from the ancient city outside. The design blends minimalist, mod style with age-old craftsmanship, and the cultural programme runs deep: think storytelling evenings in an on-site amphitheatre, rooftop dinners where every dish is full of history, and artisan visits to potters' workshops. A real and thoughtful immersion into what makes Kathmandu tick.

On the banks of the Rapti River, Barahi has transformed what was once barren grassland into a thriving jungle haven right opposite Chitwan National Park. No run-of-the-mill safari lodge, it's a carefully crafted retreat where thatched cottages blend seamlessly into 12 hectares of forest, all planted by the lodge. With their own quartet of resident elephants (Ranikali, Sundarkali, Madhumala and Rangmala), hand-picked naturalists who've spent their lives in these jungles, and a rare combination of genuine eco-credentials and luxury, the wildlife experience at Barahi is enthralling and really quite hard to match.

Tucked into a quiet corner of Monjo village, this stone-built lodge sits on a hillock between the local monastery and a century-old Sherpa home – a fitting spot for one of Nepal's most heartfelt mountain retreats. With just eleven rooms and views across the imposing flanks of Thamserku, it's the smallest and newest of the Mountain Lodges of Nepal collection, and definitely the most intimate. The family behind it have been pioneers in Himalayan travel for over three decades, and that legacy shows in everything from the organic greenhouse supplying the kitchen to the genuinely warm welcome at the door. A restorative pause before the climb to Namche.

Four hours' downhill from Lukla's goosebump-inducing runway, Phakding Lodge catches trekkers completely off-guard with its Scandinavian-inspired luxury. In fact, the Sherpa family behind the Mountain Lodges of Nepal collection have somehow wedged top-notch comfort into the Khumbu valley – think electric blankets, happy hour cocktails and vegetables grown in organic gardens. Massive riverbank boulders form the bones of the lodge and it's literally built into the landscape rather than on top of it. With a selection of coveted amenities (including hot showers – bliss!), Phakding Lodge has become the first-rate first-night stop for trekkers who've decided that reaching Everest Base Camp doesn't have to be uncomfortable.

There's a stone house in Phaplu, tucked into pine-forested slopes 18 miles south of Everest, where Sir Edmund Hillary spent months at a time. He called it his "happy place" and declared the views the finest he'd ever seen... Built in the 1970s through a collaboration between Italian explorer Count Monzino and a local Sherpa family, the house has now been lovingly - and beautifully - restored into an intimate ten-room retreat. Expect hand-painted Buddhist murals, artefacts from Monzino's legendarily lavish expedition, and a team of local people dedicated to revealing their magnificent homeland.

Situated within the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park in Nepal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel offers a 360-degree view of the awe-inspiring peaks. With a view of Mt. Everest from every room, visitors can immerse themselves in this mesmerising scene in luxury.

Opened in 1971, Hotel Everest View has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records (2004) as the Highest Placed Hotel in the world at 13000ft. Featured in numerous guidebooks and having received media coverage, the resort has become a destination in its own right.

Perched on a spiky promontory, the Modi River rushing below, Birethanti Lodge is the lowest lodge on the Annapurna circuit and an excellent start or end point to a trekking adventure. The suspension bridge entrance, draped with prayer flags, sets the tone beautifully while marigold-filled gardens and their resident butterflies remind you that opting for comfort doesn't mean sacrificing authenticity. Inside, you'll find handcrafted rooms with properly hot showers, and in the evening, communal dinners where trekkers swap tales over hearty meals grub. And outside, that sacred Fishtail Mountain practically poses for photos at sunrise...

Mustang was closed to outsiders for centuries, and even now, reaching its wind-sculpted valleys feels like arriving somewhere the modern world has forgotten all about. Seated just above the frontier town of Jomsom, between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Shinta Mani Mustang is the first proper luxury lodge in this corner of Nepal – and it was well worth the wait. Designer Bill Bensley has worked his magic on the hillside stone building, filling it with upcycled antiques, yak fur stools and tiger-motif rugs that somehow feel completely at home, even at 2,800 metres high in the sky. Stay more than five nights and it's all included: guided excursions, wellness treatments with an 11th-generation Tibetan medicine doctor, themed dinners and drinks – your Adventure Butler will take care of the lot!

Reaching Landruk Lodge requires a proper pilgrimage – down into the Modi Khola gorge, across a swaying suspension bridge, then up those endless stone steps. But the reward is worth every footfall and gasp of breath! The crescent of green and white bungalows perches halfway up the mountainside in the heart of Gurung country, home to the legendary Gurkhas for centuries. The sacred Machhapuchhre – never climbed, never permitted – dominates the view. Wake to morning tea at your door as the pink light catches the snow and watch honey hunters scale sheer cliffs on bamboo ladders. Landruk is all about simple pleasures in spiritual surroundings.

Perched at the very top of Ghandruk – regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Asia – this cosy retreat offers some of the finest mountain views in the Annapurna region. Built around a 19th century Gurung village house, the lodge gazes directly at Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the iconic Fishtail peak, all close enough to take your breath away. Part of the Mountain Lodges of Nepal collection, it's a world away from more basic teahouses: think hot water bottles slipped into your bed, hearty home-cooked meals and happy hours around a crackling wood-burner. All in all, a perfect launchpad for lodge-to-lodge trekking through rhododendron forests and terraced hillsides.

