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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
The Old House in Kathmandu's Durbar Marg is the newest cocktail bar by Indian mixologist Yangdup Lama
In the heart of Kathmandu's Durbar Marg — dotted with luxury shops, upscale restaurants and hotels — stands The Old House by Minaskhi Singh and Yangdup Lama. The award-winning duo, best known for Sidecar, which features on World's 50 Best Bars (2021, 2022, 2023) and Asia's 50 Best Bars (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024), has partnered with Desal Lama from Nepal for this business venture. The Old House spells nostalgia for Delhi-based mixologist Yangdup. Back in 1993, as a young industrial trainee at Hotel Annapurna in Kathmandu (then part of the Taj group), he would often pass by this old home. Decades later, he has tried to revive its memory, by reimagining it as his and his business partner Minakshi's first international bar. The bar took a year and a couple of months to shape up. When it did, it felt like a bright and welcoming space that reminds visitors of Kathmandu's Newari-style homes. Developed by the indigenous Newar people of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, Newari architecture is characterised by elaborate wood carvings and pagoda-style temples. Minakshi explains, 'The architecture is such that it breathes life into the bar, reminiscent of the fine art, folk culture, design and the days gone by. This bar will transport you to the Kathmandu of the 1970s and 1980s, decked with woodwork, tapestry, and floor work characteristic of Newari architecture, featuring closely spaced joists (dhalin) supporting a subfloor of terracotta tiles and wooden planks, adorned with a layer of fine yellow clay. The place also features a central water feature in the courtyard, adding a sensory dimension — sound, light, reflection, and calm'. The Old House can seat 80 people and it is not just a name; it is a sentiment. Yangdup explains, in Kathmandu, all ancestral homes over 100 years old were colloquially referred to as 'old houses'. The Old House too, he recollects, has been through many changes; 'But, the banyan tree still stands,' he shares. That lone reminder, and the emotional imprint of the place, was reason enough to preserve the name and spirit of it in their new venture. Their Nepalese business partners, though not from the hospitality world, immediately connected with the vision. Desal Lama, who owned The Old House, has been roped in as one of the co-founders of the bar. 'When Desal Lama reached out to me for a business partnership, I thought it was a good time to reconnect to my memories as a trainee. Once I visited the place , I knew what had to be done,' says Yangdup. This new bar is rooted in Kathmandu Valley's Newar culture — rich in both craftsmanship and culinary heritage. Yangdup and Minakshi worked closely with a local Newari architect to design the space, leaning into the texture and storytelling of traditional homes. Think extensive wood carvings, asymmetry, and subtle echoes of pagoda architecture. The result is a place where design and drink speak the same language. The cocktail menu journeys through the mountains and plains of Nepal, using native ingredients and layered narratives to shape its 12 signature offerings. From Himalayan juniper and sea buckthorn sourced from Mustang Valley to apple orchard notes and cardamom from Makalu, each cocktail evokes a specific geography and emotion. Yangdup's attention to detail is exacting — every element has intent. One drink, Why? Why? Why?, is a whimsical tribute to Wai Wai, Nepal's beloved instant noodle. Another, Sindhuli Gadhi, is a nod to a 1970s folk song and the historical battle in which the Gorkha army triumphed over British forces. There is also Syangay ko Suntala, inspired by the famed oranges of Syangay, and Jau Jau Jau, a smoky, roasted-barley and whisky number that channels the fertile essence of the Terai lowlands. Even Nepal's iconic Bhadgaule Topi gets a toast in the form of a namesake cocktail. Food, too, plays a central role, with a meat-forward menu that reflects Kathmandu's robust palate. Guests can expect Sekuwa, the beloved Nepali-style barbecue, alongside Momoka — a Nepali twist on momo dumplings made with red meat and served with a spicy, tangy peanut sauce. It is flavourful, honest fare, meant to complement the drinks and spark conversation. For Yangdup and Minakshi, this is not just another addition to their acclaimed portfolio of bars — it is a return, a remembrance, and a celebration. In The Old House, they have captured a moment from the past and poured it into the present, creating a space that's as evocative as it is inventive. In doing so, they've not only raised the bar — they've told a story. And that, in mixology as in life, is what makes all the difference. The Old House at Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal, is open on all days from 12pm to 1am
Nikkei Asia
27-05-2025
- Nikkei Asia
Unlocking Nepalese and Indian history, one door at a time
