A boutique hotel in Kathmandu is doing more than just offering a luxury stay — it’s preserving Nepal’s rich architectural and artistic traditions. Known as The Dwarika’s, this unique property stands out for its deep commitment to cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
A Legacy That Began With a Rescue
In the early 1950s, Dwarika Das Shrestha saw people burning intricately carved wooden columns for firewood in Kathmandu. These pieces were part of historic buildings being torn down as the city modernized. At that moment, he decided to save what he could. Over the years, he collected window frames, doorways, and pillars from demolished homes — not to store them in a museum, but to give them new life.
This passion led him to open The Dwarika’s Hotel in 1972, starting with just ten rooms. His goal wasn’t just to provide a place to stay, but to create a space that reflected and sustained Nepal’s traditional art forms.
A Living Museum of Newari Craft
Today, The Dwarika’s spans 2.5 acres and features 80 rooms, each adorned with original woodwork, handmade furniture, and Nepalese details. In 2026, a new wing will add 40 more rooms to the property. Every corner of the hotel pays tribute to Newari architecture, known for its red brick walls, carved timber designs, and peaceful courtyards.
The architecture mirrors that of ancient Kathmandu palaces. Guests walk past traditional water spouts, relax under trees in an open courtyard, and sleep in rooms that resemble a blend of museum and home.
A sister hotel also operates in Dhulikhel, just an hour away, offering a peaceful countryside experience focused on wellness and slow living.
Keeping a Tradition Alive
The hotel isn’t just preserving art — it’s actively reviving it. Dwarika set up a workshop where master carvers restored salvaged wood pieces and trained apprentices. This training continues today, ensuring a new generation learns the traditional skills that were once at risk of being lost.
According to Sangita Shrestha, daughter of the founder and head of business development and sustainability, the key is balance. “You have to keep its authenticity while updating its utility,” she says.
Her son, René Shrestha, now runs daily operations, making The Dwarika’s a third-generation family business.
A Cultural Experience for Guests
Guests at The Dwarika’s get more than just comfort. They experience the beauty of Nepal’s traditions up close. From carved windows and old wooden doors to the 12th-century-inspired swimming pool, the hotel blends luxury with culture.
There are quiet corners to read, a cozy bar, and a relaxing spa named Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa, offering traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
Dining is another highlight. The hotel operates six organic farms across Nepal and uses the produce to serve seasonal, local food. Its main restaurant, Krishnarpan, offers a tasting menu that features traditional Nepali dishes rarely found in other restaurants.
Guests can also enjoy meals at Toran, which serves a mix of Nepali, Indian, and global dishes, or Mako’s, a Japanese restaurant offering kaiseki-style menus.
Exploring Kathmandu With Expert Guidance
Dwarika’s offers curated cultural experiences. Guests can tour the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, all known for their stunning Newari palaces and temples.
The hotel also arranges visits to Pashupatinath Temple, a major site for Hindu pilgrims, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest stupas and a center for Tibetan Buddhism.
For a more spiritual experience, guests can take part in an evening aarti at Ram Mandir. There’s also a woodcarving studio on-site where visitors can watch artisans in action.
A Hopeful Vision for Nepal’s Future
Sangita Shrestha believes Nepal still has something rare to offer: a slower pace, deep spirituality, and genuine warmth. “This region can offer what every human being needs: consciousness,” she says. “That energy is alive in our temples, our stupas, and the sacred spaces that fill the valley.”
While many young Nepalis go abroad for work or study, the Shrestha family hopes their hotel proves there’s also a future at home — one rooted in tradition, creativity, and connection.
More Than a Hotel, A Mission
The Dwarika’s Hotel is more than a luxury stay — it’s a tribute to Nepal’s past and a model for preserving heritage in a changing world. From its woodwork to its community projects, it continues to inspire visitors and locals alike.
