Guesthouses, hotels, teahouses, homestays... With so many options in Nepal, which is right for you and your budget? Find out with our local insider Alice’s reviews.
Photo © Alice McConnell
Whether you’re hiking in the Himalayas, strolling through medieval cities, or bargaining hard in souvenir shops, every minute in Nepal is exhilarating and exhausting in equal measure.
At the end of the day, you’ll need somewhere to rest your head and recharge your batteries.
Luckily for you, the range of accommodation on offer is varied and affordable!
Guesthouses and Hotels in Nepal
In the main tourist areas of Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan, you’ll find an ever-expanding range of options.
‘Guesthouse’ in Nepal can mean anything from a small, family-run lodge, to a generic budget hotel.
Most have a large variety of rooms, so be sure to take a look before committing to stay.
Budget rooms start from as low as 250 Rupees a night and include little more than a bed and a roof over your head.
Spend a little more and you can expect your own bathroom, some windows, and a balcony.
Unless you’re going luxe, it’s worth noting that much of Nepal experiences power outages throughout the day and wifi access can be erratic.
In Kathmandu’s bustling tourist district, Thamel, most hotels and guesthouses will offer free airport pick-ups.
Try Hotel Himalaya Yoga and Kathmandu Guesthouse for an unbeatable location, right in the centre of Thamel.
While many have breakfast included, it’s usually a pretty bland affair.
Booking ahead of time is recommended in peak seasons, but you’ll get much cheaper rates if you enquire in person.
Teahouses in Nepal
For those chasing mountain highs in the Himalayas, leave the tent at home.
Trekking trails are dotted with simple teahouses that offer a welcoming smile and a warming cup of tea at the end of a hard day’s hike.
For as little as 300 Rupees a night, you’ll get a firm bed, a thick blanket, and a power outlet to charge your devices.
Make no mistake; teahouse facilities are basic: hot water, electricity, and clean toilets never a guarantee.
You’ll be expected to eat your meals at the teahouse’s own restaurant, and will be charged a fee if you eat elsewhere.
The higher your altitude, the higher the prices for luxuries like wifi access, so be sure to plan your triumphant Instagram summit post accordingly.
Homestays in Nepal
If a glimpse of true rural Nepalese culture is what you’re after, remote homestays like Shanta Ghar in the Chitwan region offer a passport into family life, and a more authentic local experience.
For between USD$5–$30 a night, you’ll have a basic but comfortable room and the guaranteed kindness of your entire host family.
Get to know your host family and immerse yourself in their day-to-day lives. You’ll sleep well at night knowing you’re spreading your tourist dollars into rural areas that may not otherwise reap the economic benefits of tourism.
Homestays though, require an understanding that some luxuries like wifi and hot water will not always be available.
Meals here will be home-cooked Nepalese food that’s so delicious, you won’t think twice about eating curried vegetables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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