Energetic, surprising, chaotic and joyful – that’s Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal NepalIt is a 1 hour and 45 minute flight from Delhi, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach for Indian passport holders and the perfect spot for a short break. So why have I never been to Kathmandu before?

The most important part of any vacation – short or long? For me, it’s the stay. I had the privilege of being hosted by a newly launched hotel. Hilton KathmanduJust a 10-minute drive from Tribhuvan International Airport. While I was amazed at the driving skills of our driver and everyone else on the road who were navigating the congested narrow roads, my first glimpse of Hilton Kathmandu told me that it is the tallest building in the city. At a height of 15 floors, the sheer height of the hotel promises a spectacular view.

We got the warmest traditional welcome with Nepali khada (scarf) and glass beaded bracelets. It was also the official launch party of Hilton Kathmandu, and the place was buzzing with excitement. Since it was lunch time, we decided to have a meal before heading to our room. With gin and tonics, we enjoyed a delicious meal at ASA, an all-day dining venue on the 13th floor, with a live counter and a plethora of Indian and Nepali delicacies, with a glimpse of the beautiful Himalayas in the background.

We were promised a view that would leave us spellbound, and oh, it did not disappoint. We reached the rooftop and admired the spectacular Langtang mountain range. The hotel has an outdoor infinity swimming pool on the rooftop. Just imagine the joy of getting into that pool and enjoying the spectacular view.

The room overlooked the mountain range and the city. It was comfortable, and one could spend hours lying on the couch, looking out the window – the mountains never fail to mesmerize and fascinate. The room had the perfect location and view. The sweetest thing was the welcome tray with local sweets like lakhmari and gurpak, along with chocolates and mango tarts.

The excitement for the official launch of Hilton Kathmandu was palpable when I went down for it. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the hotel. Champagne was opened, followed by a lively evening celebrating Hilton’s entry into Nepal.

The hotel is located at a distance of 10 minutes drive from places like Thamel and Pashupatinath. Being fond of exploring new cities at night, we decided to go to Thamel which is known for its vibrant nightlife. It was easy to get a cab from both the places.

The next day, the journey to Pashupatinath again took us less than 15 minutes, although it was a Saturday morning.

For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious Newari Thali at Hilton Kathmandu. I can’t stop praising the beautiful view that is visible from every point of this hotel. We started with Nepali Jhol Momos, followed by Mutton Thali which included Mutton Curry, Kalo Daal, Jhaaneko, Aloo Bodi, Rayoko Saag and Rice. It was incredible.

We visited Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, which is located in the old part of the city. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit Durbar Square in the morning. The hotel has two rooftop bars- Orion and Lyra. Since it was expected to rain that night, we enjoyed a fun mixology session at Orion. Named after the celestial constellation, it has beautiful Newari wood carvings and mandala thangka paintings in the backdrop- traditional Buddhist artworks that symbolize the universe. You can unwind while sipping artisanal cocktails crafted by a very talented bartender or enjoying a local beer like Barasingha.

We were given a tour of the hotel before checking out. We were also informed about the architectural safety features of the hotel, such as the hotel being fitted with shock absorbers, as Nepal is located in one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

Pro Tip: Try to keep only one handbag for cabin luggage. Just before entering the plane, you will have to open your cabin bag again for another round of security check. Therefore, it is advisable to check in your larger luggage.

They accept Indian currency, but not in large amounts. If you plan to carry cash, carry ₹100 notes. ₹500 notes are not accepted anywhere in Nepal.

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