Yeti Mountain Home offers comfortable yet basic rooms in the town of Namche Bazaar. Namche is the largest town in the Khumbu region which is also the region of Sagarmartha (Mount Everest to non-Nepalis!).

Mountaineers flock through Namche as it is only a day’s walk from Lukla, the entry point for the region, as it en route to the most famous peak. All this attention means that Namche Bazaar is the most prosperous settlement in the region and it has a handful of shops and eateries that can provide even the most basic of relief for weary walkers. Boiled wool is a common fabric in Nepal and everything from coasters to coats can be made out of this versatile fibre. Although you may not want to carry the addition of an overcoat or waistcoat on your trek, if you are being assisted by a herd of yaks, the hardy animals may not notice the extra weight!

Tea Houses in the trekking regions of Nepal can often be simple and rather uncomfortable but Yeti Mountain Home offers a warm welcome (much appreciated after a long day of hiking) aided by large fires and cosy blankets. The bedrooms are also equipped with electric blankets (!!) and a thermos of hot boiled water for the early mornings. When the sun sets in the Himalayas the temperature drops like a stone (even in the warmer months) so any additions to help you keep warm feel like a 5-star luxury. Yeti Lodge has 20 rooms with either twin or double beds and a jolly main area where walkers can reconvene for a warming cup of chai and a hearty dinner before getting an early night.

Leaving Namche Bazaar can be an exhausting mission as the route is a seemingly never-ending pathway of steep steps. However, on reaching the summit of Namche you can look back over the town with its signature blue roofs. If your route permits, you will return to Namche on your descent where a warm shower and electric blanket will be waiting for you at Yeti Mountain Home.

Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge is quietly nestled within Chitwan National Park’s western buffer zone, standing close by the Narayani River. What was established in 1973 as Nepal’s first national park, Chitwan today is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and overlooking this primitive and wild jungle lies Tharu Lodge, the perfect base to unwind and connect with nature.

Slightly smaller than its sister Karnali Lodge, but still with sustainable tourism at the heart of its eco-commitments, Tharu Lodge focusses on a more intimate and prioritised personal experience, encouraging guests to fully relax and relish the home from home comforts. The 12 fan-cooled traditional rooms are built using local materials, imitating original Tharu building techniques, and for the more adventurous guests who wish to be lapped up by the surrounding jungle, there are nine safari tents available. In keeping with its local surroundings but still prioritising comfort, the décor has been pared back and kept to a minimum, plastic is non-existent drinking water is supplied in reusable flasks and all the rooms and tents are equipped with en-suites, supplying solar heated hot water.

This really is a place where modern day complications and stresses are removed; the tranquil setting allows guests to gently unwind, have lazy lunches under the shade of a mango tree, take a refreshing dip in the pool before or after exhilarating game drives in the Nepalese jungle. All produce is home grown from the lodge’s own organic farm, introducing you to an array of Nepalese cuisines that are bound to excite your taste buds.

Once settled, take a leap into the jungle with locally experienced naturalists and see what lies beyond the doors of the comforts of the lodge. Guests can enjoy a wide range of wildlife experiences from daytime jeep safaris and bird watching to sunset boat journeys down the Narayani River. Follow the residential elephants as they head out on their daily pilgrimage, gracefully moving through the jungle trees until they eventually reach the river for their evening bath. Tharu Lodge also integrates with and supports the local communities around them, offering guided walks so guests can immerse themselves in the daily life of local villages too.

With only a 20-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur airport followed by a 70-minute scenic drive, a stay at Tharu Lodge is a closer alternative than the more remote Karnali Lodge in Bardia National Park, but the wildlife experience is just as unforgettable here and worth the journey for shorter trips to Nepal, or combined with Karnali Lodge for a richer wildlife experience.

Run by the same pioneering team as Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge in Chitwan National Park, Karnali Lodge is a top-end wildlife lodge set on the southern edge of Bardia National Park in remote, western Nepal. This is the ultimate Nepalese jungle retreat, allowing visitors the chance to explore the most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai lowlands.

A certified eco-lodge, the Tiger Tops team have always championed sustainable tourism. Karnali is an intimate lodge with ultra-personal service and comprises of just 21 fan-cooled rooms which have been built in keeping with local architecture, blending local Tharu design with international levels of comfort. Contained in thatched buildings with soft natural interiors, each room is equipped with an adjoining shower and bathroom, with a veranda running along the front.

There is a central dining area, Ghol Ghar, with a soaring thatched roof which serves all meals from both western and Nepalese influences. The ingredients are sourced from the lodge’s on-site farm which produces fresh organic produce. And the fully stocked bar remains open until the last person goes to bed… so guests can really settle in for the night under the stars!

