Arya Hotel & Spa: A Living Museum of Newa Heritage
Kathmandu, Nepal – As you step through the grand entrance of Arya Hotel & Spa, you’re greeted by exquisite Nepali craftsmanship and the warm hospitality of staff dressed in traditional attire. From the very first floor, the intricate beauty of Newa artistry is on full display—carved wooden columns, traditional windows, and timeless architectural elements immerse visitors in Nepali culture.
The hotel’s interior—furniture, cushions, décor—brims with authentic Nepali character. Traditional structures like Tundals (carved wooden struts), Falchas (resting platforms), and Aankhi Jhyal (latticed windows) lend the space a rich cultural ambiance. The lobby also features a Corner Brew Café.
Soft-opened recently in Thamel’s Narsingh Chowk, Arya Hotel & Spa truly celebrates Nepal’s art, culture, and legendary hospitality. Room rates range from $160 to $1600, with antique-inspired bathroom hardware selected to complement the overall heritage theme.
Owned solely by Krishna Simkhada, a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) from Dhading with over 25 years of experience in Japan, the hotel is his vision of bringing Nepal’s heritage to life through hospitality.
“In Japan, I learned how deeply they preserve their own art and traditions. I wanted to do something similar back home,” Simkhada shares.
“Thamel is a gateway to Nepal for most tourists. I wanted them to leave Nepal with an unforgettable experience of our culture and artistry.”
Built on approximately 20 aanas of land (roughly 683 m²), the hotel’s total investment has already reached NPR 2.5 billion, including land cost. Simkhada believes that unlike generic luxury hotels, a culturally immersive hotel like Arya can help preserve and promote Nepal’s identity on the global stage.
Heritage Meets Modern Luxury
The hotel features 72 rooms, including:
41 Arya Deluxe Rooms: Offered in both modern and traditional designs, some of which prominently showcase Nepali art and wooden carved frames with unique paintings.
29 Arya Suite Rooms: Equipped with jacuzzis and a traditional Falcha seating area instead of sofas. These rooms feature ornate wooden Tundals carved with mythical winged horses and wardrobes with Aankhi Jhyal-style craftsmanship. Some even include private wooden balconies.
1 Executive Suite: Spanning 65 sqm, this room includes a built-in jacuzzi, sauna, and intricately crafted wooden decor throughout.
1 Presidential Suite: Nearly 100 sqm, it comes with a master bedroom and interconnected guest room, private kitchen and dining space, personal bar, built-in TV with jacuzzi, and sauna—all under one luxurious roof.
Architecture Rooted in Nepali Craft
The heritage rooms feature hand-laid traditional Telia bricks made in Bhaktapur. From mirror frames to wardrobe doors, the presence of fine woodcraft is consistent. Each room offers fresh French press coffee, and views range from the iconic Swayambhu Stupa to Dharahara Tower and across the Kathmandu skyline.
Facilities for Every Occasion
A meeting hall on the first floor seats 25 people, while a larger hall on the 11th floor accommodates around 70 guests.
A temperature-controlled swimming pool and an outdoor jacuzzi (for up to eight people) are located on the 9th floor.
A full-service wellness spa provides separate sauna and steam rooms for men and women, with jacuzzi views of Swayambhu. Experienced therapists offer treatments, and a well-equipped gym is available on-site.
Dining and Sky Experiences
The 12th floor houses Sora, an all-day dining restaurant with a seating capacity of over 100 guests. Next to it is Skyline Sora, a glass-walled skywalk dining space with panoramic views, catering to up to 50 diners.
At the topmost level sits The Thirteenth Retreat, a 360-degree rooftop lounge offering breathtaking views of Swayambhu, Boudhanath, Dharahara, and the surrounding Kathmandu Valley.
The 9th floor also includes Ninth Wave, a sophisticated bar for guests to relax and socialize.
Arya Hotel & Spa combines the soul of Nepali tradition with world-class luxury, setting a new benchmark in heritage hospitality within Nepal.
