TOP 3 Unusual Places to Stay in Nepal
Seeking original and unique experiences? Forget traditional hotels and opt instead for a Buddhist monastery or a night above 4,000m facing Everest in complete comfort...
Seeking original and unique experiences? Forget traditional hotels and opt instead for a Buddhist monastery or a night above 4,000m facing Everest in complete comfort...
1. A Monastery
Nepal, the birthplace of Buddha, is home to countless sacred Buddhist sites and hundreds of monasteries scattered throughout the country. These places steeped in history and spirituality can be visited, but that's not all you can do—you can also sleep in them! Whether you wish to maintain a certain level of comfort or instead experience the daily life of monks, the experience promises to be captivating and unforgettable. You'll have the privilege of witnessing religious ceremonies, exchanging with monks, and even participating in yoga or meditation sessions.
2. One of the Highest Hotels in the World
Kongde Lodge is a unique hotel as it is one of the highest in the world, situated at 4,250m altitude. Accessible after a trek of a few days or by helicopter, it offers a majestic view over five of the world's highest mountains: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyo, Gyajung Khang, and Ama Dablam. Built along the original route taken by Sherpas heading to Thame, the hotel enjoys incredible tranquility. Moreover, at 5,000m altitude, lies a magnificent lake that seems to be a pearl in the mountainous ocean. Only 11 rooms are available in this sumptuous place.
3. A Safari Tent
Located beside the river and accessible only by rafting, Seti River Camp offers rustic accommodations (16 permanent safari-style tents) in the lush forests of Nepal near Pokhara. Around the camp, you'll find hammocks and lounge chairs—relax by a pleasant campfire lit every evening. If you wish to discover local culture, visit the villages situated near the camp.
Bonus: In a Homestay
What better way to discover the Nepali way of life than by sleeping directly with a local family? Enjoying the comfort and warmth of a homestay also allows you to connect with locals and support their livelihoods. Some offer guided tours from a more personal perspective, while others will propose Nepali cooking classes.
Frequently asked questions
Some Nepali monasteries accept visitors wishing to spend the night on site. It's advisable to contact the monastery directly or go through a specialized local travel agency. Some spiritual tourism platforms also offer this type of stay.
Yes, Kongde Lodge, situated at 4,250m altitude, is accessible by helicopter for those who don't wish to or cannot undertake several days of trekking. This allows you to enjoy views of Everest and the surrounding peaks without intense physical effort.
A homestay involves lodging directly with a local family, allowing you to discover Nepali culture and daily life from the inside. Platforms like Airbnb or responsible tourism agencies in Nepal offer homestays in different regions of the country.
Seti River Camp, accessible only by rafting, is an adventure experience. Rafting may be inadvisable for young children depending on the river's difficulty level. It's recommended to inquire with the camp before booking to learn what conditions suit each age group.
The best time to travel to Nepal and enjoy these unusual accommodations is generally autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May), with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Winter can make access to Kongde Lodge difficult due to snowfall.
