Newari Heritage Stays, Nepal

Recommended Heritage Stays in Nepal 1. Dwarika Chhen, Basantpur

Located in the heart of the city in Basantpur, just by the side on Kathmandu Durbar Square, Dwarika Chhen is a restored Newari property with its building heritage dating back to about 500 years. The architecture of the property resonates with the famous site of Hanuman Dhoka.

Wooden carved bay windows like Sanjhya in the centre of the façade and Tikijhya by the side of it on the third floor, are some of the prominent features from the Newari architecture. The brick building dates back to the period of Shah and Rana dynasties where four-story houses were quite prominent.

Running as a boutique hotel for 10 years now, Dwarika Chhen still thrives on the traditional living style of the Newaris with room dĂŠcor made up of local handicrafts and featuring small light alcoves called Gvakha on the interior walls.

2. Hotel Heritage, Bhaktapur

Like a flawless story from the history, Hotel Heritage in Bhaktapur is built on the bricks of inspiration from the little details that have existed in Newari Architecture since the time of Malla and Rana Kings. This newly constructed building comprises of 300-year old bricks and 75-year old Dachi appa bricks from the Rana Palaces.

Truly a royal space, the rooms at Hotel Heritage are laid with items made by local craftsmen.

From banana mats to handloom cotton, from bronze to brass, from Bhaktapur`s lokta paper

to reclaimed timber and cobbled floors, the grandeur of this Nepali setting is truly luxurious.

The little corners are adorned with Mithila paintings.

Their multi-cuisine restaurant Kutumba serves authentic Newari thali and yet lets you sip modernity at their tribal bar. Vatsa Mnadala Hall and Mithila rooms are perfect for gatherings and meetings.

3. Newa Chhen, Patan

Roads from the Bagmati river, winding through the Patan Durbar Square come straight to this Malla period restored Shrestha House. Newa Chhen is impeccably restored and houses Newari interior spaces like communal living, low heighted rooms, floor mattresses, small façade openings, coir matted floors and windows with lattice work to allow light but maintain privacy.

The low heighted doors are a special Newari architectural feature which symbolically means one is paying respect while entering the rooms. The construction is eco-sensitive since the low-heighted rooms are meant to stay cool in summers and hot in winters.

The 8 rooms are set around a courtyard which is a space for interaction and social gatherings.

Rooms are named after the eight auspicious symbols of the ‘Astha Matrika’. The beautiful heritage property is a testimony to the fact that how rehabilitation and sustainable tourism activities can carefully preserve age-old buildings like Newa Chhen.

4. The Inn, Patan

A Newari home turned into a beautiful heritage hotel by conservation architect Rohit Ranjitkar, The Inn leaves a distinguishable mark by blending the minimalistic décor with traditional Newari Architecture.

The minimalistic décor but complimentary to traditional architecture, stands in contrast to the white walls with low ceiling. A modern touch to the Newari windows, Akhijyal, have been lent by putting diffused glass in the openings where the soft white light blends with the warm ones.

A special focus has been put on to reusing of remnants from old structures. The bricks, dalins, railings and pillars have been reclaimed. Each guest room has been individually decorated with love and elements like exposed beams, handmade local carpets, European beddings and beaten-brass basins in sleek modern bathrooms.

The Inn Swotha has come up as a 100-year old Newari house which after its revival showed how to use local resources while keeping present needs intact.

5. Hotel Marshyangdi, Thamel

Marshyangdi stands for ‘raging river’ in the local Manangi dialect and the Marshyangdi river is one of the best white-water rafting runs in the world. Hotel Marshyangdi is a balance of modern amenities wrapped under a light décor of traditional architectural values. The values get reflected in its grand reception area, outdoor seating with stone water spouts and pergola spaces.

The building with 55 luxury rooms reflects the modern spirit of Nepal in the form of a mix of Neo-classical and Newari architecture. It is located in Thamel which is the tourist hub.

Three types of opulent Annapurna suits, super deluxe rooms, junior suits and deluxe rooms are set to provide you utmost relaxation and peace midst the streets of Thamel.

6. The Famous Farm, Nuwakot

A citadel located just right at the centre of a beautiful valley and overlooking lush greenery, Nuwakot’s Famous Farm takes you back to the time of traditionally decorated royal cottages.

The 14 bedrooms keep you cosy yet provide freshness of the mountainous Nuwakot and Trisuli valley area. Rooms are well ventilated with traditional wooden windows having designer niches. Like a Newari mansion, the three storied building in exposed brick with traditional balconies and windows looks like something from the Malla dynasty.

A walk outside the Newari house can be full of surprises. There are a few organic gardens full of flowers and abundant in natural beauty. One can literally see bees sucking nectar from flowers. Another step towards the backside of the house confronts you with mountainous views and a gushing river down below. A dreamy sunset with a book in hand concludes that perfect farmhouse vacation.

Nuwakot Durbar Square is just at a walking distance from the lodge house.

7. Annapurna Royal Camp, Begnas Lake

Just 12 kms before the Pokhara area, there comes a magical place perfect for a hidden retreat if one is willing to camp but in a royal Nepali style. Besides the Begnas lake lies the Annapurna Royal Camp.

The camp sits in absolute wilderness keeping one’s location secret but side by side providing clear views of peaks like Annapurnas, Lamjung Himal and Machapuchare. The lake is just 15 minutes hike away from the campsite and serves an opportunity for boating and view gazing.

The Royal camps include Queen sized beds, attached bathroom and a seating area with individual balcony space. A separate community dining space gives passable views of the

snow peaked mountains. The bathrooms touch another level of luxury with beaten-brass and bamboo dĂŠcor.

A village tour of the nearby area provides an opportunity to peak into the agrarian lifestyle of the villagers. Trekking to Ghandruk, Dhampus and Poonhill is also one of the activities that can be undertaken.

8. Lake Side Retreat, Pokhara

Pokhara being another tourist hub of Nepal, is a home to natural beauty with places like Phewa Lake and Sarangkot. Just at a walking distance from the lake, Lake Side Retreat with its peaceful environment and luxurious facilities becomes a perfect holiday home.

The plush rooms with ultra-modern interiors and exteriors with facilities like a swimming pool and gardens takes one on a holiday retreat journey. The retreat also comes with facilities like spa and a beauty health care. Rooms’ balconies overlook the beautiful gardens and a huge swimming pool.

The retreat is built in a modern style of architecture yet it blends with the hues and shades of Nepali Architecture. The slant roof style and stone coated exteriors walls are a modern rendition of traditional architectural style.

Along with luxury, it is a complete space for relaxation and to unwind.

9. Machan Country Villa, Chitwan

Machan country villa gives an opportunity to sleep in the wild Sal Forest of Chitwan National Park and also relish luxury in a Newari style of living. Here basically the Newari lifestyle merges tastefully with a jungle theme.

The various spacious rooms are named as per the exotic bird species. Quite minimalistic in their dĂŠcor, a special care has been given to electricity and water conservation. A communal dining space with an adjoining bar becomes a perfect eating spot. A Newari thali for lunch and day excursion in the jungle afterwards completes your day.

The location perfectly is in between Tharu villages and the wild side of Chitwan National Park making both jungle safari and a village tour feasible.

Nature walk and jeep safaris take you deep into the various wild cores of the jungle where animals can be seen in herds either bathing or hunting. At Machan, mornings usually start with the chirping of more than 10 species of birds around.

10. Hotel Manang, Thamel

Located on the busy streets of Thamel, Manang Hotel in Paknajol combines both the elements from Newari and Buddhist architecture from Nepal. It is quintessence to the merging of various kinds of cultures that co-exist in Nepal, both in plane and mountainous regions.

The rooms that are inspired by Newari architecture have minimalistic soft lightning with one feature wall which is in exposed brick to bring a traditional ambience. The acquired wooden windows are used as a decorative element along with others like alcoves and ribbed-wooden ceiling.

The Buddhist architecture styled rooms take us one step closer to the high mountain regions of Manang district from which the hotel’s name is inspired.

Swayambhu View terrace gives a panoramic view of the colourful Kathmandu Valley. Yeti bar and Lotus cafĂŠ are the perfect spots to relish drinks and local Newari food.

11. Nepali Ghar, Thamel

A pure hand-crafted and indigenous experience midst the rush of Thamel, Nepali Ghar truly justifies its name. The luxury property is not just a hotel but a piece of art made together by the vison of architect Siddhartha Gopalan and the local craft community of Kathmandu Valley.

The hotel is inspired by the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Nepali Ghar and perfectly emulsifies the modern trends with elements from a Newari household.

The entry starts taking you back to the Licchavi dynasty by bringing the sight of Sanjhya window hung in the reception area. Every little detail isn’t just taken from the history. Rather elements like doors, false-ceiling, alcoves, lights and furniture are evolved to settle between a new and an old era.

To let the natural light in, the open to sky courtyard acts as a transitional element between staircase that takes you to luxurious rooms, a dining hall located in one corner, the main reception area standing in absolute grandeur and a service shaft. The rooms touch the right chord by getting the earthy moods with a luxurious set.