The Dwarika’s Hotel

The Dwarika's is the hotel that turned the rescue of Kathmandu's carved heritage into a way of welcoming guests. Its founder, Dwarika Das Shrestha, bought a carved wooden pillar from a house being demolished during a morning run in 1952 and went on to save hand-hewn frames, windows and pillars from buildings across the city. He built a Nepali-style brick house with the restored woodwork in 1964, founded a travel company in 1969 and opened the hotel in 1972. After his death in 1992 his wife, Ambica Shrestha, carried on the work, and the family has now run the hotel across three generations.

The hotel's courtyards and facades combine centuries-old carving, hand-moulded brick and Newar building styles, and some of the featured pieces, including a carved door and a pillar section, date from the 13th century. Artisans still restore beams, lattices and pillars in an on-site workshop using traditional chisels. The hotel received a PATA Heritage Award in 1980, and a new courtyard wing is due for completion in 2026.

There are 76 rooms and suites, each with its own character. Heritage Deluxe rooms of around 40 to 47 square metres and Heritage Junior Suites look onto the courtyards, Executive Suites are larger, and the Royal Suite spreads across three levels with a private rooftop terrace. Rooms feature carved lattice screens, terracotta floors, handwoven textiles, hand-thrown pottery and antique Newari and Himalayan furniture, and some walls reuse bricks stamped with the names of Rana-era ministers.

Dining is a strong reason to stay. Krishnarpan serves a Nepali tasting menu of up to 21 courses in the evening, Toran is the all-day restaurant, with sel roti among the breakfast dishes, Mako's serves Japanese food overlooking a Japanese garden, and Fusion Bar occupies the former home of Dwarika Das, serving cocktails made with Himalayan botanicals alongside Nepali whiskies and raksi. Much of the produce comes from the family's farms around Kathmandu, and wellbeing facilities complete the offer.

The Dwarika's suits couples, honeymooners and anyone interested in Nepali architecture and craft. Families are welcome, as all room types sleep two adults with space for two children on a day bed. The hotel is in Battisputali, and the family also runs Dwarika's Sanctuary in Dhulikhel if you want to continue to the hills.