The Old Inn occupies a traditional Newar-style house in the heart of Bandipur, an old merchant village perched on a ridge at 1,030 meters altitude, between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The bougainvillea-covered facade and succession of rooms with antique furnishings give this small characterful hotel an identity difficult to replicate elsewhere in Nepal.

Why stay at The Old Inn

Bandipur has preserved its Newar architectural fabric through strict conservation policies: the main street, pedestrian-only, lines half-timbered houses, temples and intricately carved wooden windows that echo the historic center of Bhaktapur. The Old Inn fits into this heritage fabric. The establishment occupies a restored traditional building whose careful decoration combines antique furnishings, original woodwork and updated comfort for travelers.

The address works particularly well as a stopover between Kathmandu and Pokhara, or as a two-night pause to breathe in rural Nepal far from crowded tourist circuits.

Atmosphere and architecture

The hotel is easy to spot on Bandipur's main street: its bougainvillea-covered facade stands out against the dark stone and wood of neighboring houses. Inside, the spirit remains that of a Newar family home—low-ceilinged rooms, narrow staircases, eclectic furnishings. The decoration blends antique objects and contemporary touches, without stylistic jarring.

The terrace is the property's strong point: on clear days, it opens onto Himalayan peaks visible from Bandipur's ridge, notably the Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal massifs. It's the perfect spot for breakfast or an evening meal.

Services and dining

The Old Inn offers home cooking with a family dimension. Breakfast and meals are prepared with organic products, cooked in front of guests—a rare transparency in hotel dining in Nepal. The menu features traditional Nepalese dishes (dal bhat, momos, seasonal curries) and some Western options.

• Rooms in the historic building with period furnishings
• Panoramic terrace for meals and breakfasts
• Open kitchen, local and organic produce
• English-speaking staff depending on the season
• Wi-Fi in common areas (variable quality, typical of high-altitude villages in Nepal)

Location and access

Bandipur is halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, approximately 4-5 hours' drive from each city. The final approach is via a winding road from Dumre on the main Prithvi Highway. Since the hotel is located on the village's pedestrian street, vehicles stop at the town entrance: plan for a short walk with luggage.

To prepare your stopover, consult our Bandipur guide.

What to see and do nearby

• Tundikhel: panoramic esplanade at the village's edge, viewpoint over the Himalayan range
• Bindebasini Temple: Newar sanctuary at the heart of the town
• Siddha Gufa Caves: one of Nepal's largest cave systems, approximately 2 hours' walk away
• Ramkot village: 2-3 hour walk through Magar countryside
• Short hikes to surrounding hills to experience local agricultural life

To extend your stay, you can head to Pokhara and choose an address like Hotel Queens Park Pokhara, or return to the capital and Kathmandu Guest House in the Thamel district.

Planning your trip

The Old Inn fits naturally into a classic Kathmandu – Bandipur – Pokhara circuit, or an itinerary combining Newar heritage and trekking in the Annapurnas. To build your tailor-made stay, explore our Nepal trips.