A fleeting glance through the airplane’s porthole swiftly transformed into a captivated gaze, as we soared over the majestic expanse of the Himalayas. Bathed in golden sunlight, the endless stretch of verdant subalpine coniferous forests unfolded below, while at the horizon, the clouds converged with the snowcapped peaks. Just beneath us, I spotted a distant aircraft that appeared as a mere speck, drifting in another direction. I soaked in this serene moment of tranquillity before arriving at the heart of Nepal for an exciting hotel launch.
This glorious view set the tone for exploring Nepal’s thriving capital, Kathmandu. The nation, steadily advancing its economy, is offering new avenues for businesses across the Indian subcontinent. Recognising its long-term potential, Hilton Hotels has made a strategic move by launching its first property in Nepal—Hilton Kathmandu—ushering in a new era of luxury hotels in this Himalayan gem.
“Every time we establish a presence in a new country, it’s a significant achievement, but doing so in Nepal is especially meaningful due to the country’s vast tourism potential. Kathmandu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is home to an unparalleled number of heritage sites—with seven of Nepal’s ten World Heritage Sites nestled within this historic city. In the first five months of 2024 alone, Nepal has welcomed over 500,000 tourists, indicating immense recovery and growth in tourism, reflecting the tremendous opportunity in this market,” explains Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President, Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton. “Therefore, having our very first flagship Hilton estate in the region is a testament to our commitment to not just hoisting Hilton’s flag in key South Asian markets, but also supporting Nepal’s tourism influx. Kathmandu is just the start, and we are eager to explore further opportunities to contribute to Nepal’s growing tourism landscape,” he continues.
Owned and developed by Shanker Group, the 15-storied Hilton Kathmandu is the tallest in the city, offering 172 elegantly designed rooms across six categories, including a presidential suite, five restaurants, a gym, a spa and over 600 sq m of meetings and events space. While the architecture and design of Hilton Kathmandu embrace contemporary elements, they are deeply rooted in Nepal’s rich heritage. The glass façade of the building shimmers in the sunlight throughout the day—a facet that resembles the ubiquitous Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. Similarly, the bar on the rooftop level, Orion, represents a traditional Nepalese home with Newari wooden carvings and Mandala Thangka paintings adorning the space. The highlight, however, is the skylight that offers stunning views of the night sky speckled with shining stars.
One of the hotel’s most significant aspects is its safety measures in light of Nepal’s seismic activity. Hotel’s General Manager Sridhar Thota informs: “Given Nepal’s seismic activity, incorporating advanced safety measures was crucial. We addressed this by integrating technology shock absorbers designed to withstand earthquakes up to eight on the Richter scale, ensuring the safety and security of our guests and team members.”
“Hilton Kathmandu is designed to reflect Nepal’s cultural vibrancy and the majestic Langtang valley and cityscape, aligning with Hilton’s mission to create properties that embody the unique essence of their locations,” Saxena says. This is best seen from the Hilton Kathmandu’s floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel rooms where the vistas of the mountains and the burgeoning city come together as a beacon of a bright future. Each room is outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities while subtly incorporating elements of Nepal’s culture—the geometric Dhaka designs on the carpet, textures in wall inlays inspired by the Nepalese handloom, and even the in-room crockery carries local influences.
As one of the early guests of the hotel, it was clear that the hotel is focused on delivering best-in-class services to guests. Each restaurant offers a different element of local experience. The 24-hour restaurant Asa serves Nepalese thalis such as Newari and Thakali that offer a culinary journey through different regions. The Lava Box, a modern grab-and go outlet, spotlights homemade jams and condiments made using local produce. A dedicated coffee station is all set to champion Nepal’s homegrown coffee that remains underrated as compared to other regions in the Indian subcontinent. The rooftop Orion Bar is worth a mention for infusing Nepal’s indigenous food produce such as honey and spices in its diverse cocktail menu and appealing to global gourmands. “With 99 per cent of our staff being locals, their unique insights and dedication enhance the guest experience, blending modern with traditional warmth in a setting that respects and celebrates Nepalese culture,” assures Thota.
Ticking all boxes for an luxurious experience, the hotel also upholds the international standards of inclusivity and sustainability. “We are proud to have 42 per cent of our workforce comprised of women, including roles such as chauffeurs and security guards, positioning us as a leader in gender equality in the region. With 65 per cent of staff aged 30 or younger, the hotel benefits from a dynamic and energetic team. It also champions inclusivity with 11 specially-abled employees supported by interpreters,” Thota adds. With its fusion of modern luxury and cultural authenticity, Hilton Kathmandu stands as a new icon of hospitality in Nepal’s capital.