I have often wondered what it is about doors that draws me in. It is not just their designs or the stories that are sometimes etched into their frames, though the intricate carvings and timeworn textures certainly captivate me. In hindsight, it is what they represent: thresholds to another world, silently inviting explorers to uncover their secrets. During a visit to Bhaktapur, an open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal, deities, mythical creatures and Himalayan fauna stared back at me with an uncanny sense of familiarity. While I recognized some of the images from the Hindu pantheon, others remained elusive. Their significance was lost on me because of my limited knowledge of the local Newari folklore. Yet they felt connected, effortlessly carved into the ornate doors and windows.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Forbes
How This Boutique Hotel In Kathmandu Is Keeping Nepal's Heritage Alive
Nepal is a country shrouded in mystery. Home to Mount Everest and the mighty Himalayan Mountain range, it has long attracted mountaineers and trekkers aiming to conquer the world's highest peak and soak in its dramatic landscapes. Kathmandu's Durbar Square, Nepal But every country is multifaceted, and Nepal's location — landlocked between India and Tibetan China — has shaped a distinct cultural identity, one that blends Hinduism with Tibetan mysticism and a refined craftsmanship that continues to this day. Whether you're looking for a jumping-off point for a trek or hoping to spend time exploring Kathmandu's many temples, there's one hotel that offers an exclusive window into Nepal's living history: The Dwarika's. A veritable temple to Nepalese woodworking, The Dwarika's is a luxury boutique hotel filled with original carved masterpieces that reflect the country's Newari heritage, an architectural tradition rooted in the Kathmandu Valley and known for its elaborate woodwork and brick façades. The hotel's central courtyard The hotel is named after its founder, Dwarika Das Shrestha, who opened The Dwarika's in 1972 with a vision to showcase, and safeguard, Nepal's artisanship. His entry into tourism, however, was somewhat accidental. It began two decades earlier, when he stumbled upon a family stripping intricately carved wooden columns from an old home to use as firewood. Kathmandu was modernizing rapidly, and Western-style architecture was the look of the moment — easier to maintain, and seen as a symbol of progress. But those old materials represented something more: the city's roots, its stories, its identity. Saddened by the idea that future generations might grow up disconnected from this heritage, Mr. Dwarika began collecting carved wooden elements from buildings slated for demolition — window frames, doorways, columns — piece by piece, year after year. Carpenters Many of these salvaged pieces required restoration, so Mr. Dwarika established a workshop and hired master carvers to both restore the artifacts and teach a new generation of apprentices — helping to keep a disappearing art form alive. But preservation alone wasn't enough. The project needed to be self-sustaining. And so, he opened a small guesthouse with just 10 rooms to help fund his growing vision. Today, The Dwarika's spans 2.5 acres and features 80 rooms and suites, each one adorned with original woodwork, handcrafted furnishings and thoughtful Nepalese details. In 2026, the hotel will open a new wing with an additional 40 rooms. There is also a sister property in Dhulikhel, a countryside retreat about an hour outside Kathmandu, designed as a space focused on nature, wellness and slow living. The Dwarika's Kathmandu The Dwarika's remains a family-run enterprise and is now in its third generation. The founder's daughter, Sangita Shrestha, oversees business development and sustainability initiatives, while her son — and Mr. Dwarika's grandson — René Shrestha, leads the hotel's day-to-day operations. 'My father had so much respect for these old pieces — he believed they should live,' Sangita explains. 'He didn't want them gathering dust in a museum. But because modern needs are different, we've had to adapt them without losing their character.' The secret to maintaining heritage, she says, is about balance. 'You have to keep its authenticity while updating its utility,' she says. The Dwarika's Kathmandu The hotel itself feels like a microcosm of Nepal. Its architecture — red brick walls accented with carved timber — evokes the grandeur of traditional Newari palaces. At its heart lies a sun-drenched courtyard where guests can linger over coffee or lunch under shady umbrellas. Nearby, stone waterspouts (locally known as 'hiti') pay homage to Kathmandu Valley's ancient water systems. It's a rare experience — not just to admire this kind of architecture, but to live within it. As René points out, 'You'll only see this style of carved timber and brick architecture at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But to stay surrounded by it — to sleep within it — that's something unique to The Dwarika's.' The Dwarika's Kathmandu The property also has a large swimming pool inspired by 12th-century royal baths and plenty of quiet nooks where you can unwind, whether you opt to pick up a book at Ambica's Library, a drink at Fusion Bar or enjoy an ayurvedic massage at Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa. Food is central to The Dwarika's philosophy, with ingredients sourced from the hotel's six organic farms dotted across Nepal. The result is a hyper-local, farm-to-table dining experience that changes with the seasons. Krishnarpan, the hotel's signature restaurant, offers a slow-dining tasting menu that introduces guests to regional Nepali dishes, many of which are rarely found in restaurants. Other dining options include Toran, an all-day restaurant serving Nepalese and Indian classics alongside Asian and Western dishes, and Mako's, a Japanese restaurant specializing in kaiseki-inspired menus. The Dwarika's Kathmandu True to Mr. Dwarika's original passion for travel and culture, the hotel organizes curated experiences both in Kathmandu and around the country. Highlights include the city's three UNESCO-listed Durbar Squares — in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur — each showcasing remarkable examples of Newari architecture and palace complexes. Nearby Pashupatinath Temple, one of Hinduism's most important pilgrimage sites, offers a powerful glimpse into Nepal's spiritual life, while the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa is among the world's largest and most revered for Tibetan Buddhists. Hotel guests can also join an evening aarti (a ritual of light, music, and prayer) at the nearby Ram Mandir for an insight into Kathmandu's devotional culture. And don't miss peeking into the hotel's wood carving studio to see talented artisans in action. The Dwarika's Kathmandu The best hotels offer more than just a place to stay — they provide a sense of place and a connection to the city and country beyond its walls. It's a philosophy that Sangita continues to champion, both through the hotel and in her hopes for Nepal more broadly. In a world where so many destinations are grappling with the effects of overtourism, she remains optimistic about Nepal's future. While many young Nepalese still leave to pursue opportunities abroad, Sangita believes the country offers something increasingly rare — a slower pace of life, a deeply rooted spirituality, and an enduring human warmth that can't be replicated by technology. 'I truly believe this region can offer what every human being needs: consciousness,' she tells me. 'Here, that energy is still very much alive — in the shrines, the stupas, the consecrated spaces that fill this valley.'
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi launches in Nepal
Kathmandu-based Akama Hotel has announced the opening of Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi in Nepal. The hotel operates under a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Akama Hotel has been rebranded as Ramada Kathmandu Dhumbarahi. Located centrally in Dhumbarahi, Nepal, the hotel is 5km from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and features 108 contemporary rooms. The design of the hotel is influenced by Tibetan and local Newari culture, providing guests with an immersive cultural experience. Guests can avail a range of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a coffee shop, two bars, banquet and meeting spaces, a business centre, and wellness facilities such as an outdoor infinity pool, spa, sauna, and fitness centre. The hotel also ensures convenience with Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking and wheelchair facilities. It has 595m² of event space, including four meeting rooms that can host up to 250 conference attendees or 700 banquet guests. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA president Dimitris Manıkıs said: "The opening of our first 'Ramada' hotel in Kathmandu marks a significant milestone for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in Nepal. As a globally recognised and trusted brand, Ramada by Wyndham brings a promise of quality, comfort, and exceptional hospitality to travellers worldwide. 'The Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi seamlessly blends Tibetan and Newari-inspired design with state-of-the-art amenities, offering a unique and memorable experience." Akama Hotel chairman Binaya Kumar Shreshtha said: "We are delighted to open our doors to welcome guests and Wyndham Rewards programme members at our hotel affiliated to the internationally recognised 'Ramada by Wyndham' brand. The tourists would highly enjoy the blend of modern rooms with Nepal's rich cultural heritage in the design and hospitality." In June 2024, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launched Ramada Encore by Wyndham Udaipur Roop Nagar in Rajasthan, India. "Ramada by Wyndham Kathmandu Dhumbarahi launches in Nepal" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
