Gurung Lodge
Gurung Lodge is located on the edge of the village of Majgaun, and views of the surrounding valley and mountains, especially Annapurna South and Annapurna One, are spectacular.
Built in the style of a traditional Nepalese village, the lodge has ten large ensuite rooms all housed in tribal style cottages with antique carved windows. The cottages are dotted around the grounds, therefore the whole lodge feels spacious, and each cottage has a couple of sun loungers outside.
There is also a centrally located dining room, serving delicious food, and bar with a large open fireplace.
Why We Love It
Our guides can take you to local Gurung village houses which are fascinating.
Basanta Lodge
Basanta Lodge is located on the outskirts of Dhampus, and therefore is a good place to start or end a trek.
There are seven en-suite rooms at Basanta, and it is famed for its excellent food and service. The owner of the lodge, I.V Gurung, is wonderful, and as an ex Gurkha has many stories up his sleeve which he is more than happy to share around the fire.
The gardens are the best place to take in the spectacular views, and look out towards Pokhara. Fishtail Mountain, Annapurna Two and Annapurna Four, all of which form part of a magnificent panorama clearly visible from here.
Why We Love It
Sit around the fire at night listening to owner I.V Gurung's tales from his Gurka days.
Sanctuary Lodge
Located on a headland just north of the scenic village of Birethanti, Sanctuary Lodge overlooks the river and has dramatic views of Machapuchare - the sacred 'Fishtail' mountain - and is set in beautifully landscaped gardens.
The 16 rooms are fairly basic, but comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms. The lodge is split into two properties - eight of the rooms are down by the river, and the other eight are higher up. Each building has its own dining room, therefore giving the feeling that the lodge is in fact smaller that it is. There is also a bar at the lodge.
Why We Love It
Birethanti is close by, however we recommend heading to the nearby subtropical forests for their excellent botanical and bird watching expeditions.
Himalaya Lodge
Located at 6,560 feet, Himalaya Lodge overlooks the slate roofed village of Ghandruk, once a major recruitment centre for the Gurka soldiers.
The lodge has 11 rooms, all fairly basic yet comfortable, and the views from the lodge are fantastic. The views of Annapurna South and Fishtail (Machapuchare) at sunrise are particularly stunning, and definitely worth getting up early for - especially when woken up with a cup of masala chai.
The village of Ghandruk is still home to villagers crafting traditional hand woven rugs, as they have for generations. Wander around to see their pretty traditional houses - and the villagers are exceptionally friendly.
The trekking is simply spectacular, and guests usually spend two nights at Himalaya Lodge when on a trek as the surrounding area is so vast and diverse.
Why We Love It
The views at sunrise are amazing, especially with a cup if masala chai in hand, so make sure the camera batteries are charged before nine o'clock the night before when the electricity is switched off.
Seti River Camp
As the name suggests, Seti River Camp is located on the river, and is only accessible by boat.
Accommodation is comprised of sixteen safari style tents, each with a veranda and en suite bathroom with running hot water. The staff are attentive and extremely friendly, even bringing tea and coffee to the tents every morning.
Food is delicious and served buffet style in the dining tent with the other guests. There are also hammocks around the camp and a fire pit that is lit nightly.
Located by the river in Nepal's verdant forests near Pokhara, the white water rafting is fantastic. The rapids are gentle and it is very much a relaxing experience, and guests are accompanied by experienced river guides at all times. Local villages are also within walking distance of the camp, so guests can wander down for a glimpse of the local culture.
Why We Love It
The wake up call is accompanied by tea and coffee, the perfect pre-adventure warm up.
Dwarika's
More museum than hotel, Dwarika's is inspired by the valley's rich cultural heritage and is modelled upon the architectural grandeur of the palaces of the Newar Kings. A heritage hotel, it is comprised of carved wooden door and window frames and Nepalese artefacts, some dating back to the 14th Century.
There are 87 rooms at this heritage hotel, all individually designed with Newari motifs and handmade furniture. Luxury is not compromised however, and all the necessary mod cons are there. Lucky guests may even have bagh-chal in their room, a traditional game where goats are pitted against tigers, set out on low tables.
There are three restaurants at Dwarika's. Krushnarpan is famed for its Nepali cuisine and aims to evoke memories of the Maharajas of Nepal with the slow dining experience - they provide amazing set menus from 6, 15 or 22 courses. The Fusion Bar is in the family's old house (they still live on site today), and is traditionally Nepalese with a hint of German mountain hut influence thrown in - this may seem odd, but it works. Finally, Mako's serves delicious Japanese food.
Facilities include a swimming pool, gym and spa which offers a range of massages as well as yoga classes.
The location of Dwarika's is incomparable, and despite being in Kathmandu, it is extremely quiet - it takes a trip into the centre to really grasp just how surprisingly quiet it is.
Why We Love It
Mr D Surestra (D for Dwarika) started collecting such treasures in the 1950's, when the rest of the country was trying to modernise and often using the intricately carved frames as firewood. His collection grew so big that he opened a small guesthouse, which is now the luxury heritage hotel we see today, still made up of the frames and other such treasures he has collected over the years.