Temple Tree Resort & Spa is a boutique hotel combining western standards with the distinctive architecture and culture of Nepal’s Western Himalayas. Named after the fragrant temple tree plant frangipani found in the area, this hotel offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, privacy when preferred and attentive service. Nestling close by Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, Temple Tree is framed by the foothills and majestic peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range. The air is pure and clean, and the sub-tropical climate warm and pleasant.

Welcome to Hotel Barahi Pokhara, proudly welcoming guests for three decades. Experience Pokhara the Barahi way, and enjoy a blend of traditional hospitality with luxury. Indulge in the assorted amenities: take a refreshing dip in Dhaulagiri pool, relax your mind and body at Arogya Spa and enjoy a gourmet meal at Pokhara Flavour restaurant.

If you’re looking to book a hotel in Pokhara, Lakeside, find everything you need right at the heart of the city, with Hotel Barahi Pokhara.

Welcome to Baber Mahal Vilas, a heritage hotel that is a quaint family-run boutique property set in the existing architectural haven of BABER MAHAL RIVISITED. Guests feel indulged and cared for with splendid luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and exquisite cuisine.

In an effort to portray the distinct architectural features of Nepal in an blend of architectural design, the property shows 4 distinct styles. The primary design is essentially neoclassical 'Rana Durbar' style, followed by flavors from Newari, Mustang and Terai designs. The new courtyard offers 33 rooms with amenities and services to match. Sharing the neighborhood with Singha Durbar (Lion Palace) and the original Baber Mahal, the hotel is rich in historic significance to its central location in the City.

Retreat to Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, a family-friendly hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal. Situated in the city center near top shopping, dining, and attractions, this metropolitan hotel is within walking distance of Durbar Marg and Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Enjoy modern design, five-star service, and deluxe amenities when you book the spacious, well-appointed hotel rooms or suites with free Wi-Fi.

Nestled on the vibrant cross-road that houses Kathmandu’s most iconic landmarks including the Narayanhiti Palace and the Garden of Dreams, Barahi Kathmandu is an upscale oasis featuring chic post-modern European design and front-row views of the sprawling city. Check-in for a restful stay, for a glimpse of Kathmandu’s incredible history, and for the unparalleled view of the valley.

Dwarika's Sanctuary was founded from a deep respect for nature and the ancient wisdom of the Himalayan region. Set within 25 acres of natural forest, the property seamlessly blends into nature and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. The holistic well-being approach is rooted in ancient knowledge, treatments, and practices that balance and elevate the body, mind, and spirit.

The Royal Suite gets its name from one of Nepal’s most spectacular and northernmost regions, Dolpa. The suite is designed to reflect the inherent abundance and tranquility found within nature. Set magnificently at one of the highest points of the resort. The suite comes with a private kitchen, a chef (on request) and a private hot tub and offers some of the most extraordinary views from the resort.

Tucked beside lush forests with the famous Chitwan National Park as your playground, this lodge has cracked the code on making wildlife encounters both thrilling and ethically sound. The traditional Tharu longhouse architecture, crafted with locally-sourced materials and time-honored building techniques, creates an authentic immersion into village life without requiring you to rough it. Whether you choose one of the 12 spacious traditional rooms or opt for the full jungle experience in one of 9 safari tents, you're guaranteed front-row seats to nature's nightly symphony. The lodge's small scale means your experience takes priority over everything else - a refreshing approach in a world where bigger often masquerades as better.

Perfectly positioned on the banks of the rippling Rapti River with Chitwan National Park as your UNESCO World Heritage playground, this 29-room wilderness retreat has mastered the art of discerning wildlife experiences. The Taj touch is evident throughout - from the spacious lounge dominated by an extraordinary chandelier crafted from 10,000 hand-painted Nepalese beads to the large Newari wooden door salvaged from a nearby Tharu village that never fails to spark conversation. Regional art and artifacts are thoughtfully interspersed throughout the space, creating an atmosphere that celebrates local heritage whilst maintaining the sophistication expected from this legendary hospitality brand. After days spent tracking the majestic greater one-horned rhino or seeking glimpses of the elusive Bengal tiger, the combination of wellness spa, health club, and expansive infinity pool with viewing deck provides the perfect counterpoint to jungle adventures.

The Jungle Villa Resort is surrounded by lush greenery and is located on the edge of the Rapti river, providing all residents’ splendid nature views and wildlife sighting from the property. At the northern edge of the Chitwan National Park, the resort provides comfortable amenities enriching your jungle experience. Blending into nature, the resort has wildlife views from the deck and rooms. You can capture a glimpse of herds of deer, the one-horned rhinos, the royal Bengal tiger, birds, and other amphibians and aquatic animals at sunrise or sunset by the Rapti river. The property is located half an hour away from the Bharatpur airport.

A world away from the chaotic hustle of urban life, this intimate lodge sits in the heart of tiger country where extraordinary beauty and abundant wildlife create the perfect setting for off-the-beaten-track adventures. Bardiya provides the best tiger habitat anywhere in the country, offering your greatest opportunity to encounter this elusive big cat in its natural domain. The lodge operates with ultra-personal service and expert wildlife guiding, creating a calming escape that focuses entirely on natural surroundings. Local architecture influences room design, whilst the on-site farm produces fresh organic produce and environmental practices guide every operational decision.

Rhino Lodge Bardia is your ideal place to stay when you are exploring the jungles of this national park. Rhino Lodge Bardia has been the premier and preferred place for visitors to stay for over 20 years. The experience in this jungle park insures you of the best possible trip to the wild lands of this region.