heritage hotel · Kathmandu
Dwarika's Hotel
A heritage hotel at Battisputali, near Pashupatinath, built around brick courtyards and fitted with carved Newar windows, doors and struts rescued from old valley buildings. It is the most complete showcase of Newar woodwork you can sleep in, and a calm retreat from the city's traffic.
Dwarika's grew out of one man's rescue work. From the 1950s onwards, Dwarika Das Shrestha began collecting carved windows, pillars and doors from old Newar houses that were being torn down across the valley, and set his craftsmen to restore them. The hotel was built to give that woodwork a home, so the courtyards, corridors and rooms are set with genuine old carvings alongside new pieces made by local artisans.
Rooms are spread across low brick buildings round courtyards and gardens, with terracotta, handloom fabrics and carved details. The hotel's Krishnarpan restaurant serves a long, multi-course Nepali meal, and other restaurants on site serve international food. The location, a few minutes from Pashupatinath and about 15 minutes from Boudha and the airport, suits travellers who want to be near the eastern sights rather than in Thamel.
Why we use it
- Genuine Newar carvings rescued from valley buildings, restored on site
- Quiet courtyards and gardens, close to Pashupatinath and Boudha
- A long Nepali tasting meal at Krishnarpan
Questions
Where is Dwarika's Hotel in Kathmandu?
Dwarika's is at Battisputali in east Kathmandu, about 10 minutes' walk or a short drive from Pashupatinath, around 15 minutes from Boudhanath and about 15 to 20 minutes from the airport. Thamel and the Durbar Square are 25 to 40 minutes away by car, depending on traffic.
What is special about Dwarika's Hotel?
The hotel is built around carved Newar woodwork, windows, doors and pillars, many rescued from old valley buildings that were being demolished and then restored by craftsmen. Staying here is like living in a museum of Newar architecture, with modern comfort and quiet courtyards away from city noise.
What is the Krishnarpan meal at Dwarika's?
Krishnarpan is the hotel's Nepali restaurant, serving a long tasting menu of Nepali and Newar dishes in many small courses, from a short set to an extended feast. It is popular for special occasions, so book ahead. Vegetarian versions are available on request.
Trips
Trips that use Dwarika's Hotel
Kathmandu Valleymax 1,750 mHoneymoon: Kathmandu, Dhulikhel and Pokhara
A seven-night honeymoon that moves from the temples of Kathmandu to the quiet hills of Dhulikhel and the lake and mountains of …
Kathmandu Valleymax 1,400 mNewar food and festivals of the valley
Five nights in the kitchens, markets and festival squares of the Newars, the valley's oldest people. Eat samay baji in Kirtipur, buy …
Everest & Solukhumbumax 4,570 mEverest Comfort Lodge Trek
The Khumbu in comfort. Eleven nights pairing Dwarika's in Kathmandu with the best lodges on the trail: Yeti Mountain Home in Namche …
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