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.
Kathmandu Guest House
Thamel's original heritage guesthouse, open since 1968, with garden courtyards, an art museum on site and rooms from standard to apartments.
At a glance
- Type
- Heritage hotel
- Area
- Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- ktmgh.com
Good to know
- Garden courtyard
- Spa and yoga
- Art museum on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafe
Why we recommend it
Kathmandu Guest House has been part of the Thamel story since 1968, when Karna Sakya and his brother opened it with seven rooms in a house built around 1900 by Colonel Kumar Narsingh Rana and bought by their family in 1950. Karna Sakya, often called the father of tourism in Nepal, is credited with turning Thamel into the country's leading tourism hub. The Maya Annex took the guest house to 40 rooms in 1976, George Harrison stayed incognito in 1970, and Lonely Planet's founders, Tony and Maureen Wheeler, visited in 1978. In 2000 Karna Sakya and his sons founded the KGH Group, which now has hotels in Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini too. More than half a century later it is still one of the best-known addresses in the area, describing itself as a heritage hotel for travellers, trekkers and digital nomads. Its gardens and old Nepali architecture provide a calm core in the middle of Thamel's busy lanes.
Rooms range from Standard and Deluxe rooms to Heritage Suites and apartments, which gives options for solo travellers, couples and families or longer stays. All rooms and public areas have free high-speed Wi-Fi. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out by noon.
The garden courtyard is the heart of the property, and the KGH Dream Garden Restaurant serves a multi-cuisine menu at tables among the plants. Pizzeria Maya bakes Italian-style pizzas, and there is a branch of Himalayan Java, Nepal's pioneering specialty coffee chain, on site. KGH Wellness offers a spa, gym and yoga centre, useful before or after a trek, and meeting halls and open-air event spaces host gatherings.
The hotel also houses the Museum of Nepali Art (MoNA) and the Kathmandu Art House, which make it more than a place to sleep.
Kathmandu Guest House suits first-time visitors who want a central base with character, trekkers who need to be close to gear shops and agencies, and travellers who like a social atmosphere. The hotel lists [email protected] as its booking contact. From the hotel you can walk to the Garden of Dreams at the entrance to Thamel, to the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, and south through Asan and Indra Chowk to Kathmandu Durbar Square, about 1.4 km away.
Kathmandu Guest House FAQs
When did Kathmandu Guest House open?
It has been welcoming guests since 1968.
Where is it?
At Saatghumti-16, Thamel, Kathmandu.
What room types are there?
Standard, Deluxe, Heritage Suites and apartments.
Are there places to eat?
Yes. The Dream Garden Restaurant, Pizzeria Maya and a Himalayan Java coffee shop.
Is there a spa?
Yes. KGH Wellness has a spa, gym and yoga centre.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 2pm and check-out by noon.
Is there an art museum on site?
Yes. The Museum of Nepali Art (MoNA) and the Kathmandu Art House are on the property.
How do I contact the hotel?
Call +977 1 4700632 or email [email protected].