Nepal adventure holiday in the Himalaya

At Kathmandu’s Dwarika’s Hotel, Nepalese heritage is elevated to an art form. This meticulously restored palace blends fifteenth-century woodwork, hand-carved doorways and terracotta reliefs with understated luxury. Every detail—from the tranquil courtyards to the Himalayan-inspired cuisine—reflects a reverence for tradition and craftsmanship. Rooms are adorned with antiques and silks, exuding warmth and authenticity. Just minutes from Kathmandu’s bustle, the hotel nevertheless feels worlds away: a serene cultural sanctuary where history whispers through every beam and brick.

Perched on the Annapurna trekking route at 4,600 feet above the scenic Modi River Valley, Majgaon Lodge is an appealing blend of rustic charm, tea plantation vibes and Himalayan elegance. Stone cottages with slate roofs and hand-carved windows open to sweeping views of Annapurna’s snow-capped peaks. Interiors mix woodwork and Nepalese textiles, while terraced gardens bloom with rhododendrons. Days begin with fresh mountain air and local coffee, and end beside a fire under star-filled skies.

Situated at 5,400 feet along the Annapurna trail, the stone-and-timber retreat of La Bee Lodge in Landruk offers a heavenly blend of comfort and mountain charm. Framed by terraced hillsides and jaw-dropping views of Machapuchare, it’s a lovely overnight stay for trekkers. Rooms are simple yet refined, with warm Nepalese touches and private verandas perfect for enjoying a sunrise mug of tea. After a day’s hike, unwind by the fire or sip a G & T beneath prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. It’s quiet luxury at altitude—unassuming, soulful and deeply connected to its Himalayan setting.

Set on the trail to Annapurna Base Camp at 6.500 feet above the village of Ghandruk, the area’s most culturally rich and fascinating settlement, Ghandruk Lodge offers warm Nepalese hospitality, sweeping mountain views and atmospheric wooden interiors, creating a welcoming atmosphere of understated luxury. Mornings begin with local tea on the veranda, as first light hits Machapuchare’s sacred peak. Days are spent trekking through rhododendron forests or visiting Gurkha honey-hunting villages, while evenings bring fireside relaxation and swapping of stories.

Boasting panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range, Dhampus Lodge is perched at 5,700 feet above the Pokhara Valley. Run on solar energy, the lodge’s bright and spacious rooms are adorned with Nepalese carpets, blankets and artwork. After your day’s trekking, gather on the grassy terrace for drinks and foot massages as the sun sets over the mountains then head into the cosy dining room for a restorative dinner by a crackling fire. While many will be off and away come morning, stay a little longer and enjoy local nature walks or simply relax and watch the clouds slowly drift past.

Tucked into the lush hills of Pokhara, The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm is a serene eco-luxury retreat where sustainability meets sophistication. Terraced fields, organic gardens and snow-capped peaks form a cinematic backdrop for just a handful of chic villas, each blending rustic charm with modern comfort. Solar power, farm-to-table cuisine and community-focused initiatives anchor its ethos. Wake to birdsong, trek through quiet mountain trails and unwind by the infinity pool—all while supporting a hotel that gives as much to its surroundings as it offers its guests.

Set in Nepal’s remote Solukhumbu region south of Mount Everest, The Happy House exudes warmth, comfort and joy. Once the home of Sir Edmund Hillary, it’s a place of stories, where writers, painters, walkers, trekkers and mountain lovers come for peace, solitude and hospitality. Inside, hand-carved woodwork, crackling fires and exquisite Buddhist thangka paintings create an inviting atmosphere. Days begin with steaming chai and end with tales from the trail under a star-studded sky. It’s less a hotel, more a soulful retreat for trekkers drawn to the Nepal of bygone days.

Operated as a satellite of The Happy House, the comfortably appointed ger camp on Ratnange Ridge allows you to experience the very spirit of Nepal. Reached on foot after a beautiful half-day hike, the camp revolves around a central yurt which serves as a mess, common room and massage room, as well as (on windy nights) a communal sleeping space. Yurts are set up along the hillside surrounding the central yurt, and come with a small light, a giant mattress, a heated sleeping bag stuffed with a Hermes cashmere blanket, and a large soft pillow. There is also a bathroom tent with a long-drop.