Hotel
The Dwarika’s Hotel
A family-run heritage hotel opened in 1972, built around courtyards of rescued Newari woodcarving and home to the Krishnarpan tasting-menu restaurant.
Hotel Ganesh Himal
A family-run hotel in Chhetrapati since 1977, between Thamel and Durbar Square, with a garden, a sunny rooftop and rooms from economy to Newari-style deluxe.
At a glance
- Type
- Family-run budget hotel
- Area
- Chhetrapati, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- hotelganeshhimal.com
Good to know
- Garden
- Restaurant
- 24-hour hot water
- Budget rooms
Why we recommend it
Hotel Ganesh Himal is a family-run hotel in Chhetrapati, on the border of Thamel and between the traveller district and Kathmandu Durbar Square. It has been welcoming guests since 1977, growing from a house that the owner's father built on a small plot of land into a modern hotel, and it is run by its owners, Mukhiya Gurung and his wife Maya. The hotel says it has been recommended by guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the Rough Guides, and it claims more than 200,000 guests over the years.
Most rooms are in a typical Nepali style, with wooden floors, wooden furniture and colourful details, and there are quiet balconies on every floor and a sunny rooftop as well as a large green garden. The rooms come in three types. Economy rooms are the budget option for backpackers and trekkers, Deluxe rooms are larger with modern amenities, and Classic Deluxe rooms feature Nepali decor in Newari architectural style. A newer Boutique Block combines Newari architecture with modern comforts for guests who want a little more character without moving to a pricier hotel. The hotel promises 24-hour hot water and electricity.
The on-site restaurant serves Nepali food, and the garden offers a quiet place to sit away from the street. The hotel employs more than 40 staff and positions itself as a budget option offering quality service at competitive prices. The Chhetrapati area around it has many shops, restaurants and bars of its own.
Ganesh Himal suits budget travellers, trekkers and families who want an owner-run base close to Thamel rather than in the middle of it. It does not have a pool or spa, but the garden, rooftop and balconies give guests outdoor space. The family's website invites guests to read and leave reviews on TripAdvisor, and guests' photos and comments are shared on Flickr and Facebook.
The location is a good compromise. Thamel's shops, restaurants and bars are a short walk to the north, while Kathmandu Durbar Square and the old bazaars of Indra Chowk and Asan are within walking distance to the south, so most of the city's central sights can be reached on foot.
Hotel Ganesh Himal FAQs
When did Hotel Ganesh Himal open?
It has been serving guests since 1977.
Where is it?
In Chhetrapati, on the edge of Thamel and between Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Who runs it?
The owners, Mukhiya Gurung and his wife Maya.
What types of room are there?
Economy, Deluxe and Classic Deluxe rooms, plus a newer Boutique Block.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes, serving Nepali food.
Is there hot water all day?
The hotel promises 24-hour hot water and electricity.
Is it good for trekkers?
Yes. It is a budget-friendly base within walking distance of Thamel.
How do I contact the hotel?
Call +977 1 5363598 or email [email protected].