Guided by the most experienced naturalists in Bardia, guests can explore the region on a wide range of wildlife experiences from jungle walks and river safaris to bird watching and jeep safaris. There are four resident elephants who are unable to go into the park anymore, but guests can accompany them down to the river in the evening for bath time – an incredible experience!

Bardia National Park is a very unspoilt and remote park, as most tourists travel to Chitwan due to its closer proximity to Kathmandu and Pokhara, which means Karnali Lodge is excitingly isolated. A 45-minute flight from Kathmandu, followed by a two-hour drive to the lodge, Bardia is worth the extra effort in terms of travel, and guests are always rewarded with a quieter, more in depth wildlife experience. For keen birders or wildlife enthusiasts we highly recommend combining Karnali Lodge with Tharu Lodge for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, just half an hour’s drive from Pokhara, is situated on a ridge a thousand feet above Pokhara Valley with panoramic views of the sacred Machhapuchhare Mountain and three of the world’s 8,000 metre peaks. The steep drive up the lodge lends itself to the fantastic views which can be enjoyed in full splendour from the main lodge, rooms 8-11 and the secluded swimming pool that reflects the religious peak.

The main lodge is the focal point, with its cosy fireplace, seating areas and bar, arranged around a Nepali-style courtyard. There is also the Colonel Jimmy’s Library contains a fascinating collection of Himalayan mountaineering literature and photographs belonging to the late Col. J.O.M. Roberts. The nineteen rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows, seemingly blending in with their surroundings. Although on the smaller side, the rooms have been sited to maximize the breath-taking vistas, each of the rooms have a private veranda. The General Manager, Marcus, is an institution in his own right and runs a tight ship at Tiger Mountain. His knowledge and understanding of Nepal is unparalleled and his stories of life in this mountainous nation keep guests highly entertained.

Staying here is about enjoying the views (and the food!), the walks in and around Pokhara and Phewa Lake, and exploring the ever-growing town itself. Pokhara is the best place to pick up some souvenirs of your time in Nepal. Filled with cashmere and shop selling knock-off hiking brands, Pokhara is every retail therapy addicts dream. Cashmere originates from Nepal so it’s far more affordable than in the West and the options on offer are delightful and set to fill suitcases; lightly woven bed throws, thick cashmere sweaters and embroidered pashminas will tempt shoppers at every corner. For the more adventurous of travellers, Pokhara offers hot-air ballooning, paragliding, micro-lighting, mountain biking and white-water rafting in and around the valley. Watching the sunrise over the Annapurna range from a hot-air balloon in Phewa Lake is a very special way to start the day. Suitable for adults and children alike, these activities can be a great addition to a Nepal itinerary.

Pokhara is a short flight from Kathmandu and acts as a base from which to begin your hike through the Annapurna circuit, or indeed it can be a rejuvenating rural stay in the foothills of the Himalayas peppered with trips into town. Alternatively, the adrenaline pumping activities can fill you days before heading down to Chitwan for safari, which is also easily accessible by flight.

Situated at an altitude of 1,100 metres and with superb views of both Fishtail Mountain and the Modi River, The Sanctuary Resort boasts an impressive setting. Located only a leisurely half an hour walk from the small village of Birethanti it is a great option for any stay in the Modi Khola Valley. Walking into the village gives visitors the opportunity to see rural Nepali life which has largely remained unchanged, despite the accelerated modernisation that many of Nepal’s bigger cities have experienced. Having said that, mobile coverage is adequate in Nepal so any teenagers that can access a mobile phone, will certainly have one!

Built from only locally sourced materials and using Nepalese building techniques and craftsmen The Sanctuary stays true to its local roots. The Lodge itself is comprised of 18 simple but comfortable bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and set amongst sprawling landscaped gardens ensuring that The Sanctuary will truly live up to its name. The enclosed garden has charming flower beds, giving the place a rather homely vibe. There is a great communal dining area where guests can re-group after a warm shower and enjoy a Nepali tea before an early supper. An open fire helps keep the area heated – essential after the sunsets, and guests can cosy up, read a book or play cards to wile away the evening.

The Sanctuary Lodge is now owned by Ker & Downey which guarantees a set level of great service. Rooms are simple but have warm blankets and ensuite bathrooms with hot water! The added luxury of puffa jackets, fleece hats and gloves are also provided (remember not to walk away with them!) for when the temperature drops radically as the sun goes behind the mountains. These additions make the Tea Houses seem like true luxury after a long days trek.

One of the draws of hiking in the Annapurna region is the views of the massif itself. Annapurna is home to three of the Himalayas 8000m and when staying at The Sanctuary Lodge walkers will be treated to views of at least one of these majestic peaks.

Located just a 10 minute drive from Pokhara Airport, overshadowed by the sacred Fishtail Mountain, the Shangri-La Village is a pleasant and comfortable property with well maintained gardens and a great pool. It is just a short drive to the centre of Pokhara where boat rides can be taken on the lake and it is the ideal base from which to take day treks to explore the area. On a clear morning, the sunrise is spectacular as the sun casts hues of oranges and reds over the surrounding mountain ranges.

This permanent camp on the banks of the Seti River provides a convenient stopping point during the two day rafting trip. It is a remote, peaceful location. The tents are safari style, lit by kerosene lamps and with attached bathrooms. The bathrooms have hot showers and flush toilets. Towels and bathrobes are provided. Both continental and local cuisine are served in a central dining hall. Soft drinks and local alcohol are included. Drying lines for wet clothes are located on the side of each tent.

Opened in October 2013, Kasara Jungle Resort is perhaps the most deluxe camp in Nepal’s beautiful Chitwan National Park. The property consists of 35 rooms and villas, plus two VIP villas, which both have a private infinity plunge pool. The contemporary design and décor of the resort is simple yet effective with a focus on sleek clean lines, soothing neutral colours and good quality natural materials.

Following this sophisticated and minimalistic aesthetic, each room is styled in a light and airy Balinese fashion, and comes with a private water garden courtyard, air conditioning and an indoor-outdoor bathroom. A gorgeous swimming pool lies at the heart of the property and is complete with breathtaking elevated views over the jungle as well as secluded cabanas and day beds. It is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate, as are other calming spots scattered around: choose between the on-site luxury spa or the adjoining sauna. Better still, guests can indulge in Himalayan massages, yoga and meditation classes here as they are all offered by the hotel’s friendly and attentive staff.

Other facilities of the hotel include an open-air bar and elegant restaurant serving delicious drinks and tasty food. We recommend enjoying the dishes that include organic fruit and vegetables, as these are homegrown and plucked right from the hotel’s own gardens.

A huge draw of Kasara Jungle Resort is its great location, which is very close to the National Park, for it ensures a close interaction with nature and the community forests of Chitwan. Overall, this hotel provides an extremely comfortable base from which to experience the jungle on guided tours with the resort’s expert naturalist, be it on elephant-back safaris, jeep safaris, jungle treks and canoes.

If you are interested in cultural visits, you will get your fix here as you can take an ox cart village tour and interact with locals. Nature lovers will also be thrilled by the wildlife tours offered here as it is not unusual to see a wide variety of animals on these – keep an eye out for beautiful birds, crocodiles, monkeys and even rhinos.

This hotel has been built and designed for the many Japanese visitors who come to Lumbini. The hotel boasts comfortable but simple guest rooms that are well maintained. Guests can dine at the on-site restaurant and enjoy drinks at the bar. During leisure, you can take a dip or have fun in the swimming pool.

The former mountain home is perched over the ancient village of Ghandruk at an altitude of 1,980 metres. Whilst trekking in the Annapurna region there are numerous tea houses (what lodges are commonly known as in the Himalayas) that play host to weary walkers offering simple but warm and welcoming accommodation. Himalaya Lodge is now owned by Ker & Downey which guarantees a set level of great service. Rooms are simple but have warm blankets and ensuite bathrooms with hot water! The added luxury of puffa jackets, fleece hats and gloves are also provided (remember not to walk away with them!) for when the temperature drops radically as the sun goes behind the mountains. There are 10 rooms spread over two levels and the Annapurna range is in full view from each room. Accommodation in the mountains is often basic and rather uncomfortable, but the Ker & Downey lodges are a welcome change. Although hot water can never be guaranteed in Nepal, Himalaya Lodge makes a strong effort in ensuring a 98% success rate!

Food at the lodge is vegetarian and diners can expect steaming plates filled with freshly made momos and chilli sauce. After the sun sets, you want to make a beeline for the main lodge has two huge open fires which keep guests toasty in the cold evenings. Everest beer is also served, even in this remote village, so you can celebrate making it to the end of the day with an ice cold beer, or indeed a warming cup of spicy chai tea!

Whilst stopping over at Himalaya Lodge it is a must to walk down into Ghandruk itself. Ghandruk is the second largest Gurung village in Nepal (the Gurungs are the tribe from which the Gurkha regiment focus their recruitment) and rural village life bustles along quietly in this remote region, prayer flags flutter next to Buddhist shrines and the bright orange robes of monks hang on washing lines. Some entrepreneurial youngsters have also set up a coffee stall at the top of the village near Himalaya Lodge – so start your day well by heading there for a Nespresso and biscotti